Have you ever read a paper just because it had a funny, endearing, or utterly bizarre graphical abstract? Ever since a colleague showed me the ‘Graphical abstracts that I gone and found’ Facebook page, I have definitely come across a few, and I thought I would share some of my favourite ones below. If you enjoy this kind of thing, I strongly suggest visiting their page for more – it makes for a wonderful distraction from pretty much anything.
- Structure determination using solution NMR: Is it worth the effort? (2019)
Authors: Koh Takeuchi, Kumaran Baskaran, Haribabu Arthanari
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmr.2019.07.045
The stereotype for a graphical abstract is usually a simple diagram edited in MS Paint, PowerPoint, or in some cases, something slightly more involved such as Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape. The most dedicated paper authors have even been spotted using macromolecule plugins for the 3D modelling software Blender to create shiny, space age visions of their favourite proteins.
The graphical abstract above, however, opts for the more traditional and textured feel of what looks like acrylics. Hand painting a graphical abstract definitely adds a personal touch, and evokes in the observer a sense of admiration for the authors’ dedication, raw artistic talent, and time management skills. The composition, story, and choice of colours work beautifully together to communicate the joys and hardships of structure determination using solution NMR. At a seemingly close distance, we see the goal of any structural biology campaign: cartoon models representing macromolecules, standing proud in their rainbow colours on the verdant green hills of a successful experiment.
In the foreground, we see a friendly NMR machine helpfully presenting the sample tube and an arcane scroll containing the data. The three proud ships (“Deuteration”, “TROSY”, “PRE/PCS”) steadfastly traverse the distance between the raw data and the final models, providing a visual reference to the Age of Discovery. But the choppy seas and steely skies already betray that this journey will not be without its challenges. The gaping maws of Spectral Overlap, Sample Instability and Relaxation leap from the troubled waters, snapping at the ships. And who knows what further monsters lurk within the murky depths… If we look more closely at the face of the NMR machine, the raised left corner of the mouth betrays that this is actually a smirk, rather than a smile. In handing us the data scroll, it issues a challenge. Will we accept it?
2. A Bottom-Up Approach To Preserve Thioamide Residue Stereochemistry during Fmoc Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis (2019)
DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.9b02598
Authors: Luis A. Camacho III, Bryan J. Lampkin, Brett VanVeller
A very clear and visually pleasing graphical abstract. The eye is drawn to the complementary colours of the green dragon and its orange-yellow fire. The bright cobalt blue of the defending shield contrasts nicely and sends a reassuring message that the stereochemistry will be protected valiantly. The wispy grey smoke rising from the smouldering ruins of stereochemistry in the less fortunate compound provides a nice contrast to the vibrant colours in the right side of the image. Despite the intensity of the scene, the smooth lines, crisp shapes, and judicious use of negative space prevent the image from becoming cluttered and make for a clear and entertaining graphical abstract.
3. GuacaMol: Benchmarking Models for de Novo Molecular Design (2019)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jcim.8b00839
Authors: Nathan Brown, Marco Fiscato, Marwin H.S. Segler, and Alain C. Vaucher
They say that millennials go bananas over avocados. They are (mostly) correct. I would like to have this abstract on toast, please.
4. A highly efficient heterogeneous catalyst of cobalt-based coordination polymers for aerobic epoxidation of cyclohexene
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/C8CE00899J
Author: Fan Yu
An evocative graphical abstract, reminiscent of the dream-like inspirations of the Dadaists. I suspect the impact of this piece will vary among viewers, shaped by their differing experiences and perceptions. For me, the chaotic composition and bold clash of magenta and fel green embody the mind of a final year graduate student in a global pandemic.
