In Vivo,
DNA as fundamental storage,
Or how to design deposits for the history of humanity.
Project planning
Steps to follow
1
Laboratory work with biotechnologists to encode the information on the DNA and place it into tissue
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In this first part of the project, the biotechnologists of our team will have a session on the laboratory to work with the encoding of the digital information on the DNA on living tissue, once the digital files will be translated into DNA language, the tissue will be stored and documentation of the process will occur, to explain details of the process on laboratories, to the audience. The lab tests will be weeks before the setting up of the installation at the Science Gallery Melbourne. So once the documentation and data will be ready, the biodata will be used to create digital documentation.
2
Interactive interface development
Based on the previous experimentation, we will develop an interactive module in the form of a video game in which the participants of the Science Gallery can enter their own messages, code them and do synthetic biology in silico in a simple and practical way. The software will give an idea of ​​the real experimental conditions experienced in the laboratory but in a friendly and simple way.
3
Installation as modules to be installed at the Science Gallery
At the Science Gallery Melbourne, the installation will be set up by modules, in which the installation of screens will take place, to offer the audience the possibility to interact with the artwork. We will install interactive modules with screens in which the user can enter words or phrases that will later be encoded into a base pair language and build synthetic genes. Through a simple game based on genetic engineering simulation software, the participant will have to create their own cloning vector that contains the encrypted message and select the vehicle with which they will introduce that information into the genome of their own body cells, all this in a digital game mode.
4
Biomaterials station table and 3D printer complementing the installation
To complement the modules installation with a more tangible dimension of the work, we will present as part of the installation, a table with biomaterials as sculptures that will be on display for the people to look at. We want to create a speculative scenario in which people can see a biomaterial containing the supposed encoded DNA. The Installation is made with safe biomaterials, not harmful and of course with no DNA encoded on it. The installation is just to present a speculative vision in a tangible way. Also, to make a connection between the modules that create the encoded DNA in digital format with the biomaterials section, we will use a 3D printer that will use the data generated by the interface used by the audience, to print in situ the biomaterials as pills, generated with the encoded DNA.
5
Participatory and interactive aspects of the project
The project comprises participatory and interactive features like the modules part of the installation with screens in which the public can generate its own data, to give awareness and show the audience the away translations from digital languages transform into DNA language, engaging directly the spectator with new technologies and aspects of the laboratory techniques.
Also, the table with biomaterials part of the installation, offers a tangible and more direct access to the concept of encoding DNA, as a representation in the shape of a sculpture.
For the opening of the exhibition, a performance will take place, in which the audience will be invited by members of the team, to eat edible sculptures that will represent a speculative scenario in which each individual can take the decision to ingest the edible material with encoded DNA or not. This aspect of the project is the connection with the ethical dimension that is required when analyzing scientific procedures, in special those executed on laboratories.
Interactive and participatory aspects of the installation
Learning and experience of the audience
A person walks towards the installation that contains a digital screen that can be a monitor or a touch screen television and a keyboard. She/he can then type a message using the keyboard, it can be a word, a sentence, or any message you want to preserve. Later the message will appear on the screen as it has been written and in a binary language that will have to be rewritten in a base pair language to build a segment of DNA. Once the DNA segment is obtained, the user will have to adapt it to be inserted into a cloning vector and later into a virtual organism. Once this activity is finished, the participant must think that they have been able to encrypt valuable information for their person in the code of life and that this information must be preserved for many years. On a second screen away from the first screen, the same participant or any other curious participant must extract the previously encoded genetic material and decode it to reveal the mysterious message. This interactive activity in which participants can save information and reveal information from other participants is also educational in that they learn some of the basics for doing synthetic biology in silico. Between both screens there will be a table where various biomaterials will be presented with the ability to carry encrypted DNA messages and enter the body to direct the genetic material to our cells. Participants will then feel the need to make a conscious decision about the use of this technology on their bodies.
