Puzzle Description:

Biohazard warning.

#1: Belita (belita) on Apr 18, 2022 [HINT]

I don't think this is solvable without using symmetry. At least I couldn't find a way. But I have no qualms with symmetry.

Does anyone know the exact derivation of this symbol?

Found to be solvable with moderate lookahead by valerie.

I solved it with lots of edge logic, no symmetry needed.

Bill - According to this website (which I have not checked for accuracy) https://idcmedical.com/biohazard-symbol-what-does-it-mean/, it says:

As an international symbol, it is used worldwide to indicate the presence of biohazard agent. It was developed in 1966 by Charles L. Baldwin of Dow Chemicals and Robert S. Runkle of the NIH.

Baldwin, an environmental health engineer, wanted the symbol to be “memorable but meaningless” so that they may educate people as to what it means. The design team of the Dow Chemical Company was asked to create a highly recognisable design that was, according them:

1. Striking in form in order to draw immediate attention;
2. Unique and unambiguous, in order not to be confused with symbols used for other purposes;
3. Quickly recognisable and easily recalled;
4. Symmetrical, in order to appear identical from all angles of approach, and;
5. Acceptable to groups of varying ethnic backgrounds.

The present biohazard symbol that we know of was the one who got the top score among the competing designs. It was, of all the choices, the most unique and memorable.

Wow, thanks Valerie! That makes sense.

I'm intrigued by symbols, especially those warning of danger. I remember reading years ago about scientists and graphic designers trying to come up with a symbol to warn generations eons into the future about radioactive waste storage bunkers, where the waste had half-lives of millions or maybe billions of years.
They were concerned about nuclear or other total annihilation of life on Earth, and realized that eventually life would re-emerge and evolve, and still be able to recognize a "DANGER" sign.
I wonder whatever happened to that quest.

Anybody know?

Interesting topic https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200731-how-to-build-a-nuclear-warning-for-10000-years-time

EL on either 7 clue in C1 or C32. LL.

EL on the 5 clues in C30 makes R30C3-6,27-30 dots.

EL on the 10 clues in C29 makes R29C3-5,128-30 dots. LL to finish.

Nice puzzle!

Goto next topic

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