Category Archives: Science

Poem of the Week: let’s hear it for descent with variations

Posted on February 16, 2007 by cicada

Let’s be honest: biologists sometimes get a little intoxicated by the beauty of the natural world. My friends know I will break off mid-conversation to crawl into the brush, mesmerized by a snake or a liverwort. My good china is … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Books, Poetry, Science, Wonder Cabinets | 3 Comments

Now, that’s meritorious

Posted on February 14, 2007 by cicada

Science scouts: much better than plain old girl scouts! Is it scary that I would qualify for so many merit badges? Actually, I could invent a few more, such as “I have administered illegal drugs of abuse to insects,” but … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Cephalopodmania, Frivolity, Science | 2 Comments

A tree of life? More like wildflowers

Posted on February 14, 2007 by cicada

Phylogenetic Tree Visualization I don’t really understand how this representation was created, beyond the involvement of a Walrus; but it’s amazing. According to the source: This picture is a visualisation of the entire tree of life. The tree of life … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Science | Comments Off

A little reading is a dangerous thing

Posted on February 13, 2007 by cicada

I’ve been reading more than posting for the past week, and have a collection of odds, ends and lint to pass on. I have a love/hate relationship with the New Yorker. It’s just too much reading for me to keep … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Frivolity, Poetry, Science, Science in culture & policy | 1 Comment

Greetings, Birders

Posted on February 8, 2007 by cicada

Hello to all new visitors meandering over from I and the Bird #42, hosted by Neurophilosophy. Isn’t Vladimir Gvozdev amazing? I can’t claim to be an ornithologist, but I do have a weakness for bird art. I find a bird … Continue reading →

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

Pollocks, Bollocks

Posted on February 7, 2007 by cicada

One: No. 31, 1950 Jackson Pollock, 1950 MoMA, NYC A piece from Sunday’s New York Times announced a break in the ongoing controversy over 32 disputed Jackson Pollock paintings. The paintings were reportedly found in a storage unit in 2002 … Continue reading →

Posted in Artists & Art, Science | 1 Comment

Just Science, Just Access

Posted on February 5, 2007 by cicada

Many science bloggers are responding to the call for a “Just Science Week” by posting only on scientific topics. I’m not joining them, since this blog is about the intersection of science with other things, and posting only on science … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Education, Science | 1 Comment

What? No way!

Posted on January 29, 2007 by cicada

Neurontic skewers two studies leading to incredibly obvious conclusions: Attractive young psychology professor is stunned to discover that “it sucks to be rejected based on how you look.” Three new studies spearheaded by University of Buffalo Assistant Professor Lora Park … Continue reading →

Posted in Frivolity, Science | 3 Comments

Universal Leonardo: Leonardo da Vinci online

Posted on January 29, 2007 by cicada

An essential art/science website to bookmark, if you haven’t already: Universal Leonardo: Leonardo da Vinci online. The simulation of curatorial imaging techniques used to study the Lansdowne Madonna is nicely done, as are the overview of math and proportion in … Continue reading →

Posted in Artists & Art, Science | Comments Off

Juxtaposition

Posted on January 28, 2007 by cicada

59 People and 1 Cat Fabric and Photo Transfer Camille Whiteman Wooden case containing sixty small phrenological heads plaster and wood William Bally, 1831

Posted in Artists & Art, Biology, Museum Lust, Science | Comments Off