Biotech + Art

Biotechnology has the potential to both uplift mankind and destroy it. As per a NIH report, half a century ago, very little was known about the genetics behind disease. In 1990, the Human Genome Project was initiated to sequence and map the complete set of DNA in the human body. On a scientific level, if the specific genes responsible for particular diseases can be identified and altered; humans would be able to cure deadly diseases like cancer. Yet this poses a philosophical problem; is it fair for parents to ‘design’ their own babies?

The HGP aims to map the complete set of DNA in the human body

Biotechnology’s direct application to art is also a controversial topic. Joe Davis’ work on creating and using an audio microscope that would enable us to hear living cells is very commendable. Likewise, the project to encode bacteria with a symbol of human intelligence and send that into outer space is a proud achievement for the fields of art and science (Vesna, 2013). However, subjecting animals to zygote microinjection to use them as a piece of art is unethical. According to a Wired article, the death of the GFP bunny Alba, was mysterious, and could be caused due to the GFP gene. In my opinion, risking animal life without the potential to benefit society is not keeping with the true spirit of art.

Alba the GFP Bunny

An application of BioArt that greatly benefits society is the field of prosthetics. On the functional side, as per a Vanderbilt University publication, advancements in robotics technology have led to the creation of prosthetics that can mimic the natural movement of human legs (Salisbury, 2012). On an artistic side, The Alternative Limb Project, creates prosthetics that either look like real limbs or stand out as unique pieces of art. Losing a limb, or not being born with all four limbs can handicap a person’s body and identity. Advancements in the field of prosthetics today are remarkable.

artful prosthetics by the The Alternative Limb Project

"About." The Alternative Limb Project. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 May 2015. <http://www.thealternativelimbproject.com/about/>.

"NIH Fact Sheets - Human Genome Project." NIH Fact Sheets - Human Genome Project. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 May 2015. <http://report.nih.gov/NIHfactsheets/ViewFactSheet.aspx?csid=45&key=H#H>.

Philipkoski, Kristen. "RIP: Alba, the Glowing Bunny." WIRED. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 May 2015. <http://archive.wired.com/medtech/health/news/2002/08/54399?currentPage=all>.

Salisbury, David. "Robotic Advances Promise Artificial Legs That Emulate Healthy Limbs." Vanderbilt Research. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 May 2015. <http://news.vanderbilt.edu/2013/11/robotic-legs-healthy-limbs/>.

Vesna, Victoria. "5 Bioart Pt1 1280x720." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 11 May 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=631&v=PaThVnA1kyg>.