Science
August 6, 2019

Research Shows the Incredible Way Trees Help Each Other Survive in the Forest

When you're walking through the forest and see a tree stump, you might think you're looking at a dead organism. But researchers have reason to believe there's more to tree stumps than meets the eye. In fact, thanks to the help of other trees in the forest, they may still be alive. Researchers in New Zealand have recently published a study on the phenomenon, which they call hydraulic coupling.

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Animals
August 5, 2019

Perfectly Timed Photo Shows Singing Blackbird Creating Vortex Rings with His Breath

This year, amateur bird photographer Kathrin Swoboda achieved a career-changing shot. Like many photographs of birds, her portrait of a blackbird stars a perched, singing subject. What sets this photograph apart from others, however, is that viewers can actually see his song—an element expertly captured by the strategic photographer. Early on March 17, 2019, Swoboda set out toward Huntley Meadows Park, an island in Virginia favored by nature photographers for its  wildlife-friendly wetlands.

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Photography
August 2, 2019

Traveling Photographer Captures a Pastel World Straight Out of a Wes Anderson Film

Viewing the world through the eyes of Lisbon-based photographer Teresa Freitas is like stepping into a candy-colored wonderland. With soft pastel hues and imaginative compositions, her ever-growing portfolio of travel photography captures the magic of each location she visits. Freitas’ interest in photography and creative editing began when she was a sophomore student.

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Art History
August 1, 2019

The Unique History and Exquisite Aesthetic of Japan’s Ethereal Woodblock Prints

Subject Matter   Women Like western art, one subject that repeatedly appears in Japanese works is the classically beautiful female. Particularly present in woodblock prints, Japanese women—ranging from geishas and courtesans to ordinary individuals—appear to have fascinated artists with their stoic expressions, elaborate garments, and graceful demeanors. Utamaro was particularly known for these female-centric depictions. Aptly called bijin ōkubi-e (“large-headed pictures of beautiful women”), his distinctive portraits often featured close-up views of women's faces and upper bodies, emphasizing their effortless beauty.

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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.