However, the delay did allow me to spend more time figuring out just what this picture represents. Now that I have done so, I completely understand Dr. Slammy’s incredulous response to my previous suggestions. It is not, as I and others stated, soap. Indeed, it is quite the opposite. It’s sludge. Let me explain.

The TI has invested heavily in biofilm research. Particularly in the area of bioengineered materials processing. One such project involves using the waste products of bacteria to generate construction materials. Essentially, genetically engineered bacteria are incubated on a collagen scaffolding matrix in giant, environmentally controlled vats. As they grow, the bacteria attach to the matrix and secrete a variety of interesting byproducts as a consequence of “normal” metabolism. These byproducts include biometallics, biomagnetics, and bioplastics.

The type of material generated is, of course, dependent on the intended use. For example, a simple thing like a starship hull requires that the material must be strong enough to handle the impact of small meteorites, but also able to conduct electricity for the purposes of generating radiation shields, and flexible enough to compensate for thermal and gravitational expansion.

To achieve this level multifunctionality, the TI use a process known as “bacterial layering,” which ultimately results in a composite material resembling plywood or fiberglass. The major difference being a matter of scale (i.e. microfilaments, nanotubes, and picomatrices rather than of woodpulp or glass thread). The first layer of bacteria is allowed to grow on the collagen scaffolding for about three days before the material is washed in an acid bath and sterilized. Then, the next layer of bacteria is allowed to grow for another three days. And so on, until the material requirements are met. Thickness, conductivity, etc. Ultimately, the TI will move this entire operation into an orbiting facility to minimize the flaws due to gravity-dependent mixing.

Sometimes, as is the case in generating microprocessor chips, each layer is “etched” with superconducting ceramics or metallics. For other materials, each layer is sanded and scrapped to remove any imperfections in the surface, much like the lenses in very large optical telescopes (think Hubble). The result is the “sludge” in Dawn’s picture.

Thanks for the kind word – be sure to visit us all again.

Ann, you’re far to fabulous for that picture!

I was thinking about going into a whole Fight Club scenario, but I keep getting distracted by my grant proposal. :-/ Besides, I don’t see Dawn really gettin into that sorta thing.

Jesus, not even Illuminati soap?

I still like my vanilla ice cream guess.

Ubertramp sorry about the rejection letter here’s hoping the universe has some other wonderful surprise in store for you to make up for it.

Maureen – I recently did photograph packing peanuts, but they were so obvious I thought there was no sport in it!

Be well everyone – back to work for me.