Melissa Schumacher’s tattoo of Cantor’s theorem written in Frege’s notation
(Photo adapted from Science Ink by Carl Zimmer © 2011 Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.)
Tattoos are the defining fashion statement of the present generation. A few years ago, the writer Carl Zimmer was at a pool party and found that a young scientist friend of his, a neurobiologist, had a double helix printed on his back — a little strand of DNA.
Zimmer blogged about it, and before he knew it, dozens of scientists, mathematicians, and other academics were sending him photos and stories about their tattoos. Not anchors, skulls, and hearts, but creative designs that represent lifelong passions. "When you really believe in what you do," says Bob Datta, the friend with the DNA tattoo, "it becomes a part of you."
Zimmer compiled a book called Science Ink. Studio 360’s Lu Olkowski spoke with two people who bare some skin in his book about what inspired them to go under the needle.
Do you have tattoos specifically related to your profession or area of study? Tell us about it and upload a photo here.
Slideshow: Tats from Science Ink
Morse
Artist: Nightmares on WaxAlbum: Carboot SoulLabel: Warp RecordsPurchase: AmazonThe Anti-Christ
Artist: SlayerAlbum: Decade of Aggression (Live)Label: Sony LegacyPurchase: AmazonCircling
Artist: Four TetAlbum: There Is Love in YouLabel: DominoPurchase: AmazonBlack Hole
Artist: Kenseth ThibideauAlbum: RepetitionLabel: Temporary ResidencePurchase: AmazonContributors:
Lu Olkowski





Comments [3]
Awesome show! Does anyone know the name of the music used at the end?
Great story. Will be paying a lot more attention to peoples arms and legs while walking at Cal Tech and JPL. Thanks, Lu!
Good stuff, Lu. Fun to hear those stories out loud.
Leave a Comment
Register for your own account so you can vote on comments, save your favorites, and more. Learn more.
Please stay on topic, be civil, and be brief.
Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments. Names are displayed with all comments. We reserve the right to edit any comments posted on this site. Please read the Comment Guidelines before posting. By leaving a comment, you agree to New York Public Radio's Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use.