- Dr Jon Heras
- Bacteriophage attacking
- Anim./Multimedia-D/Exhibits
Bacteriophage virus, computer artwork. A bacteriophage, or phage, is a virus that infects bacteria. It consists of an icosahedral (20-sided) head, which contains the genetic material (red), a tail and tail fibres, which fix it to a specific receptor site on the bacterium. The tail injects its genetic material into the bacterium, and this hijacks the bacterium's own cellular machinery, forcing it to produce more copies of the virus. Flagella from the bacteria can be seen, both near the site of infection and spiralling away into the distance.
- Collections: Medical
About the Artist: Dr Jon Heras x
I run Equinox Graphics, a small technical illustration and animation studio in Cambridge, after completing my PhD in engineering, and we have worked for important clients such as Bloodhound SSC, ESA, NASA, Nature, Design Council, Institute of Physics, Institute of Mechanical Engineers, Windfall Films, etc., and have been published in Nature, Science, BMJ, The Lancet, New Scientist, Chemistry World, The Ecologist as well as BBC news and science publications.
Our hands-on science and engineering backgrounds remove the knowledge gap that can frustrate communication on technical projects. We have developed a distinctive style, and our work was recently recognised by Science magazine, being awarded an honourable mention (i.e. runner-up) in their 2011 Science and Engineering Visualization Challenge, which is fiercely fought by artists and scientists alike from around the world.
We have a wide knowledge of both the biological and physical sciences, and can communicate with scientists to ensure accuracy and functionality in our science communication media.