genetic code
"One hypothesis states that the chemical afinity between codons and amino acids formed the basis of their functional coupling. If this is true, the genetic code is like a wedding vow, formalizing and reinforcing the existing bonds between amino acid and triplet (in holy matrimony). Biochemical experiments seem to support this idea, but David Johnson and Lei Wang took the analysis to the inside of the cell, where a molecular fossil was waiting to tell its story."
"The genetic code is like a musical score. In music, the instructions for all songs and tunes are created from just eight different notes. These eight notes have been arranged and rearranged in a wide variety of combinations to create the scores for every piece of music ever produced, from a Beethoven symphony to a Beastie Boys rap."
"The genetic code is like a mystery novel, history text, and time log all wrapped into one. The goal of a geneticist is to learn how to read these books written in a simple 4 letter alphabet and decode critical information about the species under study."
METAMIA is a free database of analogy and metaphor. Anyone can contribute or search. The subject matter can be anything. Science is popular, but poetry is encouraged. The goal is to integrate our fluid muses with the stark literalism of a relational database. Metamia is like a girdle for your muses, a cognitive girdle.