Science Magazine and the National Science Foundation recognize the creators of some stunning scientific images, drawings, and multimedia environments, in the second annual Science and Engineering Visualization Challenge. The most impressive is the visualization of a simulation performed by Emad Tajkhorshid and Klaus Schulten (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign) of an aquaporin, a structure in the cell wall that allows big water molecules to pass in and out, but that doesn't pass smaller particles like protons. Bring your broadband connection for a combined schematic/infrared video of a bat echolocating and eating a flying insect, courtesy of Cynthia F. Moss and Kaushik Ghose (University of Maryland, College Park).

(Thanks to "nsd".)

posted: 6:03:13 PM  

Christopher Joyce reports on bowerbird displays as part of a story about natural selection for artfulness. The page includes a link to video of bowerbird vocalization and mating.

(Thanks to Leta.)

posted: 5:47:43 PM