The Shape of Things to Come

At first glance, these delicate lines resemble the threads of an unfinished tapestry, capturing a process still unfolding. Here, the weave tells a story of innovation, as powerful computational tools help scientists search for the therapies of tomorrow.

Jerry’s artwork reveals the hidden design process behind next-generation nanobodies – tiny antibody-like molecules derived from alpacas and other camelids, that can be adapted to recognise disease-causing viruses.

Fine horizontal lines mark countless rounds of testing and refinement, while the vertical red and white strands show different designs being blended together to create new possibilities. Together, they form a visual record of evolution-inspired molecular design.

By helping scientists find promising new nanobody designs sooner, this work could support faster therapeutic responses to future outbreaks and pandemics.

• Jerry Chen