Why You Need to Visually Communicate Research

 

Science illustration to communicate research on the nanoparticle protein corona, collecting on the surface of nonmaterial ©SayoStudio.
Close up view of the nanoparticle protein corona.

How do you improve your chances of gaining funding and publishing in a high-impact journal? Your lab’s research topic is fascinating, important, and carefully studied, but how do you convey that to the reviewers of your manuscript or grant? Today, we’ll review how essential visuals are to communicate research. Well-crafted, illustrated figures quickly communicate complex science and processes. Additionally, relevant, artistic cover art can garner more interest and citations, especially in oversaturated fields.

One such area of research, nanotechnology, was considered an emerging area of science not so long ago. Now, it is an established diverse area of intense research driving new technological advances. In fact, in the past 10 years, it’s become one of the most competitive research areas to study globally. SayoStudio has worked to communicate research for nanotechnology scientists for 20 years, working with the NSF, NIST, NNCO, and leading nanoscientists.

Communicating Complex Research

Journal cover art for the small nano micro publication showing Morteza Mahmoudi's research on nanoparticles. © SayoStudio
Science journal cover art for small by Nicolle R. Fuller, SayoStudio.

Today, we feature SayoStudio’s work to communicate research for Dr. Morteza Mahmoudi, University of Michigan. Over the years, we’ve created several science nanoscience visuals for him over the past decade. He’s spent his career studying how to best utilize nanoparticles for diagnostics, disease treatment, and drug delivery. Additionally, his work explores the broader applications of nanoparticles in healthcare and environmental sciences. To support his work, SayoStudio has illustrated numerous schematic figures and cover art for both his primary literature and review articles.

In his recent review article, “The Protein Corona from Nanomedicine to Environmental Science”, Mahmoudi and his colleagues examine the challenges associated with the methodology and characterization of the protein corona, a layer of protein that collects on the surface of nanomaterials. It’s an often ignored component that vastly influences the material’s interactions with the surrounding environment.

Communicating Research Impact to a Broader Audience

Science art showing the protein corona up close by © SayoStudio.
Detail of the protein corona.

If you have a molecular biology or biochemistry degree, you may be able to easily picture a layer of protein around a nanosphere. But seeing an accurate depiction of the protein corona is far more impactful. As a bonus, visuals help convey this information to a broader audience, so that even if you are NOT a biochemist, the implications are clear.

To communicate Mahmoudi’s science, we conceived a clear visual summary of relevant methods and opportunities for the broader research community. After years of creating very specific, targeted figures for Mahmoudi’s primary publications, these review schematics needed to instead effectively communicate research to a diverse audience, including both medical and environmental professionals. For this purpose, SayoStudio illustrated schematic publication figures and cover art.

A Captivating First Impression

Despite the extensive use of nanoparticles in fields like cosmetics and nanomedicine, understanding how these tiny materials interact with their local environments remains a challenge. Morteza’s review article proposes strategies to overcome these hurdles, represented by schematic figures created by SayoStudio to visually demonstrate how to address four major challenges related to the nanoparticle protein corona and its relationship with different environments.

Scientific diagram showing various stages of processing and coating the nanoparticle protein corona by © SayoStudio
Science figure diagram showing the steps needed to process the nanoparticle corona for academic and environmental uses.

Further, SayoStudio created a captivating visual to illustrate innovative technologies harnessing the potential of the protein corona. The schematic portrays the application of the protein corona in designing new therapies, exploring proteomics, and understanding eco-corona phenomena. Through carefully curated figures, the research article gains impact and engagement, simplifying complex components and processes for a broader audience, including nanomedicine and beyond.

Enhancing the Reach of Review Articles through Visuals

SayoStudio has played a pivotal role in enhancing the impact and accessibility of Dr. Morteza Mahmoudi’s groundbreaking research on nanotechnology. SayoStudio’s dedication to illustrating innovative technologies and overcoming challenges in nanomedicine reflects its commitment to supporting impactful research. We express our gratitude for Dr. Mahmoudi’s invaluable contribution. We recognize their role in bridging the gap between intricate scientific studies and broader comprehension. Ultimately, fostering advancements in nanoscience and its applications.

Applications of the protein corona in various environmental and medical fields with therapeutic uses to communicate research by © SayoStudio.
A science figure showing possible applications of the protein corona in various academic and medical fields.
Artwork to promote Morteza Mahmoudi's Academic Parity Movement which promotes equity in all academic settings © SayoStudio
Symbolic artwork promoting equity and anti-bullying policies in academic fields to facilitate open science communication for all.

Visualizing research contributions through publication figures facilitates a concise and compelling summary of the key findings. In Mahmoudi et al.’s article, illustrated figures play a pivotal role in effectively communicating research. Offering up opportunities to leverage the protein corona and proposing strategies to address environmental challenges of nanoparticles. These figures enhance clarity and context, propelling nanotechnical research forward.

Mahmoudi’s commitment to open communication extends beyond his research to his non-profit organization, the Academic Parity Movement, which fights academic bullying and promotes fair scientific practices. As a proud supporter of this movement, SayoStudio remains committed to providing scientific visuals to facilitate effective and open science communication.

 
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