Molecular animation

This video is part of an article in the New York Times about molecular animation. Neat, isn't it? Animation brings these things to life. It's one thing to read about what's going on at the cellular level. It's another to actually see it.

The Inner Life of the Cell was created four years ago, gaining a lot of attention when it was first posted on YouTube. Other versions, like this one, are longer and describe what you're seeing. But I must admit that I have a hard time taking that all in. I think just the sense of wonder is enough for me (although I can see this being a great teaching tool for prospective scientists).

Powering the Cell: Mitochondria was released in October. It's neat, too. It looks like an alien landscape - which it is, though it's inside us. Or you might get a better idea of the potential here with this demo reel.

We've had movies for a long time. In fact, a few months ago I posted a neat scientific video clip from 1930. But this new molecular animation is taking it to a new level. And with the internet, they're easily available worldwide. In many ways, it's a great time to be alive, don't you think?