Patiopatch

Fount of knowledge

Although a dilettante gardener, I’m even more an armchair scientist but annually take a dip into the fount of scientific knowledge at the Royal Society’s summer exhibition. ¹ This august institution, situated in the grand edifice  of Carlton House Terrace, showcases recent science and technology research and gives students, young and old, the opportunity to question the researchers about their work.

Since I’m a naturalist at heart, this year’s main topic of interest was ‘Why Nature Dresses to Impress’ coupled with a delve in the ‘Physics of structural colour’. ² Here follows a résumé of what I learnt and seemingly understood, along with some background knowledge. Veracity is therefore not guaranteed! Read More…»