VISUAL SCIENCE FOR OUR SOCIETY CREATED BY A CREATIVE SCIENTIST

The image depicts a biological membrane with various membrane proteins embedded within it. The membrane proteins are represented as distinct structures within the phospholipid bilayer that forms the membrane. These proteins serve as vital components of cell membranes, playing important roles in cell signaling, transport of molecules, and maintaining the integrity of the cell.

If I can illustrate it, you can understand it

WHO IS BEHIND THE VISUAL THINKER

Welcome to The Visual Thinker, your go-to source for scientific visual communication.

Photography of Gloria Fuentes. The Founder of the Visual Thinker

We bring together our expertise in science and art to create visuals that are not only accurate but also visually compelling. We believe that good visualization can help promote scientific literacy and inspire people to learn more about the world around them.

We are uniquely qualified to create visuals that effectively communicate the intricate details of your research project.

My name is Gloria Fuentes. I am holding a PhD in Molecular Biology and two master's degrees in Scientific Illustration and 3D Animation.

About Me

Contact me today to see how we can help you communicate your science.

In a rapidly changing world, scientific literacy is essential for the public.

Visual scientific communicators bridge the gap between complex scientific jargon and the general public by creating visually appealing and scientifically accurate graphics.

They also focus on scientific research's ethical and social implications to ensure accurate communication.

FEATURED WORK

Image of a Myocastor coypus (nutria) cranial study, displaying the skull and related anatomical features

Myocastor coypus: Cranial study

Myocastor coypus, also known as the capybara, is the largest rodent in the world.
This image shows a close-up of the capybara's skull, which scientists are studying. The skull is well-preserved and shows the different bones that make up the capybara's head. The image is useful for scientists who are studying the evolution and anatomy of capybaras.

Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Protein Databank

This image celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Protein Data Bank (PDB). The PDB is a database of protein structures that is used by scientists all over the world to study the structure and function of proteins. The image shows a variety of protein models. The models are rendered in different colors and styles, and some of them are shown in motion. The image also depicts some of the techniques that are used to determine protein structures, such as X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The image is a celebration of the progress that has been made in structural biology over the past 50 years and the importance of the PDB to scientific research.

Made-in-Singapore Cancer Drug ETC-159

This 3D illustration represents the complex structure and action mechanism of ETC-159, a groundbreaking cancer drug researched, developed, and produced in Singapore. The image symbolizes the drug's unique and innovative method of combatting cancer.

Understanding the dynamic rock cycle for geological studies

This illustration depicts the rock cycle, which is the ongoing process of rock formation, breakdown, and reforming. This process involves three main rock types: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic, and is driven by natural forces such as heat, pressure, erosion, and weathering. Understanding the rock cycle is vital in geology as it helps experts comprehend the Earth's history, structure, and natural resources. Examples of each rock type are provided to showcase their diverse morphologies.

Drawing inspiration from dragonflies to produce antibacterial

Dragonfly-inspired Nano antibacterial/antiviral coating

Inspired by dragonfly wings, Singaporean researchers have developed a nano-antibacterial and antiviral coating. It mimics the wings' nano-scale patterns to combat bacteria and viruses while being safe for humans. The coating also replicates nanopillar structures on the wings that disrupt cell membranes causing bacteria and viruses to self-destruct. Further enhanced by specific nano-structures, it interferes with virus infection mechanisms, making this coating a potent tool against infectious diseases.

This illustration captures the structure of the coating and visually demonstrates its bacteria-repelling properties.

Artwork in Cell

Asian genetic diversity has been poorly represented in current genomics research, hindering efforts to understand population structure, discover disease-related genetic variants, and implement precision medicine in Asian populations. In this issue, Wu et al. (736–749) present a large-scale, whole-genome analysis of the genomes of Chinese, Malay, and Indian populations in Singapore, identifying novel variants specific to Asians, uncovering the demographic and admixture history of Asian populations, and finding disease association variants enriched in genomic regions under natural selection. The rich genetic diversity in these populations enable improvements in genetic data inference accuracy for other Asian and Oceanian populations. The cover illustrates the genetic diversity in Singapore, with three individuals, representative of the major ethnic groups, centralizing around a Singaporean flag with embedded DNA sequence draped across the Island nation. Cover by Gloria Fuentes - The Visual Thinker LLP.

Exploring the Symmetry of Diatoms: An In-depth Look at Nature's Exquisite Design

Diatoms are tiny yet intricate algae that have been present on Earth for over 100 million years. Despite their small size, which is about 20-200 times smaller than a grain of sand, they have an incredibly detailed design that can be appreciated under microscopes. These single-celled organisms play a significant role in the ocean as they make up more than 50% of the biological material found there.

This illustration depicts how diatoms create intricate skeletons that come in various symmetrical forms. Some diatoms are elongated and have bilateral symmetry, while others are round and have radial symmetry. Some diatoms are also slightly asymmetrical. However, all diatoms showcase the complexity of nature's design, regardless of their individual shapes and sizes.

Human Cell Inventory

This infographic provides a fascinating insight into the world of cellular biology, shedding light on the wide range of human cells, each with its own unique function. From tiny platelets to massive muscle fibers, these cells, varying in shape and size, work together to form the intricate network that is the human body. Similar to how a city is made up of individual buildings, a living organism comprises individual cells, and each cell plays a specialized role in contributing to the overall well-being of the organism. By estimating the number and density of cells in various tissues, we can potentially identify signs of diseases like cancer.

Andean Flamingo

This illustration portrays the Andean Flamingo, a fascinating species found in the Andes mountains of South America. They are known for their unique physical traits, such as a pale pink color and yellow legs, and can grow up to four feet tall. Their diet mainly consists of algae and small invertebrates, which they consume using their long, curved beaks to filter feed. Andean Flamingos nest in large colonies, laying a single egg that is incubated by both parents. The population is estimated to be between 200,000 to 500,000 individuals. Despite being classified as Least Concern, they do face threats such as habitat loss and climate change.

Infographic about therapies at various molecular levels

Different therapies at various molecular levels to treat diseases: too many heads for one hat

This infographic provides a comprehensive view of the various therapeutic strategies used at different molecular levels for disease treatment. It spans from CRISPR-Cas9 targeting DNA strands to genetically engineered therapeutic antibodies binding to a cell's exterior. It also encompasses antisense oligonucleotides, synthetic nucleic acid sequences that connect to individual RNA strands, RNA interference involving double-stranded RNA disrupting gene expression, and small molecule drugs interacting at the protein level. This broad spectrum of tools in the therapeutic sector highlights the concept of multiple solutions for a single problem.

Infographic on Spike protein conformations

The molecular choreography of S glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2

The infographic provides a detailed representation of the various conformational states the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein can assume. It shifts from an inactive or prefusion state to a postfusion state. This final state draws the viral and host membranes into closer proximity, facilitating the virus's entry and infection of the host.

SCIENTIFIC ANIMATIONS