Ariel writes, “I am happy to see that other science dorks like myself have inked up our passions. This is the molecular representation of glutamic acid, the amino acid associated with the Umami flavor, the proverbial fifth taste. I am a former chef turned public health major and fell in love with the elegance of chemical compounds but never forgot my unctuous roots.

Click here to go to the full Science Tattoo Emporium.

Originally published June 12, 2010. Copyright 2010 Carl Zimmer.

I’ve moved on to the final round for the 2010 prize in science from 3 Quarks Daily. Now it’s in the hands of Richard Dawkins. Congratulations to everyone who has made it this far (including my fellow Discover bloggers Sean Carroll and Ed Yong). Stay tuned for the decision on June 21.

Originally published June 11, 2010. Copyright 2010 Carl Zimmer.