Rachel writes:

“I studied geology for three years before I reached my major’s capstone course in paleontology. Therein, I became much more familiar with the subject that has since become my greatest scientific passion: evolution. Darwin’s breathtaking brilliance left me awe struck and I have since devoted much of my free time to studying natural selection, specifically, the origins of Darwin’s ideas. One of the basic foundations for Darwin’s discovery was the adaptation of different types of finches to various islands in the Galapagos. To commemorate my devotion, as well as to honor his genius, I got this tattoo of his first published drawing of said finches.”

Continue reading “The Beak(s) of the Finch” →

I’m heading to Boston on Friday to speak at the Harvard Book Store about Microcosm. It’s at 7 pm, and it’s free. Information is here. Then it’s on to Chicago, where I’ll be talking at the Field Museum on Saturday at 2. Here are the details. I hope some Loom readers can make it! (For those who don’t live in either fine city, please check my talk page.) 

Originally published May 12, 2008. Copyright 2008 Carl Zimmer.

Kate writes:

“I thought I’d send you a photo of my tattoo. I guess it fits into the ‘anthropology’ category although I’m actually a vet (I’ve seen exactly one deer in a professional capacity since I graduated). It’s a copy of a tattoo found on the Pazyryk mummy, a 2,400 year old Scythian, possibly a shaman. I’ve heard that it’s the oldest known tattoo found on a woman, but I’m not sure whether that’s correct. It was done to celebrate the end of a 1, 200 mile walk from John O Groats to Land’s End back in 2002. I’ve heard of other people with it, but haven’t seen any, so I’d be interested to find out if any of your other readers have the same one. Not as cool as some, but I like it!”

Continue reading “Everyone say, “Pazyryk”” →

Ben, a philosopher of science grad student, writes:

“Darwin sketched the great tree of life and as a philosopher of science and I endeavor to help to complete his project. ‘Metaphysics must flourish, he who understands baboon would do more for metaphysics than Locke’- I believe that by analyzing the universe underneath the lens of evolution we can come to complete Darwin’s project. Darwin, more so than any other great thinker, has provided humanity with an explanation for its existence.”

Click here to go to the full Science Tattoo Emporium. 

Originally published May 12, 2008. Copyright 2008 Carl Zimmer.

Following up on the last post, here’s George Johnson with Stephen Colbert. Where else on TV could someone recreate one of Faraday’s experiments? The new Mr. Wizard?

Originally published May 10, 2008. Copyright 2008 Carl Zimmer.