Emily Graslie... Find out more about

Emily is the woman behind The Brain Scoop, the awesome youtube channel based out of Chicago's Field Museum of Natural History. Because "the purpose of TBS is to share with the public the behind-the-scenes work of natural history museums, their research and collections," we thought we should share some of our favorite Brain Scoop videos with you all. Definitely check out all the videos- there's something for every interest! 

The first two highlight some of different ways The Brain Scoop brings science into our lives. "Carl Akeley's Striped Hyenas" explores the product of a long-term project Emily spearheaded to build a diorama at the Field for their striped hyenas, which included many months and a successful Indiegogo campaign. "The Taxonomy of Candy" is a fun video on the concept of taxonomy, the way things are classified. It's a great example of how The Brain Scoop makes scientific concepts accessible to everyone.

In 1896, taxidermist Carl Akeley ventured to Somalia on a research expedition with Field Museum scientists, and procured a quartet of striped hyenas (among many other things). For more than six decades, these taxidermied mounts sat in an unfinished diorama case - and we wanted to do something about it!
In our previous video 'What is a Species?,' we talked about the many ways scientists approach classifying organisms. So, I thought it'd be fun to get a few scientists from The Field Museum to apply their taxonomic know-how on something we're all familiar with: candy! How would you have organized these various confections?

These two video give some fascinating background on some of the Field Museum's animal specimens. "The Flapper and the Panda" seems like it could be right out of a movie- someone should adapt it as a screenplay. The Man=Eating Lions of Tsavo have been a museum stalwart for a long, long time, and it was great to learn more about them.

In 1936, Ruth Harkness - a dressmaker from New York -- set off to China in search of the rare, elusive Giant Panda. Her goal? Bring one back alive to share the wonder of China's wildlife with the western world.
In 1898, two African lions began attacking and consuming railway workers in Tsavo, Kenya. First reports estimated that 135 people fell victim to these "man-eaters," but further research published in 2009 lessened that number to 35 individuals.

heck out books Emily recommends for her work, which all sound amazing. (You can see more of Emily's reading picks here.) And, hear her talk about some of her experiences being a woman on the internet.

Wherein I suggest ways to gain superpowers. Stuffed Animals & Pickled Heads, by Asma: http://amzn.to/TeIoPO Dry Storeroom No.
Help support our videos! http://bit.ly/1TjMRAo Under 'Designation,' put 'The Brain Scoop' - all proceeds go exclusively towards helping the show. We appreciate whatever you can give! NEW!! Brain Scoop Merch: http://bit.ly/dftba_tbs ------ Check out these great channels!

Read our interview with Emily and check out her reading picks.