Genetic engineering workshop for artists | May 2006

Led by Dr. Gary Cass, SymbioticA – the art & science laboratory, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science, University of Western Australia

pBAD-GFP E Coli Genetic Engineering by inserting GFP modified genes into e CColi K12 taken from the sea jelly Aequorea Victoria.

This attractive species of sea jelly has a particular protein that fluoresces green when exposed to ultraviolet light hence the abbreviated name: green florescent protein GFP. The striking visual properties of the GFP make it attractive to scientists (and artists) who frequently insert the protein in small cells samples to visually detect data, and track changes in data, of specific cell types in vitro.

Tissue engineering workshop for artists | Jan | 2006

Led by Dr. Stuart Hodgetts, Oron Catts, Dr. Ionat Zurr, SymbioticA – the art & science laboratory, School of Anatomy & Human Biology, University of Western Australia

Tissue culture and tissue engineering represent a new area for artistic engagement. These branches of biomedical research have a major influence on perceptions of body, self and medical thinking. Tissue engineering enable researchers to grow three dimensional living tissues constructs of varying sizes, shapes and tissue types.

This two-day intensive workshop will introduce artists and other interested people to basic principals of animal tissue culture and tissue engineering, as well as to its history and the different artistic projects working with TC and TE.