Whether genetic profiles or microorganisms – the interactive science posters in the BioLab provide an informative insight into complex topics.
Genexpressions
Cancer researchers have known for years that there are many more types of cancer than we thought. They can recognize tumors by their genetic profile – and find the right treatment for everyone, even avoiding chemotherapy for many patients. Biotech companies have been offering such genetic tests for years, but the health insurance companies do not pay for them because experts, officials, and manufacturers are arguing about what the new methods are good for and whether the diagnoses are even verifiable. Are they just insisting on principles at the expense of patients? This audiovisual online feature shows a broad investigation of the topic by journalist Christiane Löll.
Credits: A project by Science Communication Lab (scicom-lab.com), on behalf of the scientific magazine Substanz. Courtesy of the artist and Substanz scientific magazine.
Digital Meta
We’re not alone! From unicellular organisms to humans, all animals and plants are inhabited by microbial organisms. These microorganisms influence the fitness of their host and together they form a metaorganism. The scientists of the Collaborative Research Centre of Kiel University are investigating host-microorganism interactions, since the mechanisms that control these interactions within the meta-organism are still poorly understood. With the help of the interactive poster, they can finally make the invisible visible and transport impressive images of these microorganisms to the public as well as to colleagues.
Credits: A project by Science Communication Lab (scicom-lab.com), on behalf of the special research area „Origin and Function of Metaorganisms”. Courtesy of the artist and CRC 1182 Origin and Function of Metaorganisms.