Remembering the Sedgwick Museum

"Velociraptor" by Bangooh (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
“Velociraptor” by Bangooh (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
Photo Credit: Josh Witten (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
Photo Credit: Josh Witten (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Yesterday, we featured a lovely Lego sculpture of a running fox by Bangoo H. As one might expect, that was not Bangoo H’s only biologically inspired work. My eye was caught by this depiction of a velociraptor skeleton, which instantly transported me back to Cambridge, UK and the skeleton of the velociraptor’s close relative, Deinonychus, displayed in the Sedgwick Museum.

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Like any museum the Sedgwick Museum had its large, dramatic display pieces. It also had collected items crammed into every conceivable space and drawer (like the fossils of sea urchins in the slide show). There was always too much to take in everything with a single visit. So, each trip involved new discoveries, depending on which cases we chose to explore, which was part of the reason it was a fantastic place to bring our kids over and over again.

Anti-bodies are the best superheroes


HT: David Gorski

Foxy Lego

Turns out “Foxy Lego” totally works as a lyric substitute in the Jimi Hendrix song. Of course, nothing else in the song will make sense, but, really, that is a small price to pay in the face of this fox build by Bangoo H. As I have said before, I find myself particularly compelled by Lego art that represents biology, because both are composed of smaller component parts that individually capture almost none of the essence of the complete thing. I also like sculpture, using any medium, that captures the concept of dynamic motion. This fox checks all those boxes for me.

"Fox" by Bangoo H (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
“Fox” by Bangoo H (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

HT: Brothers Brick

The Analytical Engine, Plan 25

"The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace & Babbage" by Sydney PaduaMy copy of Sydney Padua’s The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace & Babbage is supposed to arrive next week (21 April 2015). I’m a little excited. As regular patrons of The Finch & Pea know, I’m just a little bit of a fan of her work*.

Until then (or until the copy you just ordered arrives), you contemplate the complexity and beauty of the completed analytical engine (if only in Padua’s imagination) at The Guardian.  You can also read about the development of the illustration and the choice of color palette at Padua’s own site.

*Mutual appreciation society

Science for the People: Heavy Metal Birds

sftpThis week, Science for the People is learning about the impact that the byproducts of our industrial societies have on avian populations. We’ll speak to filmmaker Matthew Podolsky about his documentary Scavenger Hunt, that looks at the effects of lead on the California Condor. We’ll also talk to conservation scientist Alexander Bond about his research on mercury poisoning in the endangered Arctic Ivory Gull.

*Josh provides research & social media help to Science for the People and is, therefore, completely biased.