Communicating science: The making of a comics poster on biodeterioration

Abstract

The History of Humanity can be traced by our Cultural Heritage. However, we are not the only ones who can appreciate our tangible legacies. Biodeterioration is well recognized in the field of cultural heritage conservation. Over the last few decades, it has been the object of both modest and ambitious studies, some aiming to identify one single agent, others trying to understand entire communities. Proper sampling and tools such as culture-dependent techniques, DNA analysis, protein and pigment identification studies, metabolomics and microscopy (in its various forms) are important allies and their combined results should be prized for the valuable data they provide. Coordinated efforts to implement standard practices and share relevant information and approved guidelines to better understand any cause-effect relationships are vital to address this issue.

In an international symposium devoted to biodeterioration, the paragraph above is regarded as common sense and a poster on the topic would hardly deserve a second look. Comics have shown to deliver scientific information with accuracy and a higher impact as they are seen as lighter and more enjoyable to look at and read than the same amount of information delivered as a text form or even in graphics. Next is the detailed making of a comics poster intended to appeal to the attending public while also displaying accurate scientific context.