As the holidays approach, my comments get more insipid. But I saw the image above as part of a Johns Hopkins press release about using a “snake-like robot” for minute medical procedures. Perhaps this is just a continuation of the previously-referenced “tactilizing” work, but I was rather charmed by the picture.

Of course, I am a bit of a comic-book freak. And even though Spider-Man was never a favorite, the association with Doc Ock at least enhances the kewlness factor.

What the heck are the little colored things it’s picking up, though?