“I got this tattoo, which encircles my left wrist, in 2000. The tat is described by this function(1/n)*sin(nx) with n from 1 to 6. I had done a lot of work with fourier transforms on the research project I was involved in as an undergrad physics student, and just find the entire concept very beautiful. At the time that I got the tat, I was a master’s student in materials science and was taking a class on fourier optics. As music also plays a very large role in my life, the image/concept has a double meaning for me. As an added ‘feature’, the artist made a small mistake on the inside of my wrist (the n=4 line disappears for a bit). This really bugged me at first until I decided it was a good metaphor for how the messy reality of life is never perfectly represented by our mathematical theories.”
Author: Lori Jia
“Here’s my tattoo of a Latin Hippocrates quote. Translated it says “life is short, art is long”.–Katie
Click here to go to the full Science Tattoo Emporium.
Originally published February 17, 2008. Copyright 2008 Carl Zimmer.
“Let’s not forget the computer scientists! I have a ying yang on one shoulder to remind me to keep a balance in all things in life. I have this on the other shoulder to remind me that sometimes things get fubar and you need to reboot.” –Chaim
Click here to go to the full Science Tattoo Emporium.
Originally published February 17, 2008. Copyright 2008 Carl Zimmer.
“I am a biochemist, studying to be a molecular biologist, and the tattoo I am sending is the entry for carbon on the periodic table of elements. Since all living things on this planet at least are carbon based, from a chemical standpoint, it doesn’t get much more basic than carbon. Hence the tattoo.” –Erin
Click here to go to the full Science Tattoo Emporium.
Originally published February 17, 2008. Copyright 2008 Carl Zimmer.
“I just have to say I love that you’re compiling all these science tattoos. Ever since I got mine I was wondering what other science tats were out there.
So, in undergrad I did independent research on the aquatic ecology of tardigrades in the Great Smoky Mountains. I discovered three new species to science and this is tattoo is to represent how much I enjoyed that research. Also, I think tardigrades are one of the coolest organisms on earth – they’re practically indestructible! Thanks again for getting all of these together.”–Kristal