Science and art, though often seen as distinct fields, share a common goal: to explore, interpret, and convey the world around us. Just as Wilson Bentley, the “Snowflake Man,” captivated the world with his stunning micrographs of snowflakes—revealing the intricate, unique beauty of something as ordinary as frozen water- science holds countless wonders waiting to be discovered and appreciated. Bentley’s groundbreaking photographs, initially dismissed as odd curiosities, have become timeless symbols of nature’s elegance and complexity, demonstrating how art can unveil the hidden beauty of the natural world. The fusion of art and science can spark curiosity and make the invisible visible, drawing broader audiences into the awe-inspiring world of scientific discovery.
The Beauty of Science: Making the Invisible Visible
Scientific research often involves phenomena that are invisible to the naked eye. From cellular structures to the intricate dynamics of molecular interactions, much of the scientific world is hidden from everyday experience. This is where art plays a pivotal role: transforming microscopic data into vivid, accessible visuals that captivate the public’s imagination.
In 2014, the Life: Magnified exhibit at Washington Dulles International Airport demonstrated how art can turn cellular biology into breathtaking visuals. The exhibit, a collaboration between the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB), the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, featured 46 stunning microscopic images that revealed the colorful beauty of cells and other biological structures. This initiative aimed to engage the public by highlighting the microscopic world that impacts human health featuring organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and human cells.
By blending aesthetics with science, such exhibits create a unique form of outreach. Passersby, who may not have scientific training, can appreciate the complex beauty of biological processes simply through visual engagement. In doing so, art acts as a bridge, allowing science to reach audiences who might not otherwise seek out such information. This connection is essential for fostering public interest in fields like cell biology, genetics, and even biomedical research.
Breaking Down Barriers Between Scientists and the Public
The traditional communication of science—through academic papers, presentations, and technical language—can create a divide between researchers and the general public. Art, however, invites people into the conversation by focusing on visual and emotional experiences rather than jargon. This makes scientific concepts more relatable and encourages individuals to engage with topics they might have previously found intimidating.
Take, for instance, the work of Beata Mierzwa, a postdoctoral researcher at UC San Diego and Ludwig Cancer Research. Through hand-drawn illustrations, fashion, and interactive media, she translates complex biological processes into aesthetic visuals, breaking down the essence of scientific findings into intuitive, metaphorical imagery. This form of art-based communication facilitates understanding across different fields and sparks curiosity in science, especially among younger audiences.
Art as a Tool for Science Education and Inspiration
In classrooms and educational settings, artistic representations of scientific concepts can spark inspiration and creativity. Visual aids, 3D models, and animations make abstract ideas more concrete. For example, detailed illustrations of cellular processes or molecular models can make complex biology or chemistry lessons more approachable. Moreover, art in science serves as an entry point for discussions about the ethical, social, and philosophical dimensions of scientific progress. Visualizing data in an emotionally resonant way can provoke meaningful conversations about human health, disease, and environmental issues, stimulating conversations that extend beyond the confines of academia.
Ahna Skop, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, exemplifies how art can foster inclusive learning environments. Through her work in cell biology and her artistic efforts, Skop creates spaces where students and the public can engage with scientific content creatively. Her approach demonstrates how art can help overcome the intimidation that sometimes accompanies scientific learning, making it accessible to more diverse audiences.
Public Science Outreach through Art
Art is also a fantastic way to facilitate science outreach. For example, the Flipped Science Fair, a science outreach event I hosted at Yale and awarded the ASCB’s Science Sandbox Public Engagement Grant in 2018, transformed the traditional science fair format by allowing middle school students to judge the research of early career scientists. The science was presented in the format of posters with specifically tailored visuals. This innovative setup empowers students to learn about cutting-edge research while placing them in a role of authority. The event emphasizes the power of interactive, visual science communication, giving students a memorable, hands-on experience with scientists.
Another outreach example is Jaye Gardiner’s project, In Their Eyes: Conservation + Comics. Gardiner, a postdoctoral fellow at Fox Chase Cancer Center, uses comics to make science accessible and engaging, especially for underrepresented groups. Her project connects students to conservation efforts while helping them identify as scientists, positively impacting their attitudes toward both science and conservation. Through creative storytelling, Gardiner’s work demonstrates how art can build inclusive scientific communities.
A Broader Cultural Impact
Finally, the integration of art into science has a broader cultural impact. By emphasizing the beauty inherent in scientific discovery, art can help reshape public perceptions of science. Instead of viewing science as a dry, technical field, art encourages people to see it as a creative, dynamic process that is deeply intertwined with the human experience. As science continues to evolve, so too will its collaboration with the arts. By harnessing the power of visual storytelling, scientists can engage with broader audiences, break down communication barriers, and inspire future generations of researchers. In a world where public understanding of science is more important than ever, art remains a vital tool for outreach, education, and inspiration. To further this goal, ASCB recently launched image and video contests, inviting submissions that highlight any aspect of cell biological research. Striking visuals, from light microscopy to data visualizations, will be showcased during the Cell Bio 2024 meeting. These contests demonstrate the growing recognition that scientific imagery has the power to inspire both the public and the scientific community.
About the Author:
Lorena Benedetti grew up in a small village in Trentino, the butterfly-shaped province of Northeast Italy located in the heart of the Alps and Europe. She attended the University of Milan, where she received her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine. During her studies, she fell in love with the beauty and complexity of the nervous system and she decided to join the laboratory of Dr. Pietro De Camilli at Yale University as a postdoc. There she received extensive training in live cell imaging technologies in cell biology and became intrigued by the possibility to manipulate, and not only image, biological processes with light. She currently works at HHMI Janelia Research Campus on a collaborative project in Tim Ryan’s and Jennifer Lippincott-Schwartz’s labs focused on the study of the role of the endoplasmic reticulum at the nerve terminal. She is active in undergraduate and graduate student training and in science outreach initiatives. She is a member of the Public Information Committee (PIC) of the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) which supports activities to promote science engagement with the general public. She was awarded with the ASCB Public Engagement Grant in 2018, an initiative of the Simons Foundation funded by Science Sandbox.
