Tag: science

Decellurization

August 22nd, 2014

Decellurization is an absolutely fascinating process in which cells are “discharged” from organs, leaving only the connective tissue.

The first step involves the application of a specialized detergent known to be an efficient solubilizer, without affecting the integrity of the protein in the tissue. Then, a recombinant endonuclease is used to degrade nucleic acids. (I had to quote Wiki there because I’m pretty sure there was no other way to get the word “solubilizer” into your day today)

This process has tremendous implications for organ donation and transplants, as it maintains structural function yet greatly reduces the immunological response that causes organs to be rejected. It can be done by pumping the detergent through the organ, or submerging the organ.

Science!

If you are as captivated by this as I am, don’t miss the work of Iori Tomita and Brandon Ballengee.
Marcus DeSieno: Parasite Portraits

August 5th, 2014

Marcus DeSieno has created a series of what I like to call Parasite Portraits. It is tempting to anthropomorphize these hungry little creatures, isn’t it?

Big smile…

About the artist: Marcus DeSieno is a native of Albany, New York and is currently pursuing his MFA in Studio Art from the University of South Florida, expected to graduate in 2015. His work is concerned with the history of science and exploration in relation to the history of photography, often employing the use of antiquated photographic process combined with contemporary technologies to engage in a critical dialog about the evolution of photographic technology and the ontological nature of the photographic medium itself.

Parasite Portraits
Brandon Ballengee

June 22nd, 2014

While Iori Tomita creates beautiful translucent specimens of sea creatures, Brandon Ballengee has chosen to focus on deformed amphibians.

From the artist statement:
Since 1996, my transdisciplinary practice has bridged primary scientific studies with ecological art and engaged environmental stewardship. Underlying my practice is a systemic methodology, which posits art practice as a means of realizing research science, and vice-versa. Inherent to this working method is an impetus for “ecosystem activism” implemented through participatory biology field investigations and laboratory programs that stress public involvement – my attempt at social sculpting. My artworks come from direct experiences with amphibians, birds, fish and insect species found in today’s preternatural ecosystems and those observed in post-natural laboratory settings.

There is evidence that the growing occurrence of amphibian birth defects comes from contaminates in the chemical runoff of man made facilities. I deeply respect Ballengee for using art to evoke awareness and empathy for these creatures.

Now, via an enzymatic process and re-coloring, we can see the beauty of these creatures that tend to be largely ignored by humans.

Brandon Ballengee
Source
Delftia

April 26th, 2014

Not long ago, I had a dream that I was crafting a sacred geometry shape out of silver wire in my (hopefully soon to actually exist) metalwork area at home. This led me to a search a few things and stumble upon Delftia .

My favorite piece in the collection:

Here’s one I’ve yet to see anywhere else (though I can’t say I’ve searched much hypercube jewelry).

Great jewelry for science geeks in this Etsy shop.

Delftia
Rose-Lynn Fisher: The Topography of Tears

March 25th, 2014

The Topography of Tears is a fascinating visual study of tear crystalization under a standard light microscope, exploring the terrains of numerous emotions and forms of lacrimal activity. I want to paste some of the artist’s statement here, to give you her own lens on the work.

Elation:

The random compositions I find in magnified tears often evoke a sense of place, like aerial views of emotional terrain. Although the empirical nature of tears is a chemistry of water, proteins, minerals, hormones, antibodies and enzymes, the topography of tears is a momentary landscape, transient as the fingerprint of someone in a dream. This series ls like an ephemeral atlas.

Onions:

Roaming microscopic vistas, I marvel at the visual similarities between micro and macro realms, how the patterning of nature seems so consistent, regardless of scale. Patterns of erosion etched into earth over millions of years may look quite similar to the branched crystalline patterns of an evaporated tear that took less than a minute to occur.

Grief:

Tears are the medium of our most primal language in moments as unrelenting as death, as basic as hunger, and as complex as a rite of passage. They are the evidence of our inner life overflowing its boundaries, spilling over into consciousness. Wordless and spontaneous, they release us to the possibility of realignment, reunion, catharsis: shedding tears, shedding old skin. It’s as though each one of our tears carries a microcosm of the collective human experience, like one drop of an ocean.

The Topography of Tears
Slow Motion Match Burning

January 22nd, 2014

This video has been making the blog rounds lately, with good reason. Every now and then (as often as possible) it’s worth stopping to appreciate the awe striking nature of the world’s simplest things.
Creepmas Day 10: Collaborative Desktop Goodies!

December 10th, 2013

(Thanks, Bill!)

(Thanks, Bettie!)

(Thanks, Colleen!)

(Thanks, Carrie!)

(Thanks, Lee!)
Slovak Handmade

August 19th, 2013

Here is a fantastic graphite etching from Slovak Handmade. Look at the depth and detail!

Personally, I would prefer the image without the quote underneath. In my opinion, no human has the authority to “determine truth” about anything. That is not a religious statement; it is a statement of profound awe and reverence for the universe. However, we may try to stay humble and live the best life possible within our own approximations of truth as we see it thus far.

Watch a time lapse video of the project!

Slovak Handmade
Source
Hidden Beauty: Exploring the Aesthetics of Medical Science

July 27th, 2013

A new book on my wishlist: Hidden Beauty

This collaborative project by a scientist and artist from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine asks the reader to consider the aesthetics of human disease, a dynamically powerful force of nature that acts without regard to race, religion, or culture. Here more than sixty medical science professionals present visually stunning patterns of different diseases affecting various areas of the human anatomy.

Cannot type/talk due to severe illness (all words courtesy of voice software or kind typing helpers)…I read and appreciate all comments…Apologies for not being able to respond.
Periodic Cookies

July 10th, 2013

Periodic Cookies makes two glorious sugar cookie designs that caught my eye. Atomic particles and lab goodies!

I think I’d rather decorate a Christmas tree with these than eat them. But they would be the perfect snack to bring to a party of geeks (thinking of you, Matt & Steph!).

Periodic Cookies

Cannot type/talk due to severe illness (all words courtesy of voice software or kind typing helpers)…I read and appreciate all comments…Apologies for not being able to respond.