- Dr Jon Heras
- Cholera Bacterium showing Nucleoid
- Anim./Multimedia-D/Exhibits
Illustration of a prokaryotic, Gram-negative bacterium with a single flagellum. The nucleoid, which contains the genome of the bacterium, can be clearly seen.
Vibrio cholerae is an example of a gram-negative bacterium with a polar flagellum which causes cholera in humans. The potentially deadly cholera toxin is produced using this genetic information, and the toxin payload is secreted into the host organism.
The action of the toxin leads to secretion of chloride and water into the lumen of the intestine resulting in rapid dehydration. In its most severe forms, cholera is one of the most rapidly fatal illnesses known.
- 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.