Posts by Jenny Zhang

Photography
March 11, 2015

Two New Species of Peacock Spiders Discovered with Amazingly Striking Patterns

Most people wouldn't think of spiders as beautiful or cute, but there's no other way to describe these cuddly specimens. Nicknamed “Sparklemuffin” and “Skeletorus” for their gorgeous markings, these striking arachnids are are two new species of peacock spiders discovered in southeast Queensland, Australia. The credit goes to UC Berkeley graduate student Madeline Girard, who studies peacock spiders, and a friend who went with her into the field.

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Photography
February 25, 2015

Elderly Chinese Women Wake Up at 4AM Every Day to Take Care of 1,300 Stray Dogs

While the Lunar New Year is traditionally spent with family and loved ones, five elderly Chinese women from Weinan, Shaanxi Province chose to spend the holiday taking care of over 1,300 stray dogs, just as they do every day. Six years ago, Wang Yanfang established a dog asylum as a way to save strays from the pound, where they could be euthanized.

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Sculpture
February 11, 2015

Intricately Carved 16-Century Prayer Nuts Open to Reveal Incredibly Detailed Scenes

A prayer nut was an extravagant, intricately carved boxwood carving from the Middle Ages that could be carried and used for private devotion. Owned mainly by the wealthy in northern Europe, a prayer nut was as much a status symbol as a sign of faith, as only those with money could afford them. The decorative items are small, measuring only a few inches in diameter.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.