About the Image
Located in the Bolivian Andes, Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat. The irregular, hexagonal cells are naturally occuring phenomena called Bénard cells. Scientists are trying to understand why these convective cells adhere to deterministic laws at the microscopic level but result in a non-deterministic arrangement, as you see here.
(photo: Cristian Viarisio/Flickr) |
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Unheard Cuts
» Complete, Unedited Interview (mp3, 1:15.32)
We knew as soon as the interview with Janna Levin was finished that it was definitely a show. The issue was "Where do we cut it?" After a series of expansions and contractions, we produced a finely honed hour of audio. Download the entire, unedited conversation and let us know what you think. |
Hear the Music
» SOF Playlist ¦ hear full-length tracks of each song played in the program |
SoundSeen: Video
 "On Truth and Beauty" (Flash, 7:30)
The science magazine Seed held a salon with acclaimed fiction writer Jonathan Lethem and physicist and novelist Janna Levin in March 2007. They discuss the importance of truth in their art and the impurity of metaphor — and therein lies elegance and beauty. |
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Voices of Our Audience
» Your Reflections ¦ tell us and other audience members what this program meant to you. |
Voice on the Radio
Janna Levin
Levin is an assistant professor of Astrophysics at Columbia University's Barnard College. She's also the author of two books, including A Madman Dreams of Turing Machines. |
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