Botanic Gardens of Sydney’s Post

Ancient Rome (30 BC-640 AD) A famous artifact called the Lycurgus Cup resides in the British Museum in London. The base of the Lycurgus Cup is made of glass and dates back to the fourth century A.D. (the gilded bronze base and rim were added later). What makes this cup unique is that its color changes from green (when illuminated from the outside) to red (when illuminated from within). What causes the color change? Transmission electron microscopy reveals that the glass contains nanoparticles of gold and silver. At the nanoscale, materials exhibit properties that are different from their macroscale counterparts. Most likely, the unique properties of this ancient Roman piece were created by accident as there are surviving pieces from this era that appear to be failed attempts to recreate this effect. https://lnkd.in/dn9JMBtQ

(En/Th) Gemstone fluorescence under UV light is a fascinating phenomenon, revealing unique glowing patterns in gems like Burmese amber, ruby, and spinel. This natural interaction between UV light and the gemstone’s chemical structure enhances their beauty and offers valuable insights into their composition. Explore how fluorescence serves both aesthetic and scientific purposes in gemology. #GemstoneFluorescence #UVLightGems #FluorescentAmber #GemstoneScience #GemologyTools https://lnkd.in/gC2aJ5sF

The process of creating a Mosaic is what is important to Olga Goulandris, the selection of one tessera over the another, the decisions that evolve from every choice and the discoveries made along with cutting techniques. The distance between the Byzantine technique that Olga studied, and Contemporary Mosaic is not greater than the space from one tessera to another. https://lnkd.in/dU8ahibU

Of Realms, created with reverence to a journey through abstract dimensions conducted through monochrome tones and abstract forms. https://lnkd.in/e_BwVd8M

This Hublot X Daniel Arsham horological masterpiece in signature Arsham green is pop art rendered in product form. #watchdesign #pocketwatch #uniquedesign Read: https://lnkd.in/gx7Msb3s

This Hublot X Daniel Arsham horological masterpiece in signature Arsham green is pop art rendered in product form. #watchdesign #pocketwatch #uniquedesign Read: https://lnkd.in/g3V9C588

Do you know if your artifacts are being stored properly? Here are three key tips: ✅ Keep temperature and humidity stable. ✅ Use acid-free, buffered materials. ✅ Protect artifacts from direct sunlight. At Weipeng, we work closely with museums and institutions to create tailored storage solutions for their collections. What are the challenges you’ve faced with artifact preservation? Let’s discuss in the comments! #ArtifactPreservation #StorageSolutions #MuseumCare #CulturalHeritage

From our Newsletter 💙 One of our most recent contributions to the newsletter is "Eternal Chirality" by Istvan Hargittai and Magdolna Hargittai which explores chirality, or "handedness," a fascinating phenomenon that bridges the worlds of science and art. From nature’s intricate structures to fundamental medical applications, chirality has evolved from a scientific curiosity to a critical concept. This unique form of asymmetry occurs when objects—whether animate or inanimate—exist in pairs as mirror images that cannot be superimposed, such as our own hands or feet. In crystallography, chirality is essential for understanding molecular structures, though it is sometimes overlooked in broader discussions. Its beauty lies in its symmetry and dissymmetry—creating forms that mirror but never duplicate each other. Chirality reminds us that science, much like art, thrives on exploring symmetry, structure, and balance, revealing the elegance embedded within natural forms. Explore more: https://lnkd.in/eyByEraT Photo from left to right: homochiral pair of hands: Auguste Rodin, The Cathedral, Rodin Museum, Paris; heterochiral pair of hands: tombstone in the Jewish cemetery, Prague; legs: detail of the sculpture Wave, by Kay Worden, Newport, Rhode Island. Photographs by the Hargittais.

A Symphony of Atoms In the silent chambers of creation, Atoms whisper secrets to the void, Dancing in lattices, crystalline perfection, Their elegance, a poet’s joy. Flames kiss the raw potential, Transforming chaos into art, From sol to gel, a journey essential, Where science and beauty impart. Lysozyme, a sculptor unseen, Weaves neuron paths, cage-like dreams. In light's embrace, a crimson gleam, A whisper of futures unforeseen. Fields align, a magnetic song, Electric pulses, both weak and strong. Multiferroic echoes, a world anew, In each domain, a tale rings true. A bridge from the lab to life's great stage, Where energy flows and boundaries engage. Smart materials, a hope, a key, Unlocking doors for humanity. So here we stand, in wonder and awe, Nature’s rules, humanity’s law. A universe crafted, a truth to behold, A thing of beauty, in spirituality and science told.

Victorian Gothic narratives provide a window into the interplay between scientific curiosity and societal fears. This article scrutinizes how works such as Frankenstein and Dracula portray anatomical dissection, vivisection, and autopsy scenes, reflecting cultural discomfort with scientific advancement and the sanctity of the human form. #victoriangothic #literaturestudies #academicresearch #culturalcritique #scientifichistory