From Micro to Macro:
Biological Data Visualization with TouchDesigner

July 2nd, 2025
Wednesday, 6-9 PM, Berlin Time
1 lessons at 3 hours in English Language live via Zoom, or as recording
Recordings are available and accessible for at least one year after purchase.

Generative artist and molecular biology researcher Artem Grigorov, also known as Newnome Beauton, will demonstrate how to visualize complex biological data using TouchDesigner through hands-on demonstrations and shared project files.

Building on his expertise in real-time computer graphics and scientific visualization, Artem will focus on data processing workflows and best practices for handling molecular structures, anatomical scans, and 3D point clouds. The course will cover best practices for working with molecular structures, anatomical scans, and 3D point clouds, using external tools like VMD for molecular visualization, 3D Slicer for medical imaging, and CloudCompare for point cloud processing. Participants will learn how to convert, clean, and optimize biological data before bringing it into TouchDesigner, ensuring smooth real-time performance.

Artem will introduce a collection of techniques aimed at making scientific data more accessible and visually compelling, extending TouchDesigner’s core functionality with custom visualization strategies. Additionally, he will break down real-world examples to illustrate how he integrates different tools and data sources, offering participants a structured approach to creating their own scientific or artistic visualizations.

Finally, Artem will share insights into how he balances algorithmic complexity with aesthetic refinement, providing participants with inspiration and practical resources to develop their own data-driven artwork.

What You’ll Learn:

1. Importing and processing biological data from sources like the Protein Data Bank (PDB) and MorphoSource
2. Using VMD, 3D Slicer, and CloudCompare for data preparation and conversion
3. Best practices for handling molecular structures, medical scans, and point clouds
4. Creative visualization techniques for scientific, educational, or artistic projects
5. Optimizing workflows to enhance real-time graphics performance

What You’ll Get:

• Downloadable resources, including project files and templates.
• Access to a private community forum for networking, feedback, and support.

Requirements

This module is designed for participants with an intermediate understanding of TouchDesigner and some familiarity with biological data visualization. For a more basic introduction to TouchDesigner, please refer to our Beginners Course first.

• A recent PC or MAC Computer (discrete GPU recommended) with stable internet connection
• The latest build of TouchDesigner installed
• Zoom Client installed (please test your audio setup beforehand)
• 3-Button Mouse recommended
• VMD installed, a molecular visualization program
• 3D Slicer installed, open source software for visualization, processing, segmentation, registration, and analysis of medical, biomedical, and other 3D images and meshes
• CloudCompare installed, 3D point cloud and mesh processing software

About the Instructor

instagram.com/newnome_beauton

Newnome Beauton is a generative artist and researcher with a PhD in molecular biology. His work explores the aesthetics of mathematical and biological systems through real-time computer graphics, algorithmic experimentation, and creative coding. Artem’s practice focuses on balancing algorithmic complexity and aesthetic refinement, inspired by complex natural processes and patterns. He actively researches and develops new visualization algorithms, making these accessible through tutorials, community workshops, and his Patreon. His work has been featured in various exhibitions and festivals, including Kinomural, HumanLab 4.0, and the grand opening of the Beeple Studios gallery.