Creating Glass Models of Deep Sea Creatures

Aquatic invertebrates are often difficult to study when they are living, and some can’t even survive outside their deep-ocean habitats. That’s why, 127 years ago, University of Wisconsin biology professor Edward Birge purchased glass models of sea creatures ranging from jellyfish to sea cucumbers from famous German glassblowers Leopold and Rudolph Blaschka, for use in teaching biology. With the 175th anniversary grant, UW-Zoological Museum partnered with expert glassblower Tim Drier to create deep sea invertebrate models, as the old ones were too delicate and artistically valuable to handle. “The new models will be used for teaching undergraduate and graduate students,” says Monahan, associate director at the UW Zoological Museum. “In addition, they will be used in both artistic and scientific exhibitions.” See full story