As an artist who has always used natural forms as my subject and began my career by painting Rembrandt-like portraits of white roses, my interest in Chaos Theory and fascination with one of its components – fractals – led to a permanent transformation of my artistic vision. To echo William Blake, I see the world in a grain of sand, and heaven in a wild flower, hold infinity in the palm of my hand, and eternity in an hour. My subject is no longer simply a flower. By stripping away the mask of the exterior form and magnifying the image…
The Science Creative Quarterly
From creative
THE BPA DISRUPTOR (A SHORT PLAY)
Scene. An empty lecture hall, stage, or an open space. RACHEL, a scientist researching the impact of bisphenol A on Bantam chickens, has entered a science competition requiring her to act out her research topic in pantomime. Enlisting the help of a friend, CARLSON, to help her with the “dance” performance, CARLSON’S reluctance is countered by RACHEL’s enthusiasm for the competition. RACHEL: (pointing to the script) Just read it. CARLSON: (in disbelief) Why did I let you talk me into this? RACHEL: (insisting) Read it. CARLSON: I’m not even sure I understand what it means. RACHEL: (confidently) It resonates. It’s…
CANCER, A COMIC STRIP: THE ADVENTURES OF CRAFTY UNCONTROLLED MUTANT CELLS.
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HOW TO MANAGE A HOTEL WITH AN INFINITE NUMBER OF ROOMS
It will help to know a little math. We don’t mean fancy math like differential calculus, the Mandelbrot set and Fermat’s Last Theorem. We mean the ability to juggle lists with an infinite number of items in your head without getting dizzy. An appreciation for very large numbers will also be beneficial. Most people have a concept of infinity that is far too small. You must disabuse them of their petty notions and expand their idea of infinity at every opportunity. You can prime your guests in this direction by keeping a few large numbers at your disposal. For example,…
IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN CHROMOSOME γ AND ITS EPIGENETIC CONTROL FOR THE EXPRESSION OF “SUPER” GENES
– – – New England Journal of Medicine. (March 2013). Vol 328 No 12. DOI: 10.1738/NEJMoal219833 – pdf download ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Superheroes possess exceptional characteristics that far exceed the scope of human capabilities, such as the tremendous strength and pigmentation observed in The Incredible Hulk following his exposure to γ-radiation. Here, we explore the underlying molecular mechanisms for the “superhuman” abilities seen in the Hulk, as compared to semi-superheroes Papa Smurf and Popeye the Sailor. In particular, we examine the role of epigenetic mechanisms, principally DNA methylation, in the genotypic expression of “super” genes and their phenotypic manifestation. METHODS Whole…
IF THERE IS ANYBODY OUT THERE: HOMO SAPIEN HAIKU
If you find us, run. Because we will not make peace. We only know war. We will capture you, Examine and dissect you. If we fear you, hide. Because fear drives us to exterminate the source. We are small-minded. I apologise On behalf of my species, For our ignorance.
SACRED WASTE: A POLYMERIC RITUAL AT THE NEW ORLEANS FRINGE FESTIVAL
I have a small part in a show called SACRED WASTE which was created by LSU Ph.D. student Bonny McDonald – which is playing in the upcoming New Orleans Fringe Fest. The show involves dance, poetry, ritual, elaborate costumes (made of 100% recycled plastic), and explores many aspects of the relationship between humans and plastic – including the manufacture of it here in Louisiana, and some introductory polymer chemistry! SACRED WASTE was one of 30 shows jury selected to play in the New Orleans Fringe Festival (out of > 200 entries). This performance art show is a unique blend of…
PHYLOGENY HAIKU ON THE GREAT APES
Pongo abelii Orangutan asks Why only use my two hands? Feet are just as good Pongo pygmaeus Orangutan climbs A good distance away from African great apes Gorilla gorilla Gorilla ponders When brute force fails to resolve Perhaps more force works Gorilla beringei Mountain gorilla Calmly chews wild celery Peaceful times are rare Pan paniscus Bonobo grins big The sweeter the fruit should be The more sex required Pan troglodytes Chimpanzee hoots loud In the driving rainstorm’s wrath Why no umbrella? Homo sapiens Human walks away From forest and savannah Just sits in traffic
SENILE MIOSIS
The pupils of the eye become smaller as we age, shrinking to a mere third of their robust, youthful size. You knew this, even if you were not aware of the vanishing look in your grandmother’s window, the reptilian ooze of warm blood over the cliff. Open wide. Please. Open wider, so that we might forget the collapsing, the narrowing portals of grace, the cold neutron stars, in to which we are crushed. In this gaping sun filled array of gently swaying green, wide opening pink petals, and blue azulejo sky, I lament the constriction of your pupils more fervently…