Luke Jerram has created beautiful viral sculptures such as swine flu, E.Coli, and smallpox to contrast with traditional medical renderings - these bacteria are actually transparent in nature. Jerram said: "Its great to be exploring the edges of scientific understanding and visualisation of a virus. Scientists aren't able to answer many of the questions I ask them, such as how the RNA is exactly fitted within the Capsid? At the moment, the technology isn't there to answer all these questions for certain. I'm also pushing the boundaries of glassblowing. Some of my designs simply can't be created in glass, Some are simply too fragile and gravity would cause them to collapse under their own weight. So there's a very careful balancing act that needs to take place, between the limitations of current scientific knowledge and glassblowing techniques." source: here
Smallpox, HIV and an 'Unknown Future Mutation'
Swine Flu (25cm high)
Swine Flu detail
E. coli
E. coli detail
Smallpox, 25cm high
Smallpox (25cm) detail
HIV Sculpture (coloured)
HIV Sculpture detail (coloured)
HIV (20cm diameter)
Smallpox, 20cm wide
SARS Corona Virus
HIV Sculpture by Luke Jerram (The sculptor at work)