Author Archives: cicada

Happy microbiolidays!

Posted on December 16, 2007 by cicada

Reader/medical student Niall Hamilton, photographer of microorganisms, sent me this oh-so-seasonal Christmas petri dish: Niall says, “the black is a yeast species often found around bathroom sinks, and the snow is another yeast species (a pretty unremarkable environmental one).” Looking … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Frivolity | 1 Comment

Think outside Schrodinger’s box

Posted on December 11, 2007 by cicada

Can a president who is not comfortable thinking about science hope to lead instead of follow? Earlier Republican debates underscored this problem. In May, when candidates were asked if they believed in the theory of evolution, three candidates said no. … Continue reading →

Posted in Science, Science in culture & policy | 1 Comment

Last Call: Christmas Gifts for Mad Scientists

Posted on December 11, 2007 by cicada

Still frantically shopping? How about this anatomically accurate tee, from the musically named autumnomatopoeia (“legos, livers, and more. Oh my!”)? Here’s an excellent gift idea list from Heather at Cabinet of Wonders. See also my gift idea list. And Vanessa’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Conspicuous consumption, Frivolity | 2 Comments

A Steampunk Green Man

Posted on December 9, 2007 by cicada

Metamorphosis Almacan Digital artist Almacan (Kazuhiko Nakamura) creates intricately detailed surrealistic portraits, equal parts Giger and da Vinci. This one reminds me of an insectoid Green Man about to disperse into the undergrowth. . . and also, strangely, of Richard … Continue reading →

Posted in Artists & Art, Retrotechnology | 8 Comments

the silver life

Posted on December 8, 2007 by cicada

This stunning silver urchin ring and squid tentacle earrings are from emily amey. The paperweights below, including “an exact replica of a mammalian heart,” are by Walteria living.

Posted in Artists & Art, Biology, Cephalopodmania, Conspicuous consumption | 2 Comments

modern science: solo show by Nicole Natri

Posted on December 8, 2007 by cicada

I’m not the only one who liked Nicole Natri’s latest work. Check out the gallery poster for her solo show at Jr. Konsthallen, in Sweden, starting today.  Congratulations, Nicole!

Posted in Artists & Art, Biology | Comments Off

Living paycheck to paycheck, on Wonderbread and ramen

Posted on December 8, 2007 by cicada

I found this post on the NYT Health blog “Well”, by Tara Parker-Pope (when did the NYT switch to a blogging model? am I just oblivious?) Anyway, the post was mildly intriguing. But then I started reading the comments, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogs and Blogging, Department of the Drama, Science, Science in culture & policy | 8 Comments

Poem of the Week: Mosaic of a Hare

Posted on December 5, 2007 by cicada

Hare Floor Mosiac 4th century Corinium School, Cirencester, Gloucestershire Corinium Museum Dan Chiasson’s book of poetry, Natural History (2005) is inspired by Pliny (the Elder, who wrote the original Naturalis historia) and Horace. Taking Pliny as a starting point may … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Poetry | 4 Comments

Rock it, sister!

Posted on December 5, 2007 by cicada

In a great post at The Intersection, Sheril takes on sexism, science, and stereotypes. This is exactly why I like “The Big Bang Theory,” yet feel strangely uncomfortable watching it.

Posted in Blogs and Blogging, Science, Science in culture & policy | Comments Off

Seeding art in science – and vice versa

Posted on November 28, 2007 by cicada

From “Making the Step from Chemistry to Biology and Back,” Nature Chemical Biology David Goodsell The Nov/Dec issue of Seed features an interesting article by Jonah Lehrer on science and art. It’s a short read, but it touches on most … Continue reading →

Posted in Artists & Art, Biology, Science, Science in culture & policy | 3 Comments