What You See When You Turn a Fish Inside Out
Smithsonian scientists use X-rays to classify different species, but when viewed outside the lab, the images provide stunning art
- By Megan Gambino
- Smithsonian.com, February 07, 2012
One of about 10 species of hammerhead sharks, the winghead shark (Eusphyra blochii) has a T-shaped head that is roughly half the length of its body. (Sandra J. Raredon, Division of Fishes, NMNH)
“When I first started X-raying, I saw the artistry in this,” says Raredon. She opens an X-ray of a cicada. (Occasionally, she gets requests from scientists to X-ray things other than fish. Once she X-rayed the head of a gorilla.) The delicate wings of the insect look as if they are etched. She inverts the image so that what normally shows up as white shows up as black, and the X-ray looks hand-drawn. She opens an X-ray of the head of a hammerhead shark and points to its eyeballs and the texturing on its bone. “This machine is just so incredible,” she says. Channeling what a kid might say, she came up with the exhibition’s subtitle: “Fish Inside Out.”
Comments (6)
I thought that art was something that was created, not something that just appeared.
Posted by Jim on April 27,2012 | 04:34 PM
Although I personally would not use the word this way, I did just look it up, and the use of the word "reticent" is not inappropriate. reticent: "restrained in expression, presentation, or appearance " Before getting grouchy with the editors, try a quick search for multiple uses and definitions.
Posted by TTurner on April 3,2012 | 09:55 PM
They are stunning images. The slider that allows us to view the outside and inside at the same time is a great tool. I hope to visit the display at the National Museum of Natural History.
Posted by Kathy on February 18,2012 | 01:14 PM
Interesting,
However I have been doing this as an artist for 35 years.
See my website : www.beyondlight.com. - gallery- gifts of the sea.
In my files I have many more fish.
Albert
Posted by albert Koetsier on February 18,2012 | 11:38 AM
THIS information-site, WILL BE SO HELPFUL TO MY GRANDSON, WHO IS HOME SCHOOLED. AND IS FASINATED BY OCEAN CRITTERS. THANKS FOR SHARING as it is beautiful, non-scary!
Posted by Jill Bugdanavage on February 17,2012 | 04:48 PM
"The fanged eel is reticent during the daytime ..."
Reticent??? Look it up, editors!
Posted by Christopher Carlson` on February 13,2012 | 05:05 PM