Bridging the Gap: Using 3D Computer Animation to Explain Processes in Borrelia burgdorferi, Poster 15

Communicating scientific ideas in both academic and nonacademic settings is fraught with challenges, from the use of esoteric vocabulary to the explanation of seemingly unseeable phenomena. Often times, the wonder and beauty... [ view full abstract ]

Communicating scientific ideas in both academic and nonacademic settings is fraught with challenges, from the use of esoteric vocabulary to the explanation of seemingly unseeable phenomena. Often times, the wonder and beauty of what scientists achieve can be lost in an attempt to stay true to the science or explain concepts more simply. 3D computer animation provides a unique set of tools that simplify the translation of disparate scientific topics into meaningful and powerful visuals without forfeiting their scientific veracity. Drew Berry, best known for his animations of DNA, acts as a leader in this field, building amazingly detailed animated visuals that have been displayed in scientific journals as well as art museums. With the help of Professor of Biochemistry Bob Cluss and Animator Daniel Houghton, my work gives a glimpse at the possibilities that exist at the nexus of science and 3D computer animation. Focusing on the bacterial spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, my work makes use of data from the worldwide protein data bank in an attempt to accurately model the structures and behaviors of specific proteins involved in various metabolic pathways.