Alexander Tsiaras has made a career of using advances in visualization technology to offer vivid tours of the human body. His books have taken readers inside the human heart, the kidneys and vascular system, and also human reproduction. Back in 2002, Tsiaras published From Conception to Birth: A Life Unfolds, a book that offers a “visual diary of fetal development.” Now, nearly a decade later, he brings that visual diary to video at a conference affiliated with TED. The visuals are impressive. There’s no denying that. But what might leave you cold (or not) is his willingness to talk about human development in terms of “mystery, magic, and divinity” rather than trying to grapple with any scientific analysis. Is this a nod to “Intelligent Design”? Or an unfortunate byproduct of the short talk format? Who knows….
Conception to Birth Visualized
Support Open Culture
We’re hoping to rely on our loyal readers rather than erratic ads. To support Open Culture’s educational mission, please consider making a donation. We accept PayPal, Venmo (@openculture), Patreon and Crypto! Please find all options here. We thank you! 
Support Us
We're hoping to rely on loyal readers, rather than erratic ads. Please click the Donate button and support Open Culture. You can use Paypal, Venmo, Patreon, even Crypto! We thank you!
Receive our Daily Email
About Us
Open Culture scours the web for the best educational media. We find the free courses and audio books you need, the language lessons & educational videos you want, and plenty of enlightenment in between.
Advertise With Us
©2006-2023 Open Culture, LLC.
All rights reserved.
Open Culture was founded by Dan Colman.
The best scientists have always acknowledged the mystical, whether in the development of life, the nuclei of atoms, or the span of the universe.
I’d say a strong nod to intelligent design since he says”hard not to attribute divinity to it” 1:22
From a fervent Christian who really appreciates your site….
“There’s no denying that. But what might leave you cold (or not) is his willingness to talk about human development in terms of “mystery, magic, and divinity” rather than trying to grapple with any scientific analysis.”
Good grief. I’m sure he’s not opposed to scientific analysis, but I get the feeling that you are hesitant to do speak of anything but that…
What really leaves us cold?
My take: http://infanttheology.wordpress.com/2010/09/30/this-is-personal/