‘UK at the Half:’ UK team creates a ‘cellular symphony’ to decode disease
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 5, 2026) — University of Kentucky researchers are using an innovative technique called data sonification to transform complex biological information — such as protein structures and gene mutations — into musical sound. By mapping cellular data onto elements like pitch, rhythm and timbre, their work allows listeners to hear subtle biological patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed, opening new possibilities for understanding how cells function and how diseases emerge.
In this edition of “UK at the Half,” three UK professors — Luke Bradley, Ph.D., acting chair of the College of Medicine’s Department of Neuroscience; Michael Baker, Ph.D., a professor of music theory and composition in the College of Fine Arts’ School of Music; and Timothy Moyers, Ph.D., an associate professor of music theory and composition and an electronic music composer — discuss their collaboration on the bridge between science and the arts. By listening to this “cellular symphony,” the team aims to reveal variations that visual analysis might miss, making data sonification a powerful new tool for scientific insight and discovery.
“UK at the Half” airs during halftime of each UK football and basketball game broadcast on radio and is hosted by UK Public Relations and Strategic Communications and Marketing and Brand Strategy. To hear the “UK at the Half” interview, click on the play button above.
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