3D Modelling

Nature Magazine Cover.

This project involved the creation of an editorial illustration to communicate the following story: storing information in the DNA of living bacteria holds the potential for next-generation data storage.

■ roles

Research, 3D Modelling, 3D Rendering, & Compositing

■ tools

Maya, Photoshop, Illustrator

■ clients

Marc Dryer (Biomedical Communications Prof.)

Finished Nature Cover - Click to Zoom In:

Scientists believe that storing information in the DNA of living bacteria holds the potential for next-generation data storage. DNA may be an attractive source for storing information as it is a thousand times denser than contemporary storage devices. I created this editorial illustration as a journal cover to attract the interest of the educated lay public to read about the corresponding research article. The work features an E. coli bacterium and several scientists in a laboratory environment. The bacterium is dissected as if the scientists are actively extracting and editing information stored within the DNA. This scene includes a variety of storage and electronic components such as computers, circuitry, filing cabinets, and USB-like flagella.