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1517.bsky.social
1517 Fund
@1517.bsky.social
120 followers 14 following 580 posts
We back dropouts, renegade students, and deep tech scientists at the earliest stages, before anybody else. Want to chat? Reach out:👇

https://www.1517fund.com/
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1517.bsky.social
John Schoenherr's art for Space Viking.

Where else would a self-respecting viking go, but the final frontier?
alt-text via GPT – "This is a dramatic black and white illustration featuring two distinct scenes. The upper portion shows a turbulent sky with bold, sweeping brushstrokes creating a sense of motion and energy. A large circular object (possibly the sun or moon) dominates the sky, while a tree or foliage appears silhouetted on the left side. The lower scene depicts a futuristic landscape with several dome-like structures of varying sizes, including what appears to be a geodesic dome with a crosshatch pattern. Two small human figures stand among these architectural elements, giving scale to the scene. The structures have a mix of curved and angular forms, creating a science fiction aesthetic. The entire image is rendered in a bold, expressive style with heavy use of black ink or similar medium, creating strong contrasts between light and dark areas. The artistic technique emphasizes dramatic movement and atmosphere, particularly in the sky portion."
September 22, 2025 at 2:33 PM
1517.bsky.social
We don't have to choose between the fantastical and the technological.

Why not both?

Art by Finnian MacManus.
alt-text via GPT - "A dreamlike futuristic landscape blending traditional Japanese architecture with science fiction elements. In the foreground stands a multi-tiered pagoda with characteristic curved black roofs. The pagoda sits among lush greenery and rocky terrain. A bridge connects to more modern structures on the right. In the background, misty mountains frame enormous translucent futuristic structures or floating buildings that rise into a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. The scene creates a harmonious juxtaposition of ancient Eastern architecture and advanced technology, bathed in a hazy blue-green atmosphere."
September 17, 2025 at 1:46 AM
1517.bsky.social
Ozempic (semaglutide), mounjaro (tirzepatide), retatrutide etc. were derived from molecules isolated in Gila monster venom by an "eccentric biochemist," Jean-Pierre Raufman.

He asked the insane question others didn't, "can venom help humans?"
A detailed scientific illustration of a Gila monster lizard (Heloderma species) shown in sepia/brown tones. The main image depicts a full side view of the stocky lizard with its distinctive beaded skin texture and banded pattern, short limbs with clawed toes, and blunt head. Surrounding the main illustration are several smaller anatomical diagrams showing close-up details of scale patterns, head structures, and skin textures from different body regions. Text at the bottom left reads "UNITED STATES & MEXICAN BOUNDARY," suggesting this is from a historical natural history publication documenting fauna along the US-Mexico border.
September 16, 2025 at 1:13 PM
1517.bsky.social
A skinned CAT (scanner)
alt-text via GPT - "This image shows a CT (computed tomography) scanner, a large medical imaging machine with a distinctive circular opening (called a gantry) in the center where patients are positioned for scanning. The CT scanner features a ring-shaped main structure surrounded by various technical components including multiple cooling fans, control panels, cables, and monitoring equipment. The machine appears to be in a medical facility or hospital setting with warm yellow-orange lighting. Various wires and cables connect different components of the system, and there are control panels and electronic equipment visible throughout the setup. A sign reading "B1085" is visible in the background. The sophisticated medical equipment uses X-rays and computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body for diagnostic purposes.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses."
August 28, 2025 at 12:38 AM
1517.bsky.social
There's been a cognitive aging-related breakthrough,

"an increase in [..] iron-associated protein ferritin light chain 1 (FTL1) [..] in the hippocampus of aged mice, [..correlate] with cognitive decline."

"Targeting neuronal FTL1 in [..] aged mice improves [..] cognitive impairments"
paper text - "a, Schematic of transcriptomics workflow for RNA-seq of hippocampal neuronal nuclei (N = 3 young (3 months) and N = 2 aged (18 months) mice). Volcano plot illustrating differential gene expression in hippocampal neurons of young compared to aged mice. Red dots represent significantly increased genes, and light blue dots represent significantly decreased genes. b, Gene Ontology (GO) terms of biological processes associated with upregulated and downregulated genes in hippocampal neurons during aging. Numerals indicate number of genes in each process. c, Schematic of proteomics workflow for mass spectrometry of cortical and hippocampal synaptosomes (N = 3 young (3 months) biological replicates (20 mice per replicate) and N = 3 aged (18–20 months) biological replicates (20 mice per replicate)). Volcano plot illustrating differential protein levels in synaptosomes of young compared to aged mice."
August 26, 2025 at 6:49 PM
1517.bsky.social
In 1979, children's books publisher, Usborne Publishing, worked with an aerospace engineer, Kenneth Gatland, and artist, David Jefferis, to create an illustrated guide to the future.

Here is their page on Ristos – computers on our wrist. Imagine that.
alt-text via GPT – "A split image comparing vintage technology predictions with modern smartwatches. Left side shows a retro magazine article titled "THE ELECTRONIC REVOLUTION" from "HOMES AND ENVIRONMENT" featuring illustrations of a futuristic "wristwatch radio-telephone" concept called a "risto." The article describes how city dwellers could use these devices to talk to anyone anywhere, send electronic mail, and even participate in instant voting. It includes detailed drawings of the wrist device with labeled features like "pop-out aerials," "digital readouts," and "emergency buttons." Right side shows modern smartwatches in use, displaying navigation maps, health monitoring features (labeled "Fall," "Trip," "Slip"), and people wearing Apple Watches in everyday situations. The juxtaposition highlights how remarkably accurate some of these past predictions were for today's wearable technology."
August 25, 2025 at 9:01 PM
1517.bsky.social
Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee, Rembrandt van Rijn. 1633.

Rembrandt's only seascape was stolen from a Boston museum in 1990. Its location is currently unknown.
Rembrandt van Rijn (Leyden, 1606 - 1669, Amsterdam) Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee, 1633
August 19, 2025 at 11:20 PM
1517.bsky.social
Early Space Shuttle concepts were uncannily similar to Starship. Example, #51,223

A shuttle for Mars departing Earth. Art by Renato Moncini.
A shuttle departing Earth by Renato Moncini.
August 14, 2025 at 2:08 PM
1517.bsky.social
Early Space Shuttle concepts were uncannily close to SpaceX's Starship - part: 1,241,022

In this Grumman Shuttle proposal, the Shuttle is designed around a ‘lifting body’ design, similar to Starship, with the idea (most likely) being a similar re-entry profile.
alt-text via GPT – "This image shows a dramatic space scene featuring a white Space Shuttle with "UNITED STATES" written in black letters on its side. The shuttle is flying above Earth's curved surface, which appears as blue-green landmasses and ocean below. In the upper portion of the image, there's a satellite or space station module with solar panels extended. An astronaut can be seen floating in space, connected by a tether line, appearing to be conducting a spacewalk or EVA (extravehicular activity). The scene is bathed in striking reddish-orange atmospheric colors that blend into the deep black of space, creating a sunset-like effect across the upper portion of the image. Stars are visible scattered throughout the dark space background. The overall composition has a somewhat vintage or artistic quality, emphasizing the majesty and drama of human space exploration."
August 6, 2025 at 6:28 PM
1517.bsky.social
Just your regularly scheduled reminder that in the 1950s, the US designed & planned to mass manufacture giant Mach 3 airplanes.

2.4k mi (3.9k km) in 90 min.

Or, NYC to LA in 90 min.
alt-text via GPT – "Collage showing GE YJ93 jet engine technology designed for the XB-70 program: detailed technical cutaway diagram of the turbojet engine (top), engine test firing with afterburner flames (bottom left), and black-and-white photos of YJ93 engines in manufacturing and testing facilities (bottom right)."
July 24, 2025 at 10:01 PM
1517.bsky.social
Top of the morning to you! Mayhaps we can create a better world today?
alt-text via GPT — "A man in formal dark coat and hat stands in a circular wooden weather monitoring station, with a sign reading "U.S Weather Bureau Co Operative Station Midvale Utah Rain Gage U.S Smelting Co" visible in this black and white historical photograph."
July 23, 2025 at 2:37 PM
1517.bsky.social
we're in the business of making alchemists obsolete.

eat it Newton.

Congrats on the breakthrough Marathon Fusion, Kyle Schiller & Adam Rutkowski
alt-text via GPT – This image is a collage combining technology and science-related content. In the top left, there's a close-up photo of a person wearing dark sunglasses. The top right contains several AI-related news headlines, including "'The Signal for AI' comes out of stealth with $4.2M," "xAI is hiring an engineer to make anime girls," and mentions of messaging apps and Siemens CEO discussing Germany's AI initiatives. The bottom left shows a person wearing protective gear or a mask, appearing to be in a laboratory or industrial setting. The bottom right features scientific content about fusion energy, including a technical graph showing temperature and concentration data with colored contour lines, and headlines about "Marathon Fusion" and "Creating gold in fusion reactors." There's also an image of what appears to be fusion reactor equipment with a bright orange-yellow plasma core visible in the center. The overall composition juxtaposes current AI technology news with advanced scientific research in fusion energy, creating a collage that represents cutting-edge technological developments across different fields.
July 23, 2025 at 2:04 AM
1517.bsky.social
At 1517, we're proud supporters of the new Vat-to-Agar movement.

via 1517 Medici grantee @x - divyan_b

ps - if you're a wily teen between 18 & 14 who'd like to join the cause; apply to 2E! Deadline is August 3rd, 2025!

1517.smapply.us/prog/2e2025/
A medici grantee's project
July 15, 2025 at 8:41 PM
1517.bsky.social
"At the controls of an aircraft of the future," which would be a rocket (of course).

Popular Mechanics, 1932.
The aircraft of the future from Popular Mechanics, 1932.
July 7, 2025 at 1:15 PM
1517.bsky.social
Casting bronze at home, May 1932.

Don't forget the asbestos!
Casting bronzes in the home work shop
July 3, 2025 at 6:34 PM
1517.bsky.social
The Kowloon Walled City used to be an actual walled city - a fortress. Historical accidents turned it into a world of its own with 700+ factories / industrial premises and hundreds of unlicensed schools, medical clinics, doctors and dentists.
alt-text via GPT — "This infographic titled "City of anarchy" provides a detailed examination of Kowloon Walled City, a former high-density settlement in Hong Kong. The centerpiece is a detailed isometric cutaway illustration showing the incredibly dense urban structure that housed 50,000 residents in just 2.7 hectares. The illustration reveals multiple levels of cramped apartments, narrow corridors, and makeshift construction, with people visible in various rooms and activities throughout the complex. Key statistics displayed include: 500 buildings packed into the small area Monthly rent of HK$35 for tiny spaces 40 square feet per person living space Population density comparisons showing it was far denser than Hong Kong (6,500 people per square kilometer) or Manhattan (25,000)"
June 30, 2025 at 1:17 PM
1517.bsky.social
Table of fortifications from Ephraim Chamber's 1728 Cyclopædia. Or, "An Universal Dictionary of Arts and Sciences; containing the Definitions of the Terms, and Accounts of the Things signify'd thereby, in the several Arts, both Liberal and Mechanical, and the several Sciences, Human and Divine [..]"
Alt-text via GPT — "Detailed 18th-century technical diagram of military fortification design, featuring a central hexagonal fortress, surrounded by precise illustrations of engineering tools, defensive structures, cannons, barriers, and architectural elements. The black and white engraving demonstrates complex military architectural principles and defensive strategies."
June 24, 2025 at 2:37 PM
1517.bsky.social
The architect Paolo Soleri's hexahedron arcology. 1969.
Alt-text via GPT — "Detailed architectural cross-section drawing of a complex, pyramid-shaped urban structure. The illustration is in black and white, featuring intricate architectural details and labels indicating different functional zones. The central pyramid is divided into multiple levels, including areas labeled "Residential", "Public", "City Center", "Cultural Center", "Commercial", and "Living-Working". The structure is flanked by simplified architectural drawings of surrounding buildings, with a stylized skyscraper silhouette on the right side. At the bottom, an "Automated Industries" section is visible. The drawing is meticulously rendered with fine lines, cross-hatching, and dense architectural details, suggesting a comprehensive urban design concept that integrates multiple aspects of city life into a single, monumental structure." Alt-text via GPT — "Black and white architectural sketch of a massive, pyramidal structure with intricate, densely detailed surfaces. The building appears to be a complex, multi-layered architectural design with a triangular profile. Its surface is covered in minute, architectural details suggesting windows, structural elements, and complex texturing. The structure stands on a flat horizon line, flanked by simplified, curved landscape elements on either side. The drawing style is highly detailed, using fine line work and cross-hatching to create depth, texture, and a sense of monumental scale. The overall impression is of a futuristic, almost science fiction-like architectural concept that blends geometric precision with organic complexity."
June 24, 2025 at 11:14 AM
1517.bsky.social
From Andrey Maximov's Mars series. Harmonia city.
alt-text via GPT — "Futuristic concept art of a Mars settlement called Harmonia City, dated 16-11-2089. The image depicts a sprawling urban complex nestled within a dramatic, rocky, orange-red Martian landscape. Architectural structures with curved and angular designs are integrated into the terrain, featuring a large solar panel array in the foreground and additional buildings ascending a layered, canyon-like topography. A towering structure sits atop a distant mesa, and the entire scene is bathed in warm, orange and red hues suggesting the planet's distinctive coloration. A handwritten note explains that the solar panels are rested against the walls of the lower level of the city, named after the goddess Harmonia, daughter of the god Ares. The image is marked with a "Castor XIII" logo and is labeled as page 26."
June 23, 2025 at 11:00 PM
1517.bsky.social
Early Space Shuttle concepts were uncannily similar to SpaceX's Starship.

This proposal from the 1971 was proposed by Grumman Aerospace & Boeing for NASA's "Alternate Space Shuttle Concept[s]" study. It had a modified Saturn V first stage w/ a shuttle-like vehicle on top.
A starship like vehicle that was proposed for NASA's Space Shuttle alternatives study.
June 23, 2025 at 9:01 PM
1517.bsky.social
Simulating living in space. Collier's Magazine, 1953.
alt-text via GPT — "Vintage illustration of a futuristic medical or scientific facility, depicted as a complex cross-section of a large vertical structure with multiple rooms and levels. The illustration is predominantly red and white, with intricate details showing various rooms and personnel engaged in different activities. Labeled sections include "Atmosphere Recorder", "Continuous Tape Recorder", "Medical Laboratory", and "Air Lock". The rooms are filled with stylized human figures performing tasks like exercising, monitoring equipment, and working in laboratory settings. The artwork has a mid-20th century aesthetic, with a detailed, slightly crowded composition that suggests a scientific or space-age environment. Technical equipment, machinery, and geometric shapes dominate the design, creating a sense of technological complexity and precision."
June 23, 2025 at 6:18 PM
1517.bsky.social
How we used to live. Cutaways of a roundhouse from the Bronze Age.

"[Their] layout [..mirrored modern homes with space] for cooking, sleeping, and textile production. [Residents ate] porridge, cereals, honey, and stews made with beef, mutton, and fish"
alt-text via GPT — "An aerial view of a reconstructed ancient circular stone dwelling with a cutaway roof, revealing the interior. Inside, three figures in simple clothing gather around a central fire pit within the stone-walled structure. The dwelling has a circular stone base with wooden framework supporting what would be a thatched roof. A hide-covered entrance frame is visible at the front, and various wooden implements are scattered around the exterior. A copyright mark indicates "©Bob Marshall 2023" in the bottom corner." alt-text via GPT — "The same ancient circular stone dwelling shown from the same aerial angle, but with its thatched roof fully intact. The structure features a complete dome-shaped thatch roof supported by wooden beams over circular stone walls. The dwelling has a hide-covered entrance frame and a woven basket visible beside the doorway. The surrounding area shows rocky ground and sparse vegetation. This image provides the exterior view of the same structure shown in cutaway form in the first image. The same copyright mark "©Bob Marshall 2023" appears in the bottom corner."
June 20, 2025 at 12:01 PM
1517.bsky.social
The artist in his room at the Villa Medici, Léon Cogniet.
alt-text via GPT — "A 19th century painting depicting a sparse interior room with dark walls and high ceiling. A person in dark clothing stands reading near a bed with white linens. An open window in the center reveals a bright countryside landscape with cypress trees and rolling hills. The room contains a small desk with writing materials, some luggage in the corner, and what appears to be a guitar leaning against the wall. The contrast between the dimly lit interior and the sunlit landscape outside creates a contemplative atmosphere."
June 19, 2025 at 11:50 PM
1517.bsky.social
Remember. Freedom.
Remember: Freedom!
June 18, 2025 at 6:04 PM
1517.bsky.social
What are you launching off the plane of the ecliptic today?
Flight trajectory for the International Solar Polar Mission
June 17, 2025 at 6:09 PM