Alien vs Predator

Although science and the creative disciplines of art and design are usually considered as polar opposites, both rely on a process of observation, experimentation and synthesis. In particular the presence of symmetry in nature has fascinated both artists and scientists for centuries. This talk will explore the cross-disciplinary exchange of ideas from crystallography to design and how the translation of pattern from two to three dimensions led a designer into the world of mathematical virology.

Leishmania parasites afflict the poorest of society causing worldwide disease. Leishmaniasis infects 12 million people with 2 million more annually. It is the 2nd biggest killer among parasite diseases and 70% of patients are under 15yrs old. No vaccine exists, treatments can be toxic and drug resistance is on the rise. Leishmania parasites adapt to survive and infect different hosts. Regulators that control parasite adaptation to the human environment are key to combating this disease.