Data visualisation

I analyse complex data to make them more informative or visually appealing. Hopefully both!

Supercomplexity // Image by Adam Byron

Supercomplexity
Shortlisted, EuPA Proteomics Photography and Graphic Arts Contest (2012)

Cells in our bodies communicate with each other through a complex process called signalling. To study the hundreds of proteins that create these signals, we analysed how they interact to deliver specific cellular messages. Protein interactions are represented as a network in which each protein is a tiny circle and their interactions are lines. The shape of the network reveals how the hundreds of signalling proteins may work together to help a cell communicate. Signalling really is complex!

Gallery: Data visualisation

Scientific cartoons

I enjoy designing graphics to illustrate scientific concepts, often summarising a new discovery.

Herceptin, a HER2-targeted drug, attaching to HER2 protein on the surface of breast cancer cells to stop the cancer cells growing // Image by Adam Byron

Herceptin, a HER2-targeted drug, attaching to HER2 protein on the surface of breast cancer cells to stop the cancer cells growing
Illustration, blog post (2016)

Our research at the University of Edinburgh examined the changes in breast cancer cells that become resistant to drugs targeted at a protein called HER2, which is found on the surface of cells. Understanding what happens when cancer cells become resistant to targeted drugs could help in the design of new treatments – and combinations of treatments – to overcome drug resistance.

Gallery: Scientific cartoons

Science-based photography

I like to capture different aspects of science and its influence on the world around us.

Solid, Liquid & Gas // Image by Adam Byron

Solid, Liquid & Gas
Shortlisted, FLS Zeiss Science-based Art Competition (2006)

Superparamagnetic monosized beads in liquid suspension protrude and bud into pockets of air trapped under a glass coverslip. Solid meets liquid meets gas.

Gallery: Science-based photography

Cover art

Using experimental data as a starting point, I have designed the cover art for several scientific journals.

Science Signaling cover, 2011, vol. 4 (no. 160) // Image by Adam Byron // Reproduced with permission from AAAS

Cover-flow heatmaps
Invited, Science Signaling cover (2011)

In conjunction with a Special Issue on Dealing with Data in Science, this Science Signaling Focus Issue examined the issues surrounding the rapid increase in the generation of research data and how to address the challenges of storing, curating and accessing these data. My cover image used a large set of data that measured cell adhesion proteins, which were displayed as coloured bars on heatmaps.

Gallery: Cover art