If you’ve already ordered your DNA 11 Gift Kit but still need something for the science-lover in your life, look no further! We’ve curated a few must-haves of the season, celebrating everything from molecules to DNA, sterling-silver to jellyfish.
Steampunk Rock Star Scientist Poster Art Prints (above)
If you’re like us, everyday is a celebration of Watson and Crick, the duo who together proposed the double helix/spiral staircase structure of the DNA molecule in 1953. Now you can pay tribute to your favourite scientists in style with these Steampunk Rock Star Scientist Prints.
Intro to Molecular Bonding T-Shirt
If you put six H’s, two C’s and one big O in a room together, what would happen? Consult Figure 1: Alcohol at a Party. Available as both men’s and women’s tees, it’s a perfect gift for those scientific party animals.
Biochemies DNA Plush Toys
These DNA plush toys magnetically interact where they hydrogen bond! These little guys aren’t available for purchase yet, but you can back the project on Kickstarter for first dibs on a set of your own when they’re released in March 2012. These happy bases would make great desk toys, educational tools, or gifts for current and aspiring scientists.
Molecular Cuisine Starter Kit
This culinary kit is more like chemistry set, containing sachets of agar-agar, calcium lactate, sodium alginate, soy lecithin and xanthan gum to help aspiring molecular chefs experiment at home. The kit also includes an arsenal of tools like a syringe and silicone tubing, plus a DVD of 50+ recipes for molecular implosion.
via Wired
Desktop Jellyfish Tank
Because regular aquariums just don’t cut it anymore! This kit includes all the essential tools to get started, from the 7 gallon tank, air pump and feeding tube, to a voucher for moon jellyfish delivery (they’re guaranteed to arrive alive!).  It’s the first affordable aquarium designed specifically for jellyfish and it’s as easy to maintain as a regular fish tank (which jellyfish can’t live in because they get sucked into the air filtration system). Available for pre-order.
via Kickstarter
Science Ink: Tattoos of the Science Obsessed
Body art meets popular science in this mind-blowing collection of science-inspired tattoos. Written by renowned science writer Carl Zimmer, each tattoo provides a leaping-off point for reflection on the science in question—whether it’s the importance of an image of Darwin’s finches or the significance of the uranium atom inked into the chest of a young radiologist.
DNA bases charm bracelet
Charm her with a DNA bracelet! This sterling-silver bracelet was created to honour Rosalind Franklin, who’s x-ray crystallography work was critical in Watson and Crick’s determination of the double helix structure of DNA. The bracelet features charms of the four bases found in DNA: A, C, G, and T.
We could barely contain our excitement when we found Biochemies’ DNA Molecule Plush Dolls on KickStarter. How could we not back this?
From Kickstarter:
DNA is the most fundamental component in our biology and is composed of 4 bases: adenine (green), thymine (red), guanine (black), and cytosine (blue). Furthermore, the bases interact with each other via hydrogen bonds (accomplished by magnets) to form base pairs. Adenine and thymine form a base pair via 2 bonds while guanine and cytosine form another via 3 bonds.
Jun Axup kickstarted this project after she crafted and sewed the mascot of her science education website, Biochemies.com. She then set out to create chemically-accurate DNA toys.
Backers of $35 or more will receive a set of 4 DNA plush dolls, a set of 4 DNA stickers, plus their name and link on Biochemies website. Pledges will support the dolls’ production, making them available in March 2012.
Biochemies aims to inspire youth to love and pursue science by promoting the positive implications of science in a fun and informative manner. The site features a directory of science games and activities, plus free wallpapers, a blog and more.
Jun is a PhD candidate in chemical biology in San Diego, CA. Her thesis work involves developing targeted cancer drugs. She is a strong advocate of science education and changing cultural attitudes towards science.
We love one-of-a-kind personal art, so when we stumbled upon Kyle Bean’s Pencil Shaving Portraits via design milk we had to share:
British artist Kyle Bean, best known for his intricate sculptures made out of unusual materials, has created a series of portraits from colored pencil shavings for the contributors page of Wallpaper* Handmade 2011.
The only reference point for these delicate creations were photographs of the subjects—all of whom are fellow contributors to Wallpaper* magazine.
Twenty-four year-old Kyle specializes in hand-crafted models, set design and art direction. Since graduating in 2009, he has worked across a variety of platforms including installations, window displays, editorial and advertising.
We can’t wait to see what he creates next!
A few years ago we were introduced to Jules Pieri and her team at Daily Grommet, an online marketplace that not only showcases cool products, it also tells the stories behind them. (Check out DNA 11 on Daily Grommet here)
Jules is also a Harvard MBA Grad, Class of ’86, and since we have been one of their most popular “Grommets” to date, she asked us to be a part of her 25th reunion at her alma mater.
“Attendance exceeded all projections and we even broke the all-time record with 55% of our 25 year anniversary class showing up,” Jules said.
DNA 11 gave one lucky Harvard alumni their very own DNA portrait. Also, in recognition of how special this class of 1986 is, each graduate was also given a $100 gift certificate.
A real treat to be at such a landmark educational institution with the likes of truly interesting and successful people. Cheers to the Class of ’86!
Right now, some of the most amazing innovators and thinkers are gathered in San Diego for a medical conference like no other. TEDMED brings together an extraordinary and diverse group of leaders in one place where theoretical ideas are thrown it into the reality of tomorrow’s technologies. This year it’s being held at the Hotel Del Coronado, on Coronado Island from October 25th – 28th.
It was a natural fit for DNA 11 to be there, especially with their speaker line up boasting huge names like Steve Wozniak (co-founder of Apple) and Lance Armstrong. Then, leaders in the genetic sciences field such as Ashley Dombkowski (Chief Business Officer, 23andme) and Eric Schadt (Director, Institute of Genomics, Mount Sinai Medical School).
DNA 11 is so thrilled to be doing an 18′ x 24′ DNA portrait for every speaker. Also, a $100 DNA 11 gift card will be given to each of the 1000 conference attendees.
Follow along with conference updates on twitter @tedmed or hash tag #tedmed. We will be!
It’s no secret that we think science is about as cool as it gets but it is always heartening to see the idea get a little boost from Hollywood.
Last week on ABC there was an awesome special called i.am.FIRST — Science is Rock and Roll which took an inside look at the 20th Annual FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Championship, a worldwide science and robotics K-12 competition.
The special also included many celebrities singing the praises (literally and figuratively) of science, technology and math including Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dogg, Josh Duhamel, Miley Cyrus, Jack Black, Justin Bieber, Bono and the  Black Eyed Peas.
As much as we all want to grow up to be rock stars and movie gods, it is science after all that makes most everything in our world possible.
The iamFirst Campaign, hosted on Facebook, helps encourage kids to study science, technology, math and engineering in order to become the people that change our future.
The video above, called My Robot is Better Than Your Robot gives a nice overview of the program. You can also watch the entire program on YouTube.
Check out this cool video from R+I creative called INFLUENCERS.
It’s a short documentary that talks about how ideas and products become popular and what goes into turning something from niche to viral.
INFLUENCERS FULL VERSION from R+I creative on Vimeo.
At DNA 11 we have a lot of respect for the design and culture influencers of our times — from Jay-Z, mentioned specifically in the film, to Karim Rashid, who endorsed our new DNA Ancestry Portraits.
Our business was inspired by the likes of Andy Warhol and Mark Rothko. We love original, creative design and ideas.
Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day Gift? It is that time of year again and for some you haven’t thought about shopping yet.
Are you sick of receiving the typical candies, chocolates and cards? or Better yet are you sick of giving typical go to Valentine’s gifts to your special someone? As the quest for the perfect gift begins why not set aside your go to favorites i.e. Chocolate, Candles, Cards and Flowers and create a personalized canvas piece.  Most cards are read and tucked away, candies are eaten and forgotten.
Why not give the gift of personalized DNA Art for Valentine’s Day this year from DNA 11. Now this your chance to give a gift that last forever!
The Best Gifts’s for Him:
- The DNA Portrait- Combine two individuals DNA portraits side by side with the DNA Split Screen.
- The DNA Mini Portrait- Â the perfect gift for the guy with everything. This is a perfect addition to any office or on his bedside table.
A DNA SplitScreen in Firesky hangs over the bed, while The DNA Mini in Infrared sits on the bedside table.
The Best Gift’s for Her:
- Kiss Portrait from DNA 11- Transform her kiss into a work of art. Â You can even combine two set of prints on one canvas. Â The gift giving does not stop there. $18 from every sale goes to the VIVA Glam AIDS Fund.
A 40" x 40" Kiss Portrait by DNA 11 hangs over the bed.
Best Gift Ideas For Both:
- Commemorate a favourite photo by having custom canvas prints made with CanvasPop. Working with a personal designer you can create canvas prints from any photo, even a Facebook™  photo or iPhone™ and have it printed on canvas.
Are you ready to create your personalized DNA Art for your Valentine?
- Get Started by checking out DNA 11.com
The holiday’s are fast approaching and your shopping days are diminishing.
Are you in search of that special gift for the Geek on your list?
We have highlighted our Top Holiday Gadgets from this year’s WIRED Holiday Store 2009!
1)Â Dyson: Air Multiplier Fan- This is not your conventional fan.
It has no blades humming so it creates a smooth stream of air.
2)Â Gizmine Middle Colors Humidifier - This is not your typical
humidifier. The sleek design and range of color options is what
sets this apart. This is perfect for the designer savvy urban dweller.
3)Â The Conran Shop: ICE INVADERS – Get rid of those boring old
ice-cube trays. Check out the Ice Invaders!  They are made out of
pure silicone, making them oven and dishwasher safe.
4)Â Buckyballs: by Zoomdoggle - What exactly are Buckyballs? I
asked myself the same thing. They are actually a set of 216 rare earth
magnets. I love the saying “trying to find something more useful is
useless!” I’m sure this would provide hours of entertainment without
even knowing it.
5)Â CanvasPop: Your Photo on Canvas - Are you looking for
creative ways to print family photos?  Start with any image, at any
resolution and transform your photos in to canvas art. ( HOT Gift 2009)
6)Â Owle: Bubo – For that iPhone photo enthusiast, here is the ultimate
gift! Check out this all in one device. It’s a camera mount, an image
stabilizer, and a wide-angle lens built for the iPhone 3G and 3GS.
7) DNA Art: By DNA 11 – Are you looking for unique gift ideas that
will start a conversation? You can give the gift of personalized genetic
art with DNA Portraits, Fingerprint Portraits and Kiss Portraits.
Holiday Gift Kits now available. (Hot Gift 2009)
8)Â Craftsquatch: Social Media Pillows - The perfect gift for the
Social Media enthusiast. Inspired by all the favorite social media
web sites!
9) Zero Motorcycles: Zero S Supermoto – A fully electric
motorcycle, developed specifically for urban environments.
DNA is no longer just part of our genetic code. DNA has become the underlying inspiration for various artists, organizations, and research programs.  DNA 11 is proud to be part of the “DNA as art” movement- and we’re inspired by others that create unique concepts with DNA as part of their underlying theme.
Here are 6 inspiring DNA Art concepts:
1) PORTRAIT OF A YOUNG READER
Mangalno-Ovall developed the award winning Portrait of a Young Reader: An early DNA Portrait made from glass and steel located in The Bronx Library Center.
The Bronx Library Center commissioned artist Iñigo Manglano-Ovalle to create a custom art piece with three simple principles: Identity, New Technologies and Artistic Expression. With the help of Chicago-based architect Colin Franzen, Mangalno-Ovall developed the award winning Portrait of a Young Reader.
“DNA is the code and catalog of information from which we are individually and uniquely expressed.” Manglano-Ovall stated.
The DNA creates a unique identity principle in the work, while the use of state of the art genomic technology was used to identify the unique DNA sequence of an anonymous young reader.
Over 3000 colored glass circles are imbedded into 71 steel panels. Each glass circle represents a genetic marker of the anonymous young reader.
2) WEB 2 DNA Art Project
This is DNA11.com as a web2DNA portrait.
Thomas Baekdal, from Denmark, designed a really interesting web application he created the WEB2DNA Project that is rather simple. You can easily enter any website URL and create a unique graphic representation of the website’s structure. These images look very similar to a PCR Gel- a process used to visualize DNA.
Thomas inspiration came from two sources DNA 11’s process of turning real DNA into works of art and Marcel Salathe’s Websites as Graphs.
Try turning your Website into DNA Art here
3) DNA Jewelry
DNAStuff is a not -for-profit vendor of DNA-themed products. Their DNA Jewelry is custom designed and handcrafted. Proceeds from the sale of each piece helps to raise funds for research in genetics and bioinformatics at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. All of work done by DNAStuff represents their support and commitment to raising awareness for DNA research.
4) Ancient Art Inspires DNA Science
A new study out of the Dana-Farber Cancer institute has combined the ancient art form of Origami with nano-technology to create 3-dimensional structures known as ‘DNA Origami‘. Origami is an ancient process in which Japanese masters make a series of folds in a single piece of paper to create intricate models of animals and other shapes.
The researchers have folded sheets of DNA into multi layered objects. These objects are a thousand times smaller than the thickness of a human hair.
William Shin PhD is the senior author of the study. He believes that this development will enable scientist to make customize DNA objects, with any real 3-D size. The DNA molecules are not being used as they traditionally would be. Instead of being the blueprint for making proteins the DNA molecules are being used as a building component. It is believed that these tiny structures could be the foundation for the invention of advance delivery vehicles that would sneak drugs into patients’ cells.
5) DNA as Music?
Gil Alterovitz is a research fellow at Harvard Medical School (HMS) who has created the Musical Gene Expression. With the hope that doctors will be able to provide patients with better treatment by using technology to monitor their patients.
The Gene Expression combines art with science by paring certain protein structures with certain musical instruments.  The result will be a harmonious melody or an atonal melody depending on the health of the patient. For the purpose of the study they used a healthy patient and a cancer patient. The harmonious melody is representative of a healthy patient where as the atonal pairing denotes the sickly patient.
6)Â Genome Quilts
"Human red cone pigment gene - otherwise known as a quilt- made from your DNA"
Beverly St. Clair is a practicing psychiatrist that has combined DNA with the hobby of quilting. The “Human red cone pigment gene” quilt is featured on the cover of December 2008 Nature Genetics.  Her quilts are have strong colors and a seemingly traditional design but they reveal an entirely block of information. Beverly use’s a simple quilt block to represent the four bases in DNA: cytosine, guanine, adenine, and thymine.
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