Random Analogies

"An equivalent analogy would be that the cytoskeleton is like a slowly-flowing two-dimensional glass, which cannot hold any shear elastic energy indefinitely. However, if fast deformation is imposed, it can manifest a large instantaneous shear modulus. This happens if the imposed deformation rate far exceeds the cytoskeleton remodeling rate, which theoretically should proceed (albeit very slowly) in the direction of relaxing the in-plane shear elastic energy according to the thermodynamic principle of maximum dissipation."

"The magnetosomes are like hair: a bacterium can survive without the magnetosomes, but the magnetosomes give it advantage. Some bacteria have many more magnetosomes they need for magnetotaxis. The analogy would be having 250x more bone than needed for standing up. Hoarding magnetite chains can be used to form cytoskeleton: mineral wealth does pays off."

"Reading Akira is like attending a grand science fiction, action opera. Characters develop as apocalypses loom and are dodged, often catching the protagonists a sharp shock on the way past. Otomo's world offers endless worthy corners and details to envelop the plot as it barrels towards crisis. Volume two thickens the plot by throwing in more blood, letting it clot slightly, then turning up the heat. Quite a ride! "