Compute Simulations of DNA are Cathedrals

Some images of the molecules of life, as they are displayed on the color computer screen, resemble the gorgeous stained-glass windows and soaring architectural members of the Gothic cathedrals. A cross-section of the B DNA double helix, for example, bears a likeness to the magnificent rose window at Chartres. The webbed vaulting of the clathrin protein and the flying buttresses of the sugar-phosphate side chains of the DNA evoke the same sense of architectural deja vu. No medieval architect could have raised more fitting structures. The medieval builders wanted the visible structures of the Gothic cathedral to reflect the invisible realities of the spirit world; the cathedral was conceived as an earthly image of the kingdom of God. Similarly, computer representations of the molecules of life are attempts to represent an unseen reality with visible images. And here, too, there is an almost mystical vision of a hidden harmony that has been established throughout the cosmos.

Notes:

Just as stained glass tried to represent the hidden wonders of the world, our computer simulations represent wonders we cannot see with our own eyes to instill reverence and awe.

Folksonomies: spiritual naturalism wonder

Taxonomies:
/science/social science/history/medieval history (0.501528)
/real estate/architects (0.353636)
/art and entertainment/visual art and design/design (0.204694)

Keywords:
gorgeous stained-glass windows (0.959078 (positive:0.258643)), DNA double helix (0.956996 (neutral:0.000000)), architectural deja vu (0.910817 (negative:-0.609766)), hidden wonders (0.738217 (negative:-0.377381)), Gothic cathedrals (0.716390 (positive:0.258643)), Compute Simulations (0.714805 (negative:-0.377381)), webbed vaulting (0.677232 (negative:-0.609766)), Gothic cathedral (0.632569 (positive:0.398632)), visible structures (0.630411 (positive:0.398632)), invisible realities (0.625383 (positive:0.398632)), color computer screen (0.619841 (negative:-0.234727)), earthly image (0.618737 (neutral:0.000000)), visible images (0.617825 (negative:-0.390329)), hidden harmony (0.614849 (positive:0.642634)), sugar-phosphate side chains (0.612653 (negative:-0.609766)), architectural members (0.610654 (positive:0.258643)), unseen reality (0.608827 (negative:-0.390329)), clathrin protein (0.607122 (negative:-0.609766)), fitting structures (0.604253 (positive:0.275866)), mystical vision (0.597732 (positive:0.642634)), medieval architect (0.592599 (positive:0.275866)), medieval builders (0.584899 (positive:0.398632)), spirit world (0.581891 (positive:0.398632)), molecules (0.454654 (negative:-0.390329)), buttresses (0.412902 (negative:-0.609766)), likeness (0.398364 (positive:0.694984)), life (0.394688 (negative:-0.390329)), reverence (0.393830 (neutral:0.000000)), Chartres (0.385620 (positive:0.694984)), magnificent (0.370251 (positive:0.694984))

Entities:
Gothic cathedral:Facility (0.860646 (positive:0.328638)), Chartres:City (0.431413 (positive:0.694984)), windows:OperatingSystem (0.367263 (positive:0.258643))

Concepts:
Gothic architecture (0.951535): dbpedia | freebase | yago
Stained glass (0.939010): dbpedia | freebase
York Minster (0.723279): geo | website | dbpedia | freebase | yago
Chartres Cathedral (0.674411): geo | dbpedia | freebase
Rose window (0.627395): dbpedia | freebase
Florence Cathedral (0.571607): geo | dbpedia | freebase | yago
Cathedral architecture of Western Europe (0.558481): dbpedia
Cologne Cathedral (0.535581): geo | website | dbpedia | freebase | yago | geonames

 The Path: A One-Mile Walk Through the Universe
Books, Brochures, and Chapters>Book:  Raymo , Chet (2003-03-01), The Path: A One-Mile Walk Through the Universe, Walker & Company, Retrieved on 2011-06-08
Folksonomies: science naturalism


Schemas

12 JUN 2011

 Instilling Children with the Sense of Wonder

Memes on teaching children about science and appreciation for nature.
 6