One of the recurring challenges in molecular modeling is how to effectively convey localized, subtle motions in complex molecular systems. Whether you’re preparing a presentation or a visual abstract for a paper, clearly illustrating conformational dynamics in a way that viewers can intuitively grasp is often trickier than expected.
That’s where SAMSON’s Rock animation effect comes in. It’s a simple but surprisingly effective tool for highlighting small, periodic motions within a molecular complex—ideal for educational content, presentations, or even personal exploration of molecular behavior.
Why use the Rock animation?
Imagine you’re examining a binding pocket or a flexible loop region. A full-blown rotation might obscure the structural context. A subtle oscillating motion—like a rock—can draw attention to the site without overwhelming the viewer. Unlike traditional rotation animations which spin atoms uniformly, the Rock effect simulates a back-and-forth motion around a central axis, providing a more focused dynamic visualization.
How it works
The Rock animation in SAMSON makes a selected group of atoms oscillate around their geometric center. The movement happens about a fixed axis: a vector through the centroid of the atom group, collinear with the Z-axis in the scene. You simply:
- Select the atoms or molecules (use the selection tools in SAMSON)
- Double-click on “Rock” in the Animation panel of the Animator
- Tweak the position of the keyframes to adjust duration or intensity of the movement
That’s it. You’ve set up a cycle. Your molecule rocks.
Perfect for Educational and Scientific Communication
The Rock animation is especially useful when you want to communicate conformational flexibility without overwhelming the observer. In many cases, steady back-and-forth motion is more relatable and visually gentle than abrupt or complex movements.
Examples & Inspiration
If you’d like to see it in action before trying it yourself, SAMSON provides a demonstration with a protein structure:
Customization Tip
For finer control, consider adjusting the easing curve of the animation. This modifies how the movement interpolates between keyframes—whether it eases in smoothly, out slowly, or both—giving you control over how the motion feels.
Whether you’re explaining a molecular hinge, signaling a path in a channel, or simply adding engaging motion to a static model, the Rock animation is worth trying.
Learn more in the official SAMSON documentation here: Rock Animation Documentation
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.