This site appears to be new, and I’m very excited about what they are going to dig up. Neuro Images collects depictions of the brain from historical anatomy sketches to modern day print ads (and everything in between). Here are just a few:
From days gone by…
And new technology…
And we can’t forget the world of advertising…
(T3db0t, you may want to follow this site!)
Here you go, fellow neuromaniacs.
In the 1920’a Fritz Kahn released a series of books depicting the human body using industrial metaphors: switchboards, assembly lines, conveyor belts, projectors, machinery, workers, etc.
His modernist style made use of the growing popular fervor over industrial development, and his exploration of the anatomical relationship to man-made structures is intriguing.
Here we have the nervous system visually compared to an electronic signaling system with the brain as an office where messages are sorted.
I feel very lucky to know a few people who will attend (or would be willing to attend, if distance permitted) the Iconography of the Industrial Body lecture tonight, which will cover some of Kahn’s work.
Body as Machines gallery.
What a fantastic way to conceptualize the notion of wanting to kick someone in the head.
This is just one of Eugenio Merino’s entertaining sculptures.
See more here.
I’m not even going to pretend that this will be the definitive anatomical cake post here at SheWalksSoftly. I have no doubt I’ll post plenty in the future, as I stumble upon them. But here are some very well done creations from the wonderful Cake Wrecks.
Fit for humans and zombies alike (I hope to get a cake like this after grad school):
I’m a big fan of organ themed celebrations, especially pre-surgical organ farewell parties. Perhaps this giant kidney comes from such a thing (do you have a better explanation? Maybe a promotion to Chief of Nephrology?):
I will kindly skip all “eat your heart out” puns as I post this cake. Just admire its twisting, turning aortic detail.
This last one wins the prize for realism, which in the arena of anatomical cakes is not necessarily a good thing. I give a great deal of credit to these talented chefs for their nearly photo-realistic accuracy. Bon appetit!
Couldn’t resist the bad pun title, since this pair of vein and artery hosiery costs 41,00 Euros. I enjoy finding anatomical objects I would NOT purchase.
Though I must admit, this item gave me the idea. With a few Sharpies and extra pantyhose, I could dress up as a Visible Woman for Halloween.
Metaphorical sculptures don’t always come cheap these days. I love the concept and design of this heart of glass, but can’t afford it (even if a portion of the proceeds do go to the American Heart Foundation).
…and I can never hear the term “heart of glass” in any context without thinking of the Blondie song.
Seen on Street Anatomy
There is some stunning nanoscale photography peppered throughout various blogs and science publications. Here are a few favorites I’ve come across.
These red blood cells have been treated with an antibiotic called Phyllomelittin, which apparently has the benefit of making cells appear delicious:
Source (and a few more great photos)
This “tiny doll,” designed by researchers at the University of Tokyo’s Institute for Industrial Sciences, uses a new method of cultivating three dimensional biological structures.
The researchers created the tiny figurine by cultivating 100,000 cell capsules — 0.1-millimeter balls of collagen, each coated with dozens of skin cells — together inside a doll-shaped mold for one day. After the cell capsules had coalesced to form the doll-shaped mass of tissue, it was placed in a culture solution, where it reportedly survived for more than a day.
The technique may be useful to create bodily organs and tissues with complex cellular structures, aiding the fields of regenerative medicine and drug development.
This gorgeous rose-like image from the Research Materials Society was subsequently turned into a guessing game.
The question:
This tiny rose (above) was made by mixing an exotic element with hydrazoic acid. That element was discovered in Germany, is a soft and silvery metal with a low melting point, and was used to lubricate the bearings of aircraft during World War II. What is it?
Source (and some answers posted)
I was floored when I received an amazing package in the mail from my kindred spirit Sarah. I had made her a plushie last month; a jellyfish named Princess Squishy (an incarnation of a nickname/drawing conjured up in the delightful minds of children Sarah worked with).
In return, she sent me the most amazing collection of trinkets: classic Bigelow Rose Salve (it’s delightful), a Liz McGrath limited edition tin, and a phrenology head pocket mirror!
But the most incredible gift was this handmade necklace. An anatomical heart seasoned with tiny gears, axe in a glass case, black flower and a locket filled with meaningful symbols. Does this girl know me, or what?
All of this for a plush invertebrate! What a talented and beautiful soul she is. I’m so grateful.
Metal and the Hypothalamus gland…two of my favorite things! I’m overjoyed that someone made this (and grateful for the subtitles!):
The Hypothalamus is so underappreciated. I’m glad someone paid tribute.
Found here.
Hats off to global electric company Blusens for using this brilliant literalism in an ad:
SheWalksSoftly 