Week 6: BioTech + Arts
As technology and science evolve, the palette of the artists extends and expands with biotechnology genetics and technology, in general, really expanding into our bodies and our environment. (Vesna Video2) Nowadays, we can see inter-discipline applications of Biotechnology and arts in our daily life.
DNA/ RNA editing in human beings is a common strategy used in Biotechnology, which further uses into artists' work. Since scientists created the powerful gene editing technique Crispr, they have braced apprehensively for the day when it would be used to create a genetically altered human being (Kolata para.1). There are some artists attracted by this magic technology to study in laboratories. Kac uses a biotechnology method to insert DNA sequences into bunny' genes. Bunny itself can translate GFP, green fluorescent protein, to show green light in dark.
In addition, biotechnology modification in food shows every aspects of our lives, which brings certain advantages and some concerns. Gene modification in crops and vegetables can increase the amount of production. Norero states the evidence that planting genetically modified (GM) maize (corn) over the past 20 years has increased the agricultural yield of this popular and important staple food (para.1). However, a considerable amount of concerns about food safety hide in people's hearts. Javahippo shows the food spoiling process of McDonald's on YouTube, which fries stay the good condition as newly-bought after several weeks.
DNA/ RNA editing in human beings is a common strategy used in Biotechnology, which further uses into artists' work. Since scientists created the powerful gene editing technique Crispr, they have braced apprehensively for the day when it would be used to create a genetically altered human being (Kolata para.1). There are some artists attracted by this magic technology to study in laboratories. Kac uses a biotechnology method to insert DNA sequences into bunny' genes. Bunny itself can translate GFP, green fluorescent protein, to show green light in dark.
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| Alba, the fluorescent protein |
Biotechnology becomes a two-sided blade for general public. While it works as the efficient tool to bring up the food production amount and act as a way of art performance, safety concerns also appear with appeals to more regulations from government.
References:
Javahippo. “McDonald's Food Expirament.” YouTube, YouTube, 12 June 2007, www.youtube.com/watch?v=6us9kHHSNwk.
Kac, Eduardo. GFP BUNNY, www.ekac.org/gfpbunny.html#gfpbunnyanchor.
Kolata, Gina. “Chinese Scientists Have Announced the Birth of the World's First Gene-Editing Baby.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 27 Nov. 2018, cn.nytimes.com/science/20181127/gene-editing-babies-china/dual/.
Norero, Daniel. “GMO Crops Have Been Increasing Yield for 20 Years, with More Progress Ahead.” Alliance for Science, allianceforscience.cornell.edu/blog/2018/02/gmo-crops-increasing- yield-20-years-progress-ahead/.
Vesna, Victoria. “5 Bioart pt1 1280x720.” YouTube, 18 Sept. 2013, youtu.be/PaThVnA1kyg.
Hi Mingze,
回复删除I agree with you on the point that GMO food remained a controversial topic for contemporary society. Yet, I think the example of McDonald used in your blog demonstrates the harm of fast food/processed food instead of GMO products. People can consume healthy food that are grown using the genetic modification technology.
I think it is valid for people to avoid GMO food as there are lack of evidence showing it is risk-free. On the other hand, choices are only available if people have the resources such as money and time to pick and choose the food they want. In a lot of less developed countries where food can sometimes be a scare resources, people living there do not the chance to choose whether they want GMO food or not. They just eat what they have or can afford.
Best,
Celine Chen