Scientific Images

I am excited in “seeing the unseen” and often a little disgusted. When asking for my favorite scientific images I was tempted to find the most repulsing microscope image because those are often the images I just can’t resist looking at. But, I thought that I would be able to keep my lunch if I chose images that were a little less disgusting. I thought the following electron microscope image of a flea was a great example of a scientific image that is aligned with the social realm. The image is colored of course to give the images parts distinction, but also for the purpose of aesthetic appeal (aesthetic appeal to a flea is that a paradox)? The photographer has scrolled a signature in the left hand corner further establishing the image as artwork. Personally the image makes me think of a fantasy creature.












Keeping with the same theme the following is an image of a “Water Bear” which also makes me feel a little sick, but I am drawn to look at and wonder. “Water Bears” live in mosses and lichens (water plants) and resemble bears how I assume they received their nickname. I also have learned that these strange creatures are basically indestructible because they are able to survive radiation in space check my source (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26613502/ns/technology_and_science-space/). I don’t believe I would have felt inspired to learn more about “Water Bears” without seeing the image first in Biology class. The creatures are quite famous.



Zoloft is an anti-depressant used to treat mental health disorders such as depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and anxiety. The Zoloft balls used in the advertisement of the medication for an unknown reason remind me of serenity. They are simple characters who often change from sad to happy. The Zoloft advertisements often have included the checklists discussed in chapter 9 that inspire consumer’s to diagnose themselves and consult with their physician to administer the prescription. I’m not sure I believe whether the average person is influenced or misdiagnose themselves to believe they have the symptoms of a disorder through prescription advertisements.