Science Surfing
- Planetary Science
Mars Photo of the Day
With a stock of more than 120,000 images, the camera team for NASA’s Mars Global Surveyor mission has started daily postings of pictures to showcase the diversity of Martian landscapes. Click on the photo to obtain additional information about what the image reveals. Go to: http://www.msss.com/
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Shadows of the Infinite
The European Laboratory for Particle Physics (CERN) and the London Institute joined forces to explore interactions between art and science. This Web site presents glimpses of some of the resulting productions and events–a play called “Life’s a Monkey,” an exhibition of artworks by 12 of Europe’s leading artists, a major symposium on art and science, […]
- Physics
Soap Bubbles in Space
While aboard the International Space Station, astronaut Don Pettit took some time off to experiment with soap bubbles and films. This NASA Web page presents the surprising and startling results of his soapy ventures in a zero-g environment. Go to: http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2003/25feb_nosoap.htm
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Colossal Colon Tour
The Colossal Colon is a 40-foot-long, 4-foot-high replica of a human colon. Visitors can crawl through the colon or look through the viewing windows to see healthy colon tissue, colon disease, polyps, and various stages of colon cancer. Under the auspices of the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation, the giant model will be on display […]
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Left-Handed DNA
DNA strands in living cells normally have a right-hand twist–just like a standard wood or metal screw. The Left-Handed DNA Hall of Fame, maintained by Tom Schneider of the Laboratory of Experimental and Computational Biology at the National Institutes of Health, offers an amusing compendium of examples in which illustrators have unwittingly depicted DNA incorrectly […]
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Micro Burgers ‘n Fries
For an intimate peek at an all-American meal, this Web page from Florida State University’s National High Magnetic Field Laboratory offers microscopic views of the basic ingredients that go into a serving of burgers and fries. See colorful slices of a wheat kernel, cooked meat, onion tissue, cheese proteins, starch granules, and lettuce cells. Go […]
- Physics
Snowflake Central
Stunning photos, fascinating historical material, and an informative snowflake physics primer highlight this Web site, which is devoted to natural and designer snow crystals. Assembled by Caltech physicist Kenneth G. Libbrecht, the site includes tips on how to photograph snow crystals and spotlights efforts to study how snow crystals form. Go to: http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals/.
- Humans
Genetic Artistry
To see how some artists portray the promise and perils of the Human Genome project, check out the Web sites of artists who use depictions of DNA or chromosomes, create images from genetically engineered bacteria, or take advantage of gene-mapping technology to express their ideas. Additional information about these artists can be found in the […]
- Math
Celebrating Artful Math
This year’s “Mathematics Awareness Month” focuses on interactions between mathematics and art. The associated Web pages feature essays, images, and more, all devoted to striking examples of highly creative activities in math and art. Go to: http://mathforum.org/mam/03/
- Earth
Undersea Mountain Descent
Join an international expedition in exploring an underwater mountain in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Twice-weekly dispatches highlight the scientific team’s findings for the duration of the expedition from Nov. 14 to Dec. 14. Hosted by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the expedition’s Web site also includes colorful diagrams illustrating various geological concepts and […]
- Chemistry
Artistic Elements
Providing an unusual perspective on the chemical elements, the Chemistry Societies’ Network presents a stunning visual tour of the elements (109 in all) as seen through the eyes of artists. Pick an element, from hydrogen to meitnerium, to see the image it suggested to an artist and, as a bonus, learn a little about the […]
- Earth
Energy-Saving Stars
This Web site documents progress in a program set up by the U.S. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency to encourage companies to reduce the energy consumed by their products. More than 3,000 companies have participated in efforts to cut emissions of carbon dioxide and lower energy costs for consumers. Site visitors can find […]
