Visual science: Do you mean GIFs?

Let’s open our minds a little, shall we? And what better way to do that than with awesome visual science examples?

GIFs can be very communicative. In fact, respectable science channels are already using them as a more interactive way to catch readers’ attention – not to mention how fun they are!

Since mind the graphers are by heart big supporters of different ways to communicate science as long as it is data driven, we decided to put together some GIFs we love.

You know that one friend who thinks science is boring? Now is the time you help them change their mind!

Giant shipworm

To start with, the trending GIF on the latest discovery of the month. It is a super-elongated mollusk that grows vertically in sediment, excreting a thick shell and poking two siphons out of the muck.

Cell dividing

Can you imagine the cells of your body doing that? I know, it is crazy, but they do it.

The Giant Squid

Have you ever asked yourself how squids can change colour and camouflage under water? The organelles responsible for that are called chromatophores.

Human Development

From the beginning of cell division to birth. It is quite a journey to start new life.

White Blood Cell chasing Bacteria

Every time bacteria enter your body, the white blood cells warriors get into action. It’s war!

Kinesin Protein walking

This is what I would call a protein with attitude. As scientific as it is, it does look quite funny.

The Tardigrade

This little guy is the most resistant animal in the world. Even tough they don’t look a bit less “cool” in real life, this GIF helps us understand how tartigrades move around.

Face development in Human Fetus

Don’t panic! It starts a bit creepy but it is all part of a process. Yeah, we all were that ugly at some point of life.

What if the future holds crazy changes for scientific papers? Can you imagine online papers full of GIFs instead of steady figures? This is what I would call visual science.