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Where Science Meets Art A Morning Edition series explores the unexpected intersections of two seemingly different disciplines -- art and science.
Special Series

Where Science Meets Art

A Morning Edition series explores the unexpected intersections of art and science.

For Pianist, Music Unleashes Rainbows of Color

When pianist Laura Rosser performs, she hears more than sounds. She hears colors -- each note has its own associated hue. Rosser has a rare neurological condition called synesthesia. Stimulation of one sense produces the sensation of another.

For Pianist, Music Unleashes Rainbows of Color

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Artist Known for Ephemera Creates Slate Landscape

Andy Goldsworthy, a sculptor best known for impermanent works in nature made of leaves, rocks and even ice, has created a permanent slate structure for the National Gallery of Art. To do so, he studied optics and physics to create a series of domes that should stand forever without any cement.

Artist Known for Ephemera Creates Slate Landscape

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Donald Knuth, Founding Artist of Computer Science

Donald Knuth is legendary in the computer science world for writing a series of must-have reference books called The Art of Computer Programming. Part cookbook, part textbook, part encyclopedia, these books are also considered by many to be technical and personal works of art.

Donald Knuth, Founding Artist of Computer Science

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Artist Captures Wonder of Natural Phenomena

Artists use their creativity to reveal the world in new and sometimes unexpected ways. Artist Ned Kahn's work focuses on the physical world. From the harmonies of randomness to the dynamics of Earth's crust, Kahn uses scientific principles to create art.

Artist Captures Wonder of Natural Phenomena

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Music Of The Human Heart May Hold Clues To Healing

Milford Graves says a healthy heart — like a good jazz drummer — emphasizes the triplets. Andrew Lepley/Redferns/Getty Images hide caption

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Andrew Lepley/Redferns/Getty Images

Music Of The Human Heart May Hold Clues To Healing

Jazz drummer Milford Graves spends a great deal of time exploring the relationship between music and the human heart. Some doctors think he's onto something.

Music Of The Human Heart May Hold Clues To Healing

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Holy Evolution, Darwin! Comics Take On Science

Comic books have become a new frontier for the portrayal of scientific ideas and the drama of discovery. But they're also a battleground for the ongoing debate between evolutionary scientists and proponents of creationism.

Holy Evolution, Darwin! Comics Take On Science

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MIT-Trained Artist Blurs Technology and Art

An artist educated at MIT has a unique perspective on his trade. Using lasers, heart monitors and other technological gadgets, Christopher Janney explores the nature of creativity and origin of the soul.

MIT-Trained Artist Blurs Technology and Art

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Music Helps Physicians Heal Themselves

When they aren't seeing patients, many doctors moonlight as musicians. Doctors' orchestras exist in a handful of cities around the country. Many doctors say these groups help them unwind. Some think it makes them better physicians, too. Joel Rose of member station WHYY reports.

Music Helps Physicians Heal Themselves

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Software Helps Singers Find Perfect Pitch

For those with less-than-perfect singing voices, technology offers help. A number of computer programs can correct pitch to make just about anyone sound in tune -- even NPR's Renee Montagne, who lends her voice to show how the software works.

Software Helps Singers Find Perfect Pitch

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Bringing the Lost World of Dinosaurs to Life

At the American Museum of Natural History, a lost world is taking shape. Artists, writers and scientists have joined forces to create the most up-to-date dinosaur show ever. NPR's Christopher Joyce reports.

Bringing the Lost World of Dinosaurs to Life

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Exploring the Drama of Science, Faithfully

Many films and plays present a cartoon version of science bearing little resemblance to reality. Playwright Paul Mullin prefers to explain the facts to the audience, highlighting the human drama inherent in scientific discovery. NPR's Joe Palca reports.

Exploring the Drama of Science, Faithfully

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From Microscopes to Large-Scale Sculpture

For sculptor Kendall Buster, there is no distinction between art and science. Trained as a microbiologist, she explores the forms and landscapes seen in a microscope lens through her giant sculptures. NPR's Neda Ulaby reports.

From Microscopes to Large-Scale Sculpture

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In Evolution, a Taste for Beauty Has a Purpose

An appreciation for beauty may play a vital role in evolution. Female bowerbirds, for example, choose mates based on the aesthetics of their mating dance. Human behavior is more complex, but scientists say our love of beauty has also helped us survive. NPR's Christopher Joyce reports.

In Evolution, a Taste for Beauty Has a Purpose

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