Category Archives: Science

Particle art

Posted on March 5, 2007 by cicada

In Search of Meaning #5; In Search of Meaning #1 Acrylic Lylie Fisher Like art, particle physics deals with the invisible. One portrays emotional and spiritual experiences; the other studies unseen matter and energy. Science is the voice of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Artists & Art, Science | Comments Off

Faith as evolutionary adaptation

Posted on March 4, 2007 by cicada

Darwin’s God, by Robin Marantz Henig I thought I’d hit my biology vs. religion saturation point some time ago, but today’s NYT Magazine has an eclectic, lengthy article on the biology of belief that is worth reading. The little details … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Science | Comments Off

You don’t always like what you want

Posted on March 4, 2007 by cicada

ScienceDaily: Why ‘Wanting’ And ‘Liking’ Something Simultaneously Is Overwhelming “Sometimes a brain will like the rewards it wants. But other times it just wants them.” – Kent Berridge I once tried to explain to my physiology students that the desire … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Science | Comments Off

Not Pleistocene, Not a Skeleton

Posted on March 2, 2007 by cicada

Pleistocene Skeleton Steel, wax, marble dust, and acrylic Nancy Graves, 1970 Smithsonian Museum of American Art Last fall I visited the newly renovated Smithsonian Museum of American Art. One of my favorite pieces was this sculpture by Nancy Graves. It’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Artists & Art, Biology, Museum Lust, Science | 4 Comments

Amazing, Rare Things; Amazing, Rare Man

Posted on February 28, 2007 by cicada

Common or ‘spectacled’ caiman and South American false coral snake Maria Sibylla Merian, c.1705-10 The Royal Collection: Amazing Rare Things There is a common denominator that links all these artists. It is the profound joy that all feel who observe … Continue reading →

Posted in Artists & Art, Biology, Film, Video & Music, Museum Lust, Science, Wonder Cabinets | 1 Comment

The science of Confusapedia

Posted on February 27, 2007 by cicada

Ok, so the science entries on Conservapedia are easy targets – finding mistakes is like shooting fish in a barrel. And quite a few of my fellow science bloggers have engaged in target practice lately. But not all the entries … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Education, Science | 4 Comments

Flowcharts of science

Posted on February 25, 2007 by cicada

Adventures in Ethics and Science: Scientific and unscientific conclusions Janet Stemwedel at AES has collected a LOT of perspectives on the scientific process and interpreted them as flowcharts. Not only are they geek-chic, they give me nostalgic fuzzies of teaching … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Science | Comments Off

Poem of the Week: WH Auden

Posted on February 24, 2007 by cicada

In honor of Auden’s centenary, York cabbies will be reciting his verse to their passengers. I expect most of the passengers will at least know who Auden is; if New York cabbies did the same, maybe not! Take this quiz … Continue reading →

Posted in Frivolity, Poetry, Science | Comments Off

When disease is inevitable

Posted on February 23, 2007 by cicada

As every American knows, our health care system is exasperating. I recently left a job; fortunately, I’m healthy and relatively young, so obtaining temporary insurance was not a problem. But for those who have been seriously ill – either physically … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Science | 6 Comments

Awww! Euww!

Posted on February 20, 2007 by cicada

Two works by artist Adam Brandejs: Genpets (www.genpets.com) and Flesh Shoe. Only one is adorable; both are creepy. Genpets are currently starring in the exhibit “It’s Alive! A Laboratory of Biotech Art” at the Montserrat College of Art Gallery in … Continue reading →

Posted in Artists & Art, Biology, Science | 5 Comments