Much like the art and science collaborations we covered in
prior week’s lectures, the relationship between biotechnology and art is
likewise innovative and experimental. By combining scientific processes and
art, biotech art is able to draw attention to details of nature that we might
otherwise never see. Among all the materials I have review this week, I was
most intrigued by Euardo Kac’s transgenic artwork, the “GFP bunny”.
By integrating green fluorescent protein into the genome
through zygote microinjection, Eduardo Kac was able to transgene an ordinary
white skin, pink -eyed bunny into one that glows when illuminated with correct
light. Although there are popular notions that genetically engineered organisms
are unethical and monstrous, Kac has asserted that Alba, the bunny’s physical
traits are identical to any ordinary albino rabbits [1]. However, Alba is at
the same time unique from any regular albino rabbits, which I find to be very
fascinating.In the article, he mentioned that he regarded the integration
of the creation into society at large as the most important part of the
transgenic process. This concept
specially resonated with me. Rather than just creating a genetic object, the
creation, socialization and interaction is one single process [2], which brings me to the next point that biotechnology art still remains to be very
controversial in our society due to social and ethical concerns.
Among the many examples of biotechnology art, genetically
modified foods (GM foods) are likely the most relatable. These foods are produced from organisms whose
genetic material has been artificially manipulated through genetic engineering [3]. While there is a broad consensus that GM food on the market pose no risks
to human health than conventional food, there are also opponents objecting GM
crops on the basis of environmental impact [4]. Although GMO foods are more
resistant to insect pests, it also risks having modified genes of the organisms
escaping into the wild. When these herbicide resistant genes cross into the
wild weed population, opponents are worried that it will create “superweeds”
that are impossible to kill with herbicides and will eventually out-compete
natural animals and plants [5].
Therefore, I think that while artificial creation allows us
to explore new realms of nature that we are not familiar with, it can also lead
to collateral damage if not practice wisely. In the case of Alba the bunny, no
harm is caused to the physique of the bunny itself nor the environment as it is
under the care of its creator. However, in the case of GM crops, long term impacts are still unknown and once introduced, there's no turning back. Thus, there are no
doubt ethical and social concerns with their development and introduction into
the environment.
Sources:
[1]"GFP BUNNY." GFP BUNNY. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 May 2015. <http://www.ekac.org/gfpbunny.html#gfpbunnyanchor>.
[2]"Transgenic Bunny by Eduardo Kac." Transgenic Bunny by Eduardo Kac. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 May 2015. <http://www.genomenewsnetwork.org/articles/03_02/bunny_art.shtml>.
[3] "Center for Food Safety | Issues | GE Foods | About GE Foods." Center for Food Safety. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 May 2015. <http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/issues/311/ge-foods/about-ge-foods#>.
[4] "The Pros and Cons of GMO." Genetically Engineered Food News. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 May 2015. <http://geneticallyengineeredfoodnews.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-gmo>.
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