To explain my research paper I decided to do a painting. I believe that it was the best way to sum up my research because after all "a picture is worth a thousand words". My painting illustrates the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are basically radicals containing oxygen with an unpaired electron, and its consequences on the human body. The imbalance created by the elimination of small amounts versus the production of higher amounts of ROS in a body is known as oxidative stress. This unbalance is mostly responsible for the process of aging and the generation of certain deadly diseases in humans such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, cancer and skin related illnesses. The main protection that organism have against ROS are antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that sacrifice their electron to the free radicals in order to protect important body cells from being harmed by reactive oxygen species.

My painting is divided into two parts due to the visual effect of the colors. One half of the image is painted in darker and greyish colors while the other half is brighter and painted with a verity of colors. The darker side of the painting represents the evil side of oxygen that plays an important role in ROS. On the other hand, the brighter and colourful part of the painting illustrates the good side of oxygen which is quintessential in our daily life.

The angel of death drawn on the darker side symbolizes oxidative stress due to its consequences leading to fatal disorders. The halo of the angel is represented by the shell diagram of oxygen containing an extra unpaired electron making it a radical. Furthermore, the angel holds in his hand a weapon on which the symbol O₂^- is carved. O₂^- is a radical, thus it represents the weapon of oxidative stress which causes harm to body cells. There are many other ROS that exist in our body, some of which are naturally produced due to the by-product of respiration process taken place in the mitochondria of our body cells. However, the low amount of ROS in our body is not a threat. Therefore, is important to keep the amount of ROS in our body as low as possible.

The right side of the painting contains the bright colors of life and the clear sky, free of pollution and radicals, representing a healthy living environment that is free of ROS. There is also a man running away from the angel of death who is in his pursuit with a weapon. The man holds in his hand a fruit basket from which he is throwing oranges towards the angel to fight it off and protect himself. The fruits represent the antioxidants and the vitamins, which are found in many food sources and act as the protective shield for organisms against ROS and diseases. As explained previously, antioxidants sacrifice their electrons to radicals in order to protect important body cells from being the victims of oxidative stress.

Briefly, the painting portrays the process of aging that involves the battle between antioxidants and reactive oxygen species. Currently the environmental status of our planet and the lifestyle of humans play an important role in the generation of ROS. Therefore, the improvement of the environment is not only quintessential for the Earth's health but it is equivalently beneficial for our own health. Thus, by protecting the environment and living a healthy lifestyle we can delay the aging process and have a longer life span.