Science
March 2, 2020

Did You Know That Some People Can Create a Rumbling Sound in Their Ears?

Once again, Twitter is proving to be a great source of interesting facts about science. The latest talking point centers around the tensor tympani, a muscle in the ear that has a big impact on what we hear. Used to dampen sounds like claps of thunder or shouting or chewing, this muscle reduces the volume when things get too loud. But did you know that some people can actually flex this muscle voluntarily?

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Painting
March 1, 2020

Artist Shares Beautiful Watercolor Studies of Landscapes From Her Sketchbooks

Choosing the right color is a cornerstone of any painting. To some, the process comes naturally, but others take special care in finding the right palette for their canvas. Artist Jowita Marczuk opens her sketchbook on Instagram to share how she breaks down landscapes into thoughtful color gradients and expressive illustrations. Based in Heidelberg, Germany, Marczuk finds creative inspiration from her bucolic surroundings.

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Environment
February 28, 2020

Two Men Created “Leather” From Cactus to Save Animals and the Environment

As one of the world's most traded products, leather is part of a booming $80 billion industry. But, its use of animal products and harsh chemicals makes leather problematic not only for animal rights activists but environmentalists. Luckily, two entrepreneurs from Mexico have worked to find a leather alternative that is not only eco-friendly but has the look and feel of real leather. So what are they using to make their faux-leather?

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Art
February 28, 2020

Stark White Paper Cities Made From Dozens of Cut and Layered Sheets of Paper

Artist Ayumi Shibata practices the Japanese art of paper cutting to create layered, three-dimensional sculptures. By using dozens (and sometimes over 100) sheets of paper, Shibata crafts intricate cityscapes and forests that are compiled into hand-bound books and contained inside glass jars. When illuminated by light, the tiers of white paper glow to express a cinematic depth. Not only is paper a convenient and inexpensive material, but it also has deep significance for the artist.

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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.