The Postal Service will celebrate the ingenuity that drives advances in science, engineering and technology when it releases its Innovation stamps Aug. 20.
The stamps feature five designs that represent the fields of computing, biomedicine, genome sequencing, robotics and solar technology. The word “innovation” overlays each stamp in chrome foil.
Here’s an overview of each design:
• Computing is represented by a green integrated circuit board — the kind that powers computers, gaming systems, smartphones and all things digital. Also called a microchip, the integrated circuit is the electronic marvel that rests at the heart of modern-day computing.
• Biomedicine is represented by images of immune-system cells to highlight the laboratory-based discipline focused on studying living beings and biological processes.
• Genome sequencing is represented by multi-colored DNA strips, part of the 3 billion chemical-based pairs of the human genetic code. In 2003, scientists completed the daunting task of deciphering the code, also called the “building blocks” of life.
• Robotics is represented by a black-and-white image of a bionic ankle-foot prosthesis, one example of machines that perform a variety of tasks, including assembling cars, exploring the ocean’s depths and helping doctors diagnose ailments.
• Solar technology is represented by a square, blue solar cell that converts sunlight into electricity. First used to power space satellites, solar cells are also used to heat and cool residential and commercial buildings.
Antonio Alcalá, a USPS art director, designed each Forever stamp, choosing details from existing photographs.
The Innovation stamps will be available in panes of 20 at Post Offices and usps.com.
