Introduction

In the secret realm of nature's delicate dance, where life hangs in precarious balance, a group of unsung heroes emerges.

Meet aphid parasitoids - tiny wasps armed with an arsenal of biological weaponry, ready to wage a relentless battle against their destructive archenemies, the aphid pests. It is a world of suspense where each intricate detail of their life cycle and host-parasite relationships reveals a captivating story of resilience and adaptability. These minute warriors embody the essence of survival - their pursuit of freedom from infestation takes center stage.

Key Takeaways

• Aphid parasitoids are natural enemies of aphids and play a crucial role in biological control methods.

• Deploying aphid parasitoids as a biological control method can reduce the need for chemical insecticides, saving costs and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

• Implementing conservation strategies such as promoting habitat diversity and minimizing pesticide use is essential for the long-term conservation of aphid parasitoids.

• Understanding the diversity of aphid parasitoid species and their interactions with aphids is crucial for implementing effective biological control strategies.

How The Story Unfolds...

Picture a sun-drenched meadow, alive with the vibrant colors of wildflowers. A gentle breeze rustles the grass, a sea of aphids clusters on a tender leaf. Little do they know that a tiny wasp stealthily perched nearby has already marked it as its next victim.

In a split second, this airborne assassin dives with lightning speed, injecting its lethal eggs into unsuspecting aphids.

The aphid's world shatters as its body becomes a living battleground, a biological warzone. Inside, the wasp's offspring grow and thrive, consuming their host from within...

Days pass, and the aphid, now a mere shell of its former self, succumbs to its fate.

But the wasp's relentless pursuit of survival has just begun. Emerging from the lifeless aphid's body, a new generation of warriors takes flight, ready to continue the cycle of life and death.

With each battle won, the aphid parasitoids prove their resilience and adaptability, evolving strategies to outsmart their adversaries. They harness the power of disguise, laying their eggs in aphid colonies, mimicking their scent, and remaining undetected until it's too late for the unsuspecting aphids.

What are aphids?

Aphids are small insects that can cause damage to plants. They belong to the order Hemiptera and are also known as plant lice. Aphids feed on plant sap using their mouthparts, weakening the plant and making it susceptible to disease. They reproduce quickly, with females capable of giving birth to multiple generations without mating.

Aphids can infest various plants, including crops, fruits, and trees. They excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract other pests and create black sooty mold.

Methods such as biological control using parasitoid wasps, chemical insecticides, and cultural practices like crop rotation are used to control aphids. These methods help manage aphid populations and reduce the need for harmful chemicals.

What are parasitoids?

Parasitoids are organisms that have a unique relationship with their hosts. Unlike true parasites, they ultimately cause the death of their hosts. They have fascinating evolutionary origins, dating back millions of years. They lay their eggs on or in the body of another organism, with the developing larvae consuming the host from within.

The interaction between hosts and parasites is crucial for maintaining the balance of ecosystems. Aphid parasitoids help maintain the balance of agricultural ecosystems by preventing aphid outbreaks and reducing the need for chemical pesticides. These insects have evolved various adaptations to locate and parasitize aphids efficiently. Female parasitoids use their sharp ovipositors to lay eggs inside aphids, leading to the host's death. This strategy ensures the survival of the parasitoid offspring while reducing aphid numbers. Promoting habitat diversity and minimizing pesticide use is essential to conserve these beneficial insects. 

The aphid-parasitoid relationship

The relationship between aphids and parasitoid wasps is fascinating. These tiny wasps actively search for suitable aphid colonies to parasitize. When they find an aphid, the female wasp inserts its eggs into the aphid, starting the host-parasite relationship.

Once the egg is inserted, the wasp larva hatches and develops inside the aphid. This behavior is unique because the larva selectively feeds on non-essential tissues of the aphid, allowing it to survive and continue feeding. This ensures the aphid remains a viable food source for the developing wasp larva. 

As the larva grows and matures, it eventually chews a hole in the aphid's abdomen, creating an escape route. The eggs hatch and the wasp larvae feed on the aphid from within, like a horror movie come to life. This eventually causes the aphid's death.

The fully developed adult wasp chews an escape hatch in the rear of the aphid husk (below-left) and emerges through the opening, leaving behind a mummified aphid, also known as an "aphid mummy."

Parasitoids can be found in various groups of organisms, including insects, wasps, and certain types of flies. They have specific behaviors and adaptations to ensure their reproduction and survival. One fascinating characteristic is their ability to manipulate their host's behavior, compelling it to protect and provide for their offspring. Parasitoid wasps, such as Aphidius ervi and Aphidius colemani, provide a natural biological control method for managing aphid populations. They significantly reduce the number of aphids in agricultural settings and gardens, preventing damage to crops and plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do Aphid Parasitoids Find Their Host Aphids?

Aphid parasitoids have evolved various strategies to find their host aphids. They rely on a combination of chemical signals, visual cues, and vibrational communication to detect the presence of aphids. Chemical signals released by the host plants act as attractants, guiding the parasitoids towards their hosts.

Additionally, some parasitoids possess the ability of genetic recognition, enabling them to identify specific aphid species based on genetic cues. These sophisticated mechanisms allow aphid parasitoids to locate and parasitize their preferred hosts efficiently.

Are All Aphid Parasitoids Wasps?

Not all aphid parasitoids are wasps. Many aphid parasitoids are tiny wasps, but some parasitoids of aphids come from other insect groups, like flies and beetles.

Can Aphid Parasitoids Be Used as a Natural Control Method for Aphid Infestations in Agricultural Crops?

Biological control is a component of integrated pest management (IPM) that uses natural enemies, such as aphid parasitoids, to manage pest populations. Aphid parasitoids are effective in controlling aphid infestations in crops.

They are known to parasitize and kill aphids, reducing their numbers and preventing further crop damage. Using parasitoids as a natural control method is considered to have minimal ecological impact and is a sustainable approach to managing aphid infestations in agriculture.

What Are Some Common Predators of Aphid Parasitoids?

Aphid parasitoids are subject to predation from many natural enemies, including ladybugs, lacewings, hoverflies, spiders, predatory bugs, and hyperparasitoids. 

How Do Aphid Parasitoids Affect the Population Dynamics of Aphids in Ecosystems?

These wasps can significantly reduce aphid populations, preventing major outbreaks by parasitizing and killing aphids. Their parasitism rates in agricultural fields can sometimes reach 70-90%. Factors like hyperparasitoids, ants, landscape complexity, and aphid traits influence the ability of parasitoids to control aphids. Their interactions maintain balance in the ecosystem.

Aphid parasitoids play a key ecological role in regulating aphid populations and preventing plant damage through their natural biocontrol services.

Conclusion

The intricate relationship between aphid parasitoids and aphids is a fascinating example of nature's balance. The diverse species of parasitic wasps play a crucial role in controlling aphid populations, ultimately benefiting the overall health of ecosystems. Through their complex life cycle and host-parasite interactions, these tiny wasps showcase the delicate intricacies of the natural world, highlighting the interdependence of species for their survival and success.

Introduction

Delve into the captivating realm of dinosaur bone jewelry, where the ancient meets the contemporary in a mesmerizing fusion of science and art. Explore the alluring transformation of prehistoric remnants into stunning jewelry pieces.

This article uncovers the intricate process behind gembone's evolution from dinosaur to decor, inviting readers to embrace the allure of the ancient past. 

Key Takeaways

• Dinosaur bone jewelry is made of gembone and is formed through the alchemical fusion of agate-like crystal and ancient dinosaur bone, creating a unique blend of organic and inorganic elements exclusive to Utah's fossil beds.

• Skilled artisans hand-pick fragments of dinosaur fossils to transform into cabochons, using the intarsia technique to create seamless compositions that reveal intricate patterns and colors hidden for millions of years.

• Dinosaur bone jewelry represents a fusion of ancient fossils and creative craftsmanship, blurring the lines between science and art and serving as a tangible connection to our prehistoric past.

• The allure of the ancient past captivates enthusiasts, allowing them to glimpse into deep time and connect with our prehistoric origins. Gembone's rarity, organic patterning, and cultural significance make it a sought-after collector's item and a unique gift option.

What is Gembone?

Gembone is a mesmerizing material exclusive to Utah's fossil beds that forms through the alchemical fusion of agate-like crystal and ancient dinosaur bone. This captivating substance results from the mineral replacement of dinosaur fossils, creating a unique blend of organic and inorganic elements. Its formation in the fossil beds of Utah gives it a distinct geological significance, connecting it directly to the region's ancient history.

Gembone possesses a cultural significance that goes beyond its geological origins. Its association with dinosaurs, the magnificent creatures that once roamed the Earth, captures the imagination of collectors and enthusiasts alike. As a collector's item, gembone holds a special allure due to its rarity and the intricate organic patterning displayed in each piece. Its incorporation into the fashion industry adds an element of natural beauty and intrigue, making it a sought-after material for unique and statement-making jewelry pieces.

Moreover, gembone serves as a unique gift option, appealing to those who appreciate the fusion of natural history and craftsmanship. The inherent beauty and story behind each gembone piece make it an ideal present for individuals who value aesthetics and depth of meaning.

The Gembone Transformation: From Dinosaur to Decor

Transforming raw gembones into stunning cabochons begins with a meticulous selection of fragments, each hand-picked like a puzzle by skilled artisans. These fragments, derived from dinosaur fossils, hold the secrets of a bygone era, waiting to be revealed through the art of lapidary. Lapidary art, the craft of cutting and polishing stones, takes on a new dimension when fossilized bone is involved. The ancient craftsmanship required to turn these remnants of prehistoric creatures into paleontological jewelry is a testament to these unique materials' awe-inspiring beauty and enduring appeal.

The artisans, with the focused vision of a paleontologist and the steady hand of a surgeon, carefully examine each fragment, searching for the perfect combination of color, texture, and pattern. They understand that the gembone holds the potential to become a work of art that transcends time, capturing the essence of the ancient world within its polished surface.

Once the fragments have been selected, they are meticulously inlaid using the intarsia technique. This process involves cutting each piece to fit precisely within the overall design, creating a seamless and harmonious composition. The skill and precision required for this delicate task cannot be overstated, as even the smallest misalignment can disrupt the visual flow and impact the final result.

Finally, the multi-stage polishing process begins, revealing the true beauty of the fossilized bone. Each stage brings the gembone closer to its final form, unveiling the intricate patterns and colors hidden for millions of years. The transformation is complete when the cabochon emerges, a mesmerizing gem that pays homage to the ancient creatures that once roamed the Earth.

In the world of lapidary art, the gembone cabochon stands as a testament to the power of ancient craftsmanship and the enduring fascination with dinosaur fossils. These unique creations bridge the gap between science and art, inviting us to marvel at the wonders of the past while enjoying the freedom of creative expression in the present.

Gembone Jewelry: Blurring the Lines Between Science and Art

Blurring the lines between science and art, gembone jewelry showcases the mesmerizing beauty of dinosaur bone art in wearable form. Inspired by scientific discoveries and driven by artistic interpretations, gembone jewelry represents a fusion of ancient fossils and creative craftsmanship—this unique blend of paleontological passion and artistic vision results in stunning pieces that captivate the imagination.

To fully appreciate the significance of gembone jewelry, one must understand its scientific inspiration. Each piece begins with discovering a dinosaur bone, a relic from a bygone era. These ancient remains have endured the test of time and are a tangible connection to our prehistoric past. They provide a glimpse into a world long extinct, sparking curiosity and wonder.

Artistic interpretations then come into play as skilled artisans transform these fossilized fragments into wearable works of art. They carefully cut and shape the bones, revealing their inner beauty. The unique patterns and textures of the gembone, reminiscent of the dinosaur's original anatomy, are skillfully highlighted and enhanced. The result is a stunning fusion of natural history and creative craftsmanship.

Gembone jewelry represents more than just a fashion statement; it is a testament to the passion and dedication of those who create it. The artisans who craft these pieces pour their love for paleontology into every intricate detail. Their meticulous work not only preserves the integrity of the original bone but also brings it to life in a way that evokes a sense of awe and admiration.

The Allure of the Ancient Past

1. Archaeological enthusiasts and history buffs alike are captivated by the allure of the ancient past. The fossil fascination that arises from discovering ancient artifacts and studying prehistoric aesthetics ignites a timeless passion for understanding our origins. The mystery of ancient history lies in the ability to glimpse into deep time, and connect with the distant echoes of our ancient past.

2. The study of paleontology allows us to unlock the secrets of bygone eras, giving us a window into the extraordinary world that existed long before our time. Ancient artifacts, such as dinosaur bones, serve as tangible remnants of a forgotten world, fueling our curiosity and evoking a sense of wonder. Like timeless treasures, these fossils hold within them the stories of creatures that once roamed the Earth.

3. The allure of the ancient past goes beyond a mere fascination with dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures. It taps into a deep-seated nostalgia for a time long gone, a yearning to connect with our ancestral roots. It is a reminder that we are part of a larger narrative that stretches back millions of years and encompasses the vast diversity of life that has existed on Earth.

4. The prehistoric aesthetics of these ancient artifacts also play a significant role in their allure. The intricate patterns and textures found in fossilized bones are a testament to the beauty and complexity of the natural world. They captivate our senses and inspire us to appreciate the wonders of creation, reminding us of the incredible diversity that has shaped our planet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Is Gembone Different From Other Types of Gemstones?

Gembone is a unique type of gemstone that stands apart from other gemstones due to its distinctive properties. It is formed from fossilized treasures, specifically dinosaur bones, which gives it a remarkable geological significance.

What sets gembone apart is its rarity and exclusivity, as it is not easily found and is highly sought after by collectors. Gembone possesses an ancient charm that appeals to individuals who appreciate such artifacts' historical and natural significance.

What Is the Process Involved in Transforming Dinosaur Bones Into Gembone Cabochons?

The process of transforming dinosaur bones into gembone cabochons involves several intricate steps. First, dinosaur bone excavation is conducted to unearth the fossilized remains carefully. Next, fossil preservation techniques are employed to stabilize and protect the delicate bones.

The lapidary process then begins, including cutting the bones into desired shapes and polishing techniques to enhance their aesthetic appeal. This meticulous process results in the mesmerizing beauty of gembone cabochons, showcasing the ancient allure of these remarkable relics.

Can Gembone Jewelry Be Customized According to Personal Preferences?

Customization options for gembone jewelry allow individuals to tailor their accessories according to their preferences. These personalized gembone accessories offer a unique opportunity to create one-of-a-kind designs that reflect individual styles and tastes.

With custom gembone jewelry options available, individuals can choose the specific dinosaur bone, shape, color, and setting for their pieces, ensuring a truly personalized and distinctive piece of jewelry. This level of customization provides freedom for individuals to express their unique personality through their gembone jewelry.

Are There Any Specific Precautions One Should Take While Wearing Gembone Jewelry?

When wearing gembone jewelry, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure its longevity and to prevent any potential allergies or discomfort. Proper care and maintenance are essential to preserving the beauty and durability of gembone cabochons.

It is recommended to avoid exposing the jewelry to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures and store them safely when not in use. Individuals with known allergies should consult a professional before wearing gembone jewelry.

Where Can One Purchase Gembone Jewelry and Decor Items?

Gembone jewelry and decor items can be purchased from various retailers and online platforms. The market for gembone products has been growing steadily, with popular designs featuring unique cabochons made from dinosaur bones. These pieces are particularly sought after by dinosaur enthusiasts and make for unique gift ideas.

Gembone holds great significance in the world of paleontology, as it provides a tangible connection to prehistoric creatures. Its mesmerizing beauty and historical value make it a captivating addition to any collection.

Conclusion

The allure of the ancient past, with its fossil fascination and the captivating prehistoric aesthetics of dinosaur bone art, offers a profound connection to our prehistoric origins. The historical significance of gembone cabochons cannot be overstated, as these exquisite pieces carry the remnants of a world long gone within them. Through the unique craftsmanship of skilled artisans, the beauty of these fossils is brought to life, allowing us to appreciate the intricate details and textures preserved over millions of years.

The fossil preservation found in gembone cabochons is a testament to the resilience and endurance of these ancient creatures. Through this process, we can witness the passage of time, marveling at the fossilized remains that have been transformed into stunning works of art.

The artistic interpretations of dinosaur bone art highlight the scientific importance of these fossils and offer a creative lens through which we can explore the beauty and diversity of prehistoric life.

Bring a Piece of Prehistory Home!

To immerse yourself in the captivating world of prehistory, collect some mesmerizing dinosaur bone art (gembone cabochons) for your home. These unique and stunning art pieces can serve as a reminder of the deep past, bringing a touch of ancient history into your everyday life. The intricate patterns and vibrant colors found in gembone cabochons testify to the natural beauty that existed millions of years ago.

By incorporating gembone cabochons into your home decor, you can create a visually striking and intellectually stimulating space. These art pieces will undoubtedly spark conversation and intrigue, whether used as a focal point in a room or as smaller accents.

Imagine the awe-inspiring sight of a framed gembone print adorning your living room wall or the elegance of gembone stationery on your desk.

Benefits

• Adds a breathtaking piece of natural history to your home and fashion

• Creates a focal point and sparks conversation

• Offers a unique and visually stunning aesthetic

Cabochons

• These gembone cabochons are locally available in various sizes and shapes! VERY limited supply. Each piece is unique and hand-crafted. Click the link above to directly contact Nate with inquiries.
  

Fine Art Prints and Stationery featuring gembone imagery – Contact Matthew

Digital Wallpapers (Phone, Tablet, Desktop) – Check back soon!

Hey, everyone, you're listening to the Curious Lens podcast. I'm Matthew Cicanese.

On today's show, we're diving deep into my science degree and how that transformed my path. Would I fall in love with research and abandon the arts? Would creativity rule the day? Or perhaps something completely unexpected was in store.

Growing up as a kid, one of my favorite things to do in the backyard was to turn over rocks, leaves, twigs, and everything in between, looking to see what wildlife I could find in my Florida backyard. It was in this lush forest that I learned about the building blocks around me and how everything was interconnected. I was starting to understand the bigger picture by looking at one piece at a time. Before I found photography, I was only looking at these pieces through a magnifying glass, but after discovering the camera, I was able to translate these moments into memories.

This connection to my creativity has always remained strong, and I have a unique bond in my curiosity, especially when studying the sciences. Fast forward to college again, and the end of my first year had taught me much. I learned about basic biology, botany, and chemistry to get things started, and that was just the tip of the iceberg. But I was determined to keep creativity in the mix.

My first year alone, I took multiple courses in other disciplines, including the communication and graphic design fields. In communication, I took photojournalism and shot for the college newspaper, learning to share visual stories with photography and cover topics out in the world. At the same time, I was learning about the basics of graphic design - shape, line, form, color, pattern, texture - all of these different things that made up the entire world around us.

That I never really thought twice about learning to peel back these layers of life made me all the more curious when I got back in the biology class, looking closer at the world around me through a microscope lens instead of a camera lens.

By the middle of my science career, I was expanding my interest to include environmental science and marine biology. At this point, I had decided that environmental studies was where I would concentrate my focus. In addition to that photojournalism course, I also took interpersonal communication, public speaking, desktop publishing, and other courses that taught me how to connect the communication dots.

For my graphic design minor, I also took Typography and layout, printbased, graphic design, and other courses to hone my creativity. By the end of my undergraduate degree, I had a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies. I also had three internships under my belt.

The first was with the US. Forest Service with my local ecology unit. My partner Erica and I reached out and expressed our interest in getting more involved in learning about the forestry and biology work that that division did. It was a long, hot summer, but we learned a lot, and we were gracious for them opening their doors to us.

The second internship I had was with the Moat Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida. I was a member of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program or SDRP, and it was this fantastic opportunity to learn about endangered bottlenosed dolphin species, what's being done to research them and protect them, and what we can do to help spread the word on why they're important and how to help.

The last internship I had before finishing my science degree was with the Duke University Lichen Laboratory. So, a lichen is this weird mix of a fungus and an algae. They grow on rocks and trees, soil, and besides of buildings, sometimes even on tractors or cars. Lichens cover almost 10% of the Earth's surface, but they're on our minds less than 10% of the time.

When I learned what they were for the first time in my path to my science degree, I was absolutely fascinated. And lichens quickly became a lifelong deep dive. I had invested in a book, Lichens of North America, and started to learn as much as I could about these beautiful and awe-inspiring species.

When I started to approach the end of my undergraduate career, I talked to my academic advisor and mentor about what was next. With one final summer before graduating that winter, I had an opportunity maybe I could find a way to reach out to the people who were part of this book. And sure enough, the back of the book listed the names, organizations, and details on how they were involved.

As it just so happens, my mentor is an alumnus of Duke University, and with a few emails, we had a conversation going with the lab that I was interested in working with, the one that we found in the back of the book with a little bit of digging from microbiology to fieldwork in the coast. The time in my environmental studies degree taught me a lot.

I wasn't a perfect student by any means, and in a lot of cases, I was going by the skin of my teeth. I'm not the best test taker, but when it comes to learning, I couldn't have a deeper passion. The more I mixed other disciplines with my core courses in science, the more everything started to make sense about how stories could connect it all together.

But I had a big decision to make. With an environmental science degree in hand and another crossroad, would I stay in the world of science or dive headfirst into the universe of storytelling?

Join me in the next episode to find out!

Until then, stay curious.

Hey, everyone. You're listening to the Curious Lens podcast. My name's Matthew Cicanese, and today, I'm talking to you about my first major crossroads in life.

Would I become a scientist or a storyteller?

It was the end of high school in 2009 when I had to make a really big decision: where would I go next, and what was I going to learn next?

I loved both science and the arts, but this decision would shape my whole college degree. I had well-saturated interests across the vast study of topics and creative skills. In science, I was excited about things like chemistry, environmental studies, biology, and entomology. In humanities, I was interested in things like the United Nations. I was even in a special topics class called Model United Nations.

At the end of the semester, we actually got to visit New York City and see the UN headquarters, among a lot of other things. But that's a story for another time. I was really into photography, shooting baseball games locally for my first job and building up my first portfolio in an advanced photography class, learning who I was through the lens at the very beginning, and growing into my creative style.

I applied to a couple different colleges, but I knew the one I needed to pick the moment I visited. I had never heard of Frank Lloyd Wright before, but visiting Florida Southern College campus for the first time it was spellbinding. The different styles of architecture, engaging atmospheres, kind professors, and small class settings told me this was where I needed to learn.

Why did these help me learn better? Well, it turns out I'm a kinesthetic learner, so I have to touch and try to learn best.

It's a good thing that a core part of Florida Southern is this idea of engaged learning, reaching beyond the book and out into the world through the lens of applied learning.

Compared to the other schools I visited, it felt alive, connected, creative, supportive, and inspiring. When I was offered some scholarships, I had the opportunity to visit campus again before finishing high school and spend a weekend with many people that I still call friends today.

A decade later, I attended some sessions about the different perspective degree tracks, and the one that bubbled up to the top was Environmental Studies. When they took us down to the edge of the lake, a small research area called the Southern Landing, and they showed us how engaged the learning process was, I had found my next path. With mud still on my shoes and a few mosquito bites, I already made up my mind. Funny enough, I hadn't even applied for the second school yet, and ultimately, I never needed to. I still did apply as a safety net.

But as soon as I got that acceptance letter from my dream school, it was an easy yes: the opportunity to expand my creativity and knowledge in the things I was taking pictures of out in the world through the lens of environmental science was a dream come true.

But dreams aren't always what they seem, and the road through that experience wasn't without its speedbumps.

In the next episode, we'll explore my love for science.

Until then, stay curious.

Show Notes (transcript)

When I was studying for my MFA at Duke University's Experimental and Documentary Arts Program, I was challenged with the first task of the semester - defining my influences.

We were asked to explore different facets of our life, from pop culture to family traditions, to better understand how and why we create our style of work. At first, I was pretty confused about where to start, but everything made sense once I cracked into what got me excited and curious.

As a kid, I lived for going outdoors. Escaping off my back doorstep into a fascinating forest felt like a magnetic force pulling me there. From birds and bugs to lizards and snakes, there was a constant canvas for my curiosity to explore.

I had tons of adventures with my brother growing up - building foxhole forts, catching bugs for our collections and toads the size of pancakes. We would go out half the night doing that during the summer, riding our gokart around the neighborhood and through the woods and visiting the Appalachian Mountains every summer to go see my grandparents.

When it came to television, I loved education. Watching things like Bill Nye the Science Guy, Steve Irwin's The Crocodile Hunter, Zaboomafoo with the Kratt Brothers, Jeff Corwin and when I was younger, things like Reading Rainbow, Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers.

All of these shows inspired us to be curious, to look at the world deeper, to be kind and to help each other collaboratively. The things they taught me still echo through what I do today.

Some of my favorite movies were the Disney classics like The Jungle Book, The Rescuers, Pocahontas, The Great Mouse Detective and Mulan. The painterly scenes and stories that drew me in left a lasting impact on my work. It taught me to get down on the level of my subject and see the world through their eyes.

I was a sucker for spy movies because I always loved gadgets and magic. Growing up, it's kind of embarrassing, but movies like Spy Kids, Agent Cody Banks with Frankie Muniz and Hilary Duff really anything with gadgets or cool technology, I was head over heels about, and Hilary Duff's pretty cool.

I was also a video game nut. My brother had a Super Nintendo Entertainment System or an SNES. And we'd play games like Super Mario, Donkey Kong, Taz-Mania, and even Roadrunner and Wile E. Coyote. This opportunity to play and explore with some of my favorite characters felt similar to when I discovered photography.

The big upgrade came when we got a Nintendo 64. Better graphics, bigger storylines and more variety to the games available unlocked an entire world. My all time favorites were Zelda Ocarina of Time, Donkey Kong 64, Tony Hawk Pro Skater, and Star Wars Pod Racers. There were many more in between, but these are the ones that always bubbled up.

When it came to books, I wasn't always the strongest reader. In fact, reading comprehension is an area that I still struggle with today. But I really loved mysteries and things like The Hardy Boys and Goosebumps - trying to solve who did it with a little bit of supernatural mixed in along the way.

Oh, yeah, for TV, I also loved Scooby-Doo, that mystery component. Speaking of which, I just thought of a few more TV shows - Ed, Edd n Eddy, Dexter's Lab, Powerpuff Girls and the Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy. I also really liked Adventure Time.

You'll notice a theme here – a Hero's Journey – in most of the things I involved myself with.

When it came to computers, I was pretty shellshocked as a kid because I was working on a Windows 98 PC. The fact I could go on adventures with my favorite Disney characters or watch my grandpa play Myst and other puzzle games felt like experiencing another world.

The print publications that piqued my curiosity were things like National Geographic Magazine, Ranger Rick Magazine, ZooBooks, Boys' Life and other natural history explorations. If it was about science or the natural world, I was probably interested in it.

In college, these topics shifted, but ultimately the core curiosity remained. From fantasy and fiction like the Harry Potter series to natural history productions like BBC's Planet Earth, storytelling ran deep in my bones.

But at the end of high school, I had a big decision to make...
My first major crossroads – would I study science or storytelling?

In the next episode, you'll find out!

As always, thanks for listening and stay curious.

Show Notes (transcript)

Hey there. Welcome to the Curious Lens podcast.

I'm Matthew Cicanese, and today we're talking about my story of how I found photography.

In the last episode, I shared my story of survival from meningitis when I was only a baby, and some of the things I tried as a kid to discover my own personality. But in hindsight, nothing stuck as strongly as when I found photography.

Growing up in the 90s, my standard camera would typically be a drugstore disposable from a place like Eckerd or Walgreens. My mom and my grandparents always had cameras around, but I thought it was kind of weird that they couldn't just be in the moment. Looking back, I'm very glad to have the memories, though.

Those little drugstore disposable cameras were never anything special to me. It was just an experiment. And I loved to experiment as a kid because I would be watching things on TV where Bill and I would be doing an experiment with science, or naturalists would be going out in the field to explore and experiment with what they saw. And I did these things with the magnifying glass bug net terrariums, but there was never any record of it. I can't draw to save my life, but I'm a really strong observer, and at the time, I wasn't aware that I could translate these observations anywhere but up into my head.

As a kid, I was really into spy toys and other gadgetry.

And when I found my first digital camera at a Walmart, it looked like this reading glasses case. But you pulled the top off and there was a camera beneath a whopping two megapixels, no screen on the back and built in memory.

To be honest, the pictures just sucked. But it was really interesting because it wasn't on film. And as somebody who only had disposable drugstore, cameras or nothing, this was revolutionary.

A couple years later, I got an upgrade. This was a Christmas gift for my uncle when I was only 14, but it was enough to really get me excited. This vivitar silver and blue three megapixel wonder actually had a screen on the back, so the second I pressed the shutter, I could check it on the back and see what I took. It was incredible. This camera took two AA batteries and a fixed lens on the front so it didn't zoom or anything like that.

Now, at this point, I met the end of middle school, entering high school, turning 15/16 and diving deeper into my interests. I knew that I really love science, but I also really loved the arts. In high school, I was on the drum line as a bass player, did pole vaulting and discus in track and field. I even made it to state in swimming and diving as a springboard diver. And with all the classes mixed in chemistry, biology, environmental science, I knew that my interest in science was deepening. But my humanities classes, they excited me, too. Taking classes like Spanish was really inspiring. Learning to speak in another language, translate my thoughts and feelings to art through classes like photography, and even building my first photography portfolio.

This all happened alongside those extracurriculars. And I was also trying to figure out what was next for college.

In 2006, I got yet another upgrade to my camera. The Canon PowerShot SD 1000. A compact camera that fit in your pocket about the size of a deck of cards. And a little lens that extended when you turned the power on. 7.1 megapixels. So twice as many megapixels as the other camera.

A bigger screen on the back for me to experience the pictures I took. Removable memory card, a better lens, and best of all, macro mode. Macro mode was this opportunity that I didn't see coming until it smacked me right in the face. And it happened one day right up the road from my house. I remember that afternoon like it was yesterday because everything is different there now. Instead of this sprawling field next to a forest, it's this slew of apartments. And the place that I know and love has completely transformed. But if we jump back about 15 years, we're on a dirt road near the edge of a forest next to some flowers growing by the road.

Little did I know that when I stopped to look at those flowers and pull my camera out that my life would change forever. I put my bike down, saw these tons of flowers, got on my knees and looked around a little closer. And then I wondered, why the hell does this flower have red stems? I scratched my head, looked around more and noticed the branches were moving. But it wasn't windy. What the heck is happening? The closer I got, the more movement I saw. It was almost like this plant was magic or coming to life. And then I saw it. The biggest ladybug I've ever seen.

And it was stomping around these stems. What is this thing doing? I pulled my camera out, saw the word macro on the back and pressed the button. Suddenly, everything came into focus and I saw a sea of tiny insects, little red aphids, covered every inch of that flower stem in the ladybug it was working on, devouring them one by one, almost like a science fiction movie.

As I picked up my jaw and started clicking away, I couldn't believe what I was watching. Shot after shot after shot, every picture I took was blurry. I thought, what's happening? What did I do wrong? Why am I missing out on capturing this moment? I thought this was the best camera in the world.

I asked myself what else I could do and started to shift my position. It changed the background of the image and let the computer in my camera calculate the lighting better. Some of the images came out, and I'm thrilled to say I've still got them today.

That one ladybug image changed everything for me, because the fact I was able to experience a moment and be present with it and then share that moment with the world through this macro lens just made sense.

So now, 15 years later, I've taken over a half a million images, and they've ended up everywhere from my school paper in college to the cover of World Wildlife Magazine.

This curiosity is an itch that I'll never fully scratch, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

At the end of high school, I had been trained on a Nikon DSLR as a baseball photographer. One of my first jobs. My parents had a Nikon kit, and it gave me the opportunity to use their lenses since they were around. I eventually got a dedicated macro lens, the 90 millimeter one to one by Tamarin, and it opened a completely new world.

These days. I shoot canon. I've used Canon since the beginning of my professional career. Following my academic studies. I'll get into the details some other time, but I'm very happy with the results from the equipment I use and the tech techniques I've developed over the years. At the end of the day, the camera is a paintbrush in your hand. It won't inherently make good pictures. You have to do that through trial and error.

In the next episode, I'll be sharing my influences with you about the people and things that inspire me and excite my curiosity.

Until next time,
stay curious!

Show Notes (transcript)

Matthew:

Hey, everyone. You're listening to the curious lens. I'm Matthew Cicanese. In today's episode, I'm going to be talking to you about my beginnings and how it all got started with a pretty rough start.

When I was born in 1991, everything was going great. I had about nine months of pure bliss when I was just being taken care of by my parents and kicking off my first year of life. But little did I know that an ear infection I got would eventually lead to me being in the hospital, battling for my life, and unbeknownst to me, not knowing whether or not I'd make it out.

I'm fortunate to say that my mom was there for me the whole time. Now, I don't want to spoil the story, and as a matter of fact, I'd like her to tell it to you. Years ago, I interviewed her for a short audio documentary called I Just Want to Go Home. I produced it as a school project when I was studying at Duke for my documentary masters. I hope you find it meaningful, and I'll see you on the other side.

This is her story, of my story...

Matthew's Mom (Kim):

"You were a perfectly healthy child; I never had any problems with you. And I had had you to the doctor several times for the ear infection. And your brother's birthday party came around, and we went to the birthday party, and you didn't look good. And then I'm carrying you around outside, and you started kind of dry heaving, and you had a really high temperature. And I said I'm taking him to the emergency room.

I finally laid down at about 10:00 at night. We were in a room where there were several cribs and mothers, and I can remember laying on the little fold-out reclining chair next to you, and you were whimpering, and I could feel the heat coming off the bed, and I thought that's so strange. And I got up, and I came over, and I touched you, and you were so hot, just burning up with fever. And you screamed. When I went to pick you up, you just did not want anything. And I called the nurse, took your temperature, and you were 105 and a half. And so they got iced down apple juice and ice packs. And we started packing you with ice packs, and I was trying to get you to drink cold juice to cool your core down. And there was really nothing more they could do through the night.

They tried to flex your legs at your hips, and you'd let out the most terrible blood-curdling scream. He said he has meningitis. I can tell you that right now. I just need to do a lumbar puncture to confirm what it is and how to treat it.

What you had was penicillin-resistant, so that greatly reduced what they were going to be able to use. They didn't offer us a whole lot of hope at that point. All your limbs were icy cold because your vital organs were beginning to shut down.

The hope was quickly fading...
Your dad and I pretty much lost it.

We were in the middle of a hallway near radiology, and there were people everywhere, but it was like a loud silence...
We sat in the hallway and cried and pleaded with God and made all kinds of promises – if he would just spare you.

And you came out of the CT scan, and they took you back upstairs,
and they said if he makes it to the night... So we prayed all night.

And at that point, they said you had had a small stroke and that it had affected your left side, and it was the pressure on the brain, the spinal fluid. And we couldn't understand why the antibiotics weren't working because the pressure was still so high.

And when we got to come in and see you after they were done doing whatever it was they had to do, your left eye was closed, and the left side of your face had palsy. Your mouth hung open. You had eleven lines coming out of you, between the tube, down your throat tube, down your nose, into your stomach, numerous IVs oxygen on your nose. Just incredible tubes and lines everywhere.

If I wanted to hold you, I couldn't have 22 days in the hospital. They did all these labs and stuff and said, okay, he's ready to go home. He's going to need physical therapy; he's going to need occupational therapy. They did a hearing test on you, and you were deaf on the one side.

The neurologist and several of the doctors that worked on you over that period of time said he may never really be right. You're lucky he's alive. He's deaf in one ear. He's going to struggle, but you survived."

Matthew:

What a wild ride. It's been 30 years figuring out who I am and how I fit into the world, and this square one was the genesis of all that. I don't remember being sick. I was only a baby. But I do remember every step of the way changing because of that sickness.

It meant a lot of different things along the way, but ultimately, it taught me to be a better human. I was kinder, more curious, more thoughtful, and better at figuring things out than I might not have been if I never got sick.

Each of us has our own challenges, so please don't get me wrong. This isn't a pity party. This is more of a pep talk. No matter what you're going through, find a way to look at the things around you differently.

I had to do this because of my loss of sight and hearing, because of my speech development issues, because of my cognitive issues, and my memory loss. But I didn't let it stop me. In fact, I was the youngest kid in my karate dojo, and they almost didn't want to let me in. But I was insistent, saying how curious I was about the world of karate. Wanting to learn the art form of tongsudo. I was really excited when they accepted me. Seven years old and ready to rock. But that's a story for another time.

I'm excited to share these different stories because I've always wanted to but never have taken the initiative from being bullied in elementary school. And a sea of different challenges on the way to college and beyond. Have learned that adapting to survive is part of who we are. And I feel like I'm quicker at adapting than others.

But of all the things I tried when I was a kid, nothing really ever stuck the same way that photography did. In the next episode, you'll learn why my camera was the missing link in my life and how a little forest up the road changed my entire world.

Until next time,
stay curious.

Welcome, curious minds and fellow rock-flippers!

Step into the realm of The Curious Lens Podcast—a sanctuary designed to transform you into the hero of your own story.

Why You're Here

In a digital age awash with superficial content, you're seeking something more profound. Our mission is simple: to awaken the dormant and curious hero within you, turning each obstacle you face into a stepping-stone for opportunity.

Embarking on the Hero's Quest

From conquering the darkness of meningitis to earning a place on Forbes 30 Under 30, my journey is a testament to the transformative power of tenacity and vision. And guess what? This odyssey isn't solo—I'm inviting you to partake in this expedition of self-discovery.

The Boon of Wisdom

You're not just another face in the crowd. You're a seeker, an explorer, a future leader. Through enriching conversations, tactical advice, and a generous dose of wisdom, each episode is designed to be your treasure trove—a vault of secrets to conquer life’s trials.

An Odyssey for the Senses

Let’s break the mold. The Curious Lens is not just a podcast; it's a sonic landscape that defies mediocrity. From immersive soundscapes to meaningful narratives, get ready to journey through a universe where sound translates to sensation.

Become Part of a Curious Community

Bound by a shared ethos of curiosity and resilience, we are more than just listeners—we are a community. Together, we navigate through life's complexities, turning fails into sails, and seeking curiosity wherever and whenever we can.

See you on the curious path!

Sincerely,
–Matthew