The Visual Thinker

Since very early in the outbreak, scientific efforts have been essential in providing valuable information on SARS-CoV-2, the agent causing COVID19. Laypeople have become very familiar with the structure of the virus, largely thanks to the impressive images of SARS-CoV-2 rendered by scientific illustrators, where the agent has been shown in all its splendor. Yet the information is highly dynamic, as the virus is, and is continuously subjected to changes as more studies are conducted. This animation incorporates data on a particular variant of the virus, D614G, together with structural and morphological characteristics distilled from experiments on intact virions. The intention has been to show the dynamic properties of the virus, as well as depicting it in a less appealing manner. In spite of this, the magnificent of these cellular machineries has taken its own course and has highlighted the elegance inherent in its biology. Probably in a few months, we will have new data that will change the story behind this animation. This is the way science works, and will always do. I would like to express my gratitude to all those scientists working against the clock to disclose details on this fascinating virus. Every little piece of information will contribute to the understanding of this agent, and will have an impact on the design of vaccines and therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2.

This video is based on the original paper “Cryo-EM analysis of a feline coronavirus spike protein reveals a unique structure and camouflaging glycans” published in PNAS by Dr Hsu and his team from Academia Sinica in Taiwan. This animation has been produced by The Visual Thinker, LLP. www.thevisualthinker.xyz It is a work in progress.