- Dr Jon Heras
- Retrovirus replication
- Anim./Multimedia-D/Exhibits
Retrovirus replication. Computer artwork showing a retrovirus (brown) replicating. The virus attaches itself to its host cell's (blue) membrane and injects its RNA (ribonucleic acid) genome and the enzyme reverse transcriptase into the cell. Reverse transcriptase transcribes the RNA to DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid, red), which can then integrate into the host cell's DNA (grey). The virus hijacks the cell's nuclear machinery, causing it to produce viral RNA molecules and proteins. The proteins and RNA assemble into new viruses and then leave the cell.
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.