Fine Wine and Flies

Science art at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American


To anyone who is wondering, one way to make me very happy is to invite me to an event such as this one:
 

Yes, a science art event at one of my favorite places, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, that involves sketching flies’ naughty bits all while sipping fine wines. I’ve died and gone to #sciart heaven.


On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.


The subjects of this artistic evening are phorid flies, the very same flies I covered previously here on Symbiartic, as 43 new species were discovered in the Los Angeles area. This event will benefit the museum’s Urban Nature Research Center, which is dedicated to urban biodiversity and further understanding the ecosystems of Los Angeles, bringing together scientists, citizen scientists, and educators to explore local wildlife.

I will indeed be there to take part in this science art extravaganza. I cannot wait to take home my very own phorid fly genital work of art.

Have you been to or heard of similar science art events in your area? Let me know! I want to hear all about them! 
 

Subscribe to Support Independent Journalism

Great science journalism requires human expertise, time, effort and creativity. And it costs money. That’s why I and the journalists here at Scientific American hope you’ll join our community.

When you subscribe, you are supporting staff and freelance journalists who are passionate about telling science stories that are true, important and compelling. Our editors and reporters are often experts in their fields, which means they understand the nuances of big discoveries and can untangle the breakthroughs from the hype. With a subscription, you are also supporting rigorous fact-checking to ensure the words we publish are precise and accurate. And you’re supporting original illustrations, graphics and photos that bring you closer to an advanced laboratory, an ice sheet in Antarctica or a space mission in orbit. You’re helping us craft other types of high-quality journalism as well: Our newsletters are carefully written, edited and curated by staffers you have or will come to know and love. Our Science Quickly podcast is based on original reporting, collaboration with editors and scientists and exacting production.

Subscriptions keep this engine running so we can continue to deliver thoughtful, rigorous and independent science journalism to you. In an era of viral misinformation, this work is crucial. If you value what we do, I hope you’ll consider joining us as a subscriber

Thank you,

Jeanna Bryner, Editor in Chief, Scientific American

Subscribe