Top New Science Books: ‘Oceans Under Glass’ By Samantha Muka (Dec ’22)

Oceans under Glass

Oceans under Glass – Tank Craft and the Sciences of the Sea

By Samantha Muka

Aquarist knowledge is an often overlooked but vital part of marine research

A welcome dive into the world of aquarium craft that offers much-needed knowledge about undersea environments.

The art of aquarium science

Atlantic coral is rapidly disappearing in the wild. To save the species, they will have to be reproduced quickly in captivity, and so for the last decade conservationists have been at work trying to preserve their lingering numbers and figure out how to rebuild once-thriving coral reefs from a few survivors. Captive environments, built in dedicated aquariums, offer some hope for these corals. This book examines these specialized tanks, charting the development of tank craft throughout the twentieth century to better understand how aquarium modeling has enhanced our knowledge of the marine environment.

Science Magazine – December 22, 2022

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Research Preview: Science Magazine – Dec 23, 2022

Science Magazine – December 23, 2022 issue:

Mars’s magnetic field was long-lived, reversible

Study of famed meteorite by quantum microscope hints at planet’s prolonged habitability

Lessons on transparency from the glassfrog

Transparency in glassfrogs has potential implications for human blood clotting

Making modern medicines

The business side of drug development comes to the fore in a tale of two blockbuster blood cancer therapeutics

Siberia Views: The Nomadic Nenets Reindeer Herders

BBC Earth – Arctic Siberia’s Nomadic Nenets herders have migrated with reindeer for generations. Reindeer were among the last animals domesticated by humans.

According to the Nenets legend, the humans promised the reindeer that they would protect them on their long migration from the mainland to the seashores as long as the reindeer provide humans with all their needs, including milk, fat, meat, bones, horns, and skins. The nomadic reindeer herders reside in the taiga forests of the Russian tundra and northern Mongolia. 

Architecture: A Walking Tour Of New York City’s Rockefeller Center (AD)

Architectural Digest (December 22, 2022) – Today on AD, architect Adam Rolston takes us on an insightful walking tour of Rockefeller Center, exploring the history and details of New York City’s most famous holiday season destination.

From the history behind the towering art deco 30 Rockefeller Plaza to the iconic ice skating rink and smaller details you may not be aware of, come along as Adam explores and explains everything there is to know about Rockefeller Plaza.

Arts & Life: FT Weekend Magazine – Dec 24, 2022

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FT Weekend Magazine (December 24, 2022):

Three falls in the Alps

I was tethered to my partner when we fell 200m, beginning an almost unbelievable new chapter in my life

How professors’ children are shaping the world

Zelenskyy, Macron and Sam Bankman-Fried are all academics’ kids on a global stage

He is one of Russia’s most esteemed musicians. Why he left

An audience with Mikhail Voskresensky, former head of the piano section at the Moscow Conservatory

Top 2022 Architecture: The ‘Blade’ Residences In Canobbio, Switzerland

Mino Caggiula architectsThe inspiration for the project came after experiencing the works of Richard Serra, an American artist known for using metal blades to create his works of art that can be defined as Landmark.

The architectural intervention is daring and aims at a harmonious connection with the surrounding space and landscape, without spoiling it; throughout plays of tension with shapes and insertion into the vegetation. In order to reach this goal, curved weathering steel blades are positioned so that, in perspective, they go beyond the woods in the south and direct the units and the view towards the lake. The radius of curvature is measured so that the sagitta of the chord of the circle doesn’t exceed 1 mm per linear metre, making thus the interiors furnishable and going back to a human scale, just like the dualism produced by Richard Serra’s sculptures.

Because of the steepness, we created two different blocks in order to further guarantee the view of the lake to the properties, divided by a system of main and secondary blades to create an internal and subordinate subdivision of the units. The insertion of the vegetation was inspired by New York’s High Line which scratches the pavement just like the blades do. This logic was transposed into our project both horizontally and vertically, thus the blades represent at the same time both a boundary and a bridge.

Books: London Review Of Books – January 5, 2023

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London Review of Books (LRB) – January 5, 2023:

The first issue of LRB volume 45 is now online, featuring Alan Bennett’s diary for 2022, @_jamesmeek on flooding, Anne Enright on Toni Morrison, Jenny Turner @neepmail on Colette, @xlorentzen on Cormac McCarthy and a cover by @Jon_McN.

Eyes that Bite

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison.

Underwater Living

James Meek on housebuilding in the aftermath of the 2013 floods

Front Page: The New York Times – December 22, 2022

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U.S. Aid Is ‘Not Charity,’ Zelensky Tells Congress as a Lengthy War Looms

President Volodymyr Zelensky described military assistance for Ukraine as an investment in global security and democracy in the face of Russian aggression.

Vice President Kamala Harris and Speaker Nancy Pelosi hold a Ukrainian flag signed by soldiers on the front line, delivered by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

As Ukraine Prepares for a Second Year at War, the Prospect of a Stalemate Looms

American officials believe that with Russia bolstering defenses and learning lessons, Ukraine will find it more challenging to retake land.

Putin Concedes Military Failings, but Insists Russia Will Fight On

Nodding to criticism that his army lacked the basic necessities to wage war, the Russian leader said his government was providing “everything that the army asks for.’’

I.R.S. Routinely Audited Obama and Biden, Raising Questions Over Delays for Trump

The revelation that the agency had not audited Donald J. Trump during his first two years in office despite a mandatory presidential audit program raised concerns about potential politicization.