How do you simplify science?

I’m not a biologist nor do I play the role of one in work sessions. But I can listen to biologists, chemists and scientists of all stripes and work with them when we need to simplify science and demonstrate complex principles. This is important when you’re talking to a broad audience, when you need to cut across the boundaries of various disciplines and levels of scientific knowledge. It’s about being clear, precise and to the point when you’re at the front line of communications with your diverse stakeholders.

Task: Visualize the taxonomy for a true probiotic

Alternatively, this is also demonstrated by:

The Rationale:

How would you demonstrate the important differences between probiotic species and strains?

Why is this crucial?

From boblr.com (crowdsourcing innovation platform):

“The World Health Organization (WHO) defines probiotics as ‘live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.’

But in the market today, there is a lot of confusion over probiotics. Many product labels indicate the presence of probiotics, promising important health benefits. However, not all probiotics have scientifically-documented health benefits.

…..a true probiotic, one that has documented healthful effects, should be defined at the specific strain level — and not at the more general species or genus levels.”

The taxonomy works like this:

Genus = Lactobacillus

Species = acidophilus

Strain = paracasei 431 (LA-5, proprietary name)

An analogous taxonomy for a horse, by way of example, would work like this:

Genus = Horse

Species = e.g. Wild Horse

Strain = “Dan the horse” i.e. a DNA specific Eurasian Wild Horse