SameerKDESMA9

Week 6: BioTech + Art

This week's topic fits in with the theme of this class since it clearly shows another aspect of art that includes science.  However, it was a very contentious form of art for ethical reasons. From what I observed, the lectures of "BioTech + Art" dove into the type of art that involves a science that interferes with genetics. Some of the reasons scientists do this type of work are for research purposes and in collaboration with artists. For example, in the first lecture video in "BioTech + Art," Victoria Vesna mentioned that the technology for genetically influencing living things have been used by Osamu Shimomura to experiment on mice for research on the enhanced green fluorescent genes, and Eduardo Kacs to create a glowing bunny for art (Vesna).

Alba, the fluorescent bunny.

An example of controversy in this field is the use of genetic modification by Kacs. He uses the fluorescent genes, from luminescent jellyfish and inserted them into a fertilized rabbit's cell (Kac). This resulted in Alba, an albino rabbit that has a fluorescent green glow when exposed to blacklight. The controversy stemmed from the disagreement between those who consider this art and those who consider this an unnecessary manipulation of nature. 

Eduardo Kac and Alba, the fluorescent bunny. 

After doing some research about Alba, I found out she passed the way at the age of 4 (Philipkoski).  I then wondered what the average lifespan of a rabbit, and according to PetPonder, it is between 7-12 years. Although Kac refuses that the genetic modification had anything to do with Alba's short life, one may be inclined to believe that the handling of Alba in his project led to her death based on the numbers. I believe that the experiences Alba went through had an effect on her life and that scientists and artists should move in a different direction in the way they carry out their projects. This is not to say that human creativity should have limits, I just feel like the research and projects involved with genetic manipulation should be altered as to avoid any negative outcomes to any living beings life.

Green Fluorescent Mice next to non-genetically modified mice

“Genetic Engineering.” Genetic Engineering, 15 Apr. 2013, lberman2.wordpress.com/mice-that-glow/.

Kac, Eduardo. “GFP BUNNY.” NATURAL HISTORY OF THE ENIGMA, www.ekac.org/gfpbunny.html#gfpbunnyanchor.

“Life Spans of Different Rabbit Breeds You Must Know.” PetPonder, PetPonder, petponder.com/life-span-of-rabbits.

Philipkoski, Kristen. “RIP: Alba, the Glowing Bunny.” Wired, Conde Nast, 4 June 2017, www.wired.com/2002/08/rip-alba-the-glowing-bunny/.

Vesna, Victoria, “BioTech Art Lectures I-V.” N.p., . web. 5 Nov 2012.