Category Archives: Biology

Sneeze In Your Sleeve!

Posted on January 29, 2008 by cicada

I’ve had the sniffles now for a few days, and as always, I feel self-conscious about where my germs are landing. This little tutorial combats wayward nasally-propelled microbes with the Sneeze-In-Your-Sleeve strategy. Very amusing – and it suggests another possible use for the tentacle arm. … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Education, Frivolity | 3 Comments

Wise old recycled owl

Posted on January 26, 2008 by cicada

Great Horned Owl Kathryn Spence Kathryn Spence’s owl sculptures work on several levels at once. This Great Horned Owl is a Lear of birds, ragged but regal. Like an impressionist painting, up close, he’s a bundle of discordant rags – … Continue reading →

Posted in Artists & Art, Biology | 2 Comments

Who’s your daddy? Ask PCR

Posted on January 17, 2008 by cicada

Ah, I have the warm fuzzies now for my eppendorfs and thermal cycler. . . but I’m sure it will pass.

Posted in Biology, Film, Video & Music, Frivolity, Science | Comments Off

The Bowes Silver Swan

Posted on January 16, 2008 by cicada

The Bowes Swan; silver fish detail from timetravel-Britain.com There is something primally captivating about the successful reproduction of life in art or technology. The Bowes Silver Swan is a wonderful example, dating back to the 18th century. To the accompaniment … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Museum Lust, Retrotechnology, Wonder Cabinets | 6 Comments

London: the Icky Tour

Posted on January 13, 2008 by cicada

Greenhouse, Chelsea Physic Garden As I file away the debris of the last year, I realize that I never finished posting about my week in London this summer. It was exhausting, but by no means exhaustive. I feel foolish that … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Destinations, Museum Lust, Science, Wonder Cabinets | 5 Comments

According to their kind?

Posted on January 6, 2008 by cicada

Untitled (zebras) 2006 charcoal on paper Julie Comnick Yesterday I dropped by Julie Comnick’s new show at the Flashpoint Gallery in DC (Jan 4 – Feb 9). I say “dropped by” because, despite her obvious technical skill, my attention was … Continue reading →

Posted in Artists & Art, Biology | 7 Comments

Awwwww

Posted on December 20, 2007 by cicada

National Geographic I used to have a pet hooded rat, which is why I think the giant rat recently discovered in Indonesia is actually kinda cute. Plus, it’s almost as large as my cat! It would be hilarious to get … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Frivolity | 2 Comments

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

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