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Photograph of blood & milk by { Frederic Fontenoy }, via { but does it float }

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The liquids form tendrils, veins, cells, branches, { networks },
following { repeating orders } — how did this become?

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{ Simple mathematical pattern describes shape of neuron ‘jungle’ }

A 2/3 power law: L = (3/4π)^1/3 × V^1/3n^2/3
where n is the number of dendritic sections to make up the tree, L is the total length of these sections, and V is the total volume

{ A scaling law derived from optimal dendritic wiring }

Authors:
    Hermann Cuntza,b,c,1,
    Alexandre Mathya, and
    Michael Häussera

Abstract:
The wide diversity of dendritic trees is one of the most striking features of neural circuits. Here we develop a general quantitative theory relating the total length of dendritic wiring to the number of branch points and synapses. We show that optimal wiring predicts a 2/3 power law between these measures. We demonstrate that the theory is consistent with data from a wide variety of neurons across many different species and helps define the computational compartments in dendritic trees. Our results imply fundamentally distinct design principles for dendritic arbors compared with vascular, bronchial, and botanical trees.

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On { SVA portfolios } today — thank you for the feature.

ohyeahmorigirl:

exobiology:

Deep in the rainforests of the Indian state of Meghalaya, bridges are not built, they’re grown. For more than 500 years locals have guided roots and vines from the native Ficus Elastica (rubber tree) across rivers, using hollowed out trees to create root guidance systems. When the roots and vines reach the opposite bank they are allowed to take root. Some of the bridges are over 100 feet long and can support the weight of 50 people.

Thought some of you might find this interesting. :-)

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Five Most Viewed Projects at SVA Portfolios

Since the School of Visual Arts partnered with { Behance } a little over a month ago to launch { SVA Portfolios }, thousands of people have visited the site to check out the work of SVA alumni, faculty members, and degree-seeking students. Below are five projects that are currently attracting the most views. Click the links to see all of the images within each project, and to add your own, visit { SVA Portfolios }.

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4) Olena Shmahalo (BFA 2011 Visual & Critical Studies), { A Strange Forest }

via { Visual Arts Briefs }

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A Strange Forest — spring 2008 — was the culmination of my freshman year at SVA. I’d hope to create an immersive experience that would live unbounded by the parameters of medium or of particular art practices.
Approx. 7 x 3 ft, painting & multimedia.

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Tzu-chi YEH (Taiwanese, b. 1957)

via but does it float