Montreal Microbiologist Transforms Lab Work into Viral Art

A microbiologist from Montreal, Chloé Savard, is captivating millions by showcasing the hidden beauty of microscopic life through her art on Instagram. With her account, @tardibabe, she shares stunning images and videos that reveal the intricate world of microbes, an environment typically invisible to the naked eye. Her unique approach has attracted over one million followers, all eager to explore the fascinating “micro-verse.”

Art Meets Science in Everyday Observations

Savard operates from a compact laboratory in her apartment, where she uses a microscope to document everyday samples. Her images often resemble works of art; for instance, butterfly scales appear as elaborate mosaics, and the dried interior of a pear showcases hardened cell walls that resemble sparkling gems. “It’s like a world that is unseen,” Savard notes. “And it’s pretty magnificent.”

Her posts frequently feature dynamic visuals, such as trails of bubbles forming in fresh milk, where billions of microbes move and shimmer to carefully selected soundtracks. By merging scientific inquiry with artistic expression, Savard creates short visual experiences that blur the boundaries between research and art.

A Pandemic Hobby Blossoms into a Career

What started as a hobby during the pandemic has evolved into a full-time career for Savard. She has gained recognition not only for her captivating content but also for her ability to make science engaging and accessible. Her videos often reference nostalgic elements from culture, such as The Magic School Bus, a beloved children’s series that encourages curiosity in science. “I want to take everyone for a ride in my own magical bus,” she shares with a smile.

One of her most viewed posts carries a personal significance. The leaf-like patterns captured under the microscope reveal her own tears drying as salt crystals formed. Reflecting on this moment, Savard expressed, “It was a hard part in my life. But I guess I made something positive with it.”

Savard’s fascination with the nearly indestructible microorganism known as the tardigrade, or water bear, serves as both her favorite subject and a personal symbol. “They’re really, really resilient animals,” she explains. “I love to inspire myself from them—to keep going in life and find strength.”

Through her innovative blend of science, art, and storytelling, Chloé Savard not only finds wonder but also helps others discover it in the smallest details of life. Her unique vision transforms the mundane into the extraordinary, revealing that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places.