The second presentation brought us down to the cellular level - with tremendous animated graphics by medical graphics artists working with Harvard University's biology department. Courtesy of Ethan Zuckerman, one picture of what Bolinsky calls "the FedEx of the cell" delivering newly created biological components within the cell [photo courtesy of Ethan Zuckerman's blog, a great spot for live-blogging coverage, as always. Thanks, Ethan.].
The work is well encapsulated with a stunning three minute animated clip he shows of the inner life of a cell.
Did I mention that the theme this year is "Icons. Geniuses. Mavericks." though perhaps those concepts apply as much to the ideas and memes represented here, as much as to the presenters.
There was a high level of energy following the first session, more than on other first days of late, when many folks slowly drifted into Monterey.... and the Main Room was so packed for the second session that quite a few people decided to move back out to the more relaxed simulcast rooms.
"TED's gone Hollywood," said one multi-year TEDster. Yes, there is a pedominance of stars, many of whom were particularly enchanted with how Swedish medical demographer and scientist Hans Rosling's close of the first session... when he pulled off his shirt to reveal a muscle tank-top, then swallowed a sword of at least 18 inches on stage. For real, not just a stunt.
Well, it was not so long ago, that folks complained that TED had become mostly T (Technology), a little E (Entertainment) and lower-case D (Design). Kudos to Chris Anderson, June Cohen and others for restoring the Entertainment industry participation at TED... take it away....
Recent Comments