This document is a blog post by Mariam Barseghyan for her Honors 177 Biotech + Art course. It includes 6 sections discussing various topics related to the intersection of science, technology, and art. The sections cover the two cultures of art and science, genetically modified foods, animal biotechnology, in vitro meat, aging, and Mariam's final project proposal involving amplifying natural human intelligence through genetic engineering. Links are provided at the end of each section for additional reading.

1. Honors 177
S 2012
Biotech + Art
Professor Victoria Vesna
Blog Entries for the Course
Mariam Barseghyan
Physiological Science / Russian Language
and Literature
June 6, 2012

2. The Two Cultures
Week 1
• Hello, my name is Mariam. I am a fourth year
Physiological Science and Russian Language and
Literature dual major. I love literature and art but only
as long as I enjoy it. I never ask questions regarding the
reasons or motivations that lead to creation of certain
piece of art or literary work since, unlike questions
posed in science, there is never one definite true
answer in literature. One rarely knows the actual state
of mind and feeling of an author while he was creating
his work. Posing assumptions regarding this seems
pretty pointless to me. While taking this course, I
anticipate learning how not technology, but rather
BIOtechnology is related to art.

3. • Today the two cultures, art and sciences, seem so
distinct and far from one another that it is hard to
believe that once these disciplines were
inseparable. This separation, first acknowledged
in 1959 by C. P. Snow, who believed that a
curriculum in universities is the cause of creation
of the mentioned separation, still continues to
increase. According to Aldous Huxley,
misunderstandings arise from a specialized use of
language from the two disciplines. I consider John
Brockman’s idea that contemporary scientist are
the representative of the third culture –
technology, which, I think, incorporates both, the
ideas of scientists and the design of artists.

4. • The conflict of the two cultures is primarily a
conflict between humanities and sciences
which was initially created by the way schools
and universities are run. Negative stereotypes
exist within both of the mentioned disciplines.
A proper training beginning kindergarten will
allow diminishing separation between science
and art greatly. The more harmonious
existence of one discipline along another will
assist in making many extraordinary
discoveries in both fields.

5. • One example of how science is connected to
art is demonstrated through the Kunstkamera,
Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and
Ethnography, which was also the first museum
established in Russia. In these museums, open
and functioning around the world, are
displayed anomalies observed among humans
and sometimes animals. These museums are
not the type to enjoys, however they are very
interesting. Here is the link showing one of
such museums.

6. • A video demonstrating the mentioned
museum:
http://video.yandex.ru/#search?text=%D0%BA%D1%83%D0%
BD%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%B5%D1
%80%D0%B0&filmId=24383307-02-12
• click on the bigger video on the left

7. Links
• 1. Cabinet of Curiosities (Кунсткамера)
<http://www.dharmafish.org/albums/40>
• 2. Kunstkamera. Кунсткамера
<http://www.flickr.com/photos/peer_gynt/5601078348/>
• 3. Human Biotechnology in Art & Culture: A List
<http://www.geneticsandsociety.org/article.php?id=1961>
• 4.
<http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S01677
79905002726>
• 5. Art and Biotechnology: When art looks into science
<http://therestisart.wordpress.com/2010/10/26/art-and-
biotechnology-when-...

8. • What happened to Steve Kurtz is devastating.
This just once again shows the carelessness of
police/government to science, art, and just
simple human feelings. All that matters is
reputation! Kurtz is a strong man to be able to
withstand all that and to fight for his rights as
well as for the rights of all those in science and
art.

9. GM Foods: Benefits and Faults
Week 2
• Like a typical modern American diet, my diet is
primarily composed of genetically modified
foods. Almost everything that a typical American
consumes, having bought the products from
regular stores, is genetically altered. However,
compared to many people, I usually eat
homemade food. I believe that this is beneficial,
though the ingredients are still genetically
altered. At least, while eating at home, one
knows exactly what he or she consumes and in
what quantities. Foods eaten outside are often
rich in unhealthy fats and carbohydrates.

10. • I do not buy foods labeled organic since I personally do
not trust that labeling. It is not difficult to see that a
strawberry labeled organic appears just like its GM
version: big and tasteless. Even if the foods labeled
organic are not genetically modified, in order for them
to look as appealing as they in fact do look, they need
to be treated with chemicals and this does not make
that particular food organic. The only foods that I truly
consider organic are those grown in my grandmother’s
garden, in Armenia. She grows everything in the
garden naturally and uses her own seeds (though this
does not matter since genetically modified seeds are
not allowed there).

11. • Couple of years ago I have done research on
advantages and disadvantages of genetically
altered foods. I am attaching the power point
demonstrating my findings.
• A very interesting link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=play
er_embedded&v=1H9WZGKQeYg

12. Links
• 1. The Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified Seeds
<http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126862629333762259.html>
• 2. Agriculture in Armenia: Surviving against the Odds
<http://www.atgusa.org/Armenia/agriculture/armenia_agriculture.
html>
• 3. Harmful Effects of the Agent
<http://enhs.umn.edu/current/5103/gm/harmful.html>
• 4. Genetically Modified Organisms are Unfit for Consumption
<http://www.naturalnews.com/026426_GMO_food_GMOs.html>
• 5. What are Genetically Modified Organisms or GMO Foods?
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/nutrition/genetically-
modified-foods>

13. Biotechnology and Animals
Week 3
• I do not like keeping animals (pets) myself. I do pet
dogs and cats of my friends, but I never felt like having
an animal myself. I think that if it wasn’t for animals,
science would not be on the level on which it is today.
Animals are used in laboratories for answering various
important health and science related questions. I never
understood those who fight against animal utilization
in the research laboratories. If it wasn’t for these
animals a significant amount of cures for various
diseases would never be discovered. I wonder if these
people realize and if they are ready to provide an
alternative that is as good to use in the lab as animas.
What, would it be better to experiment on humans?

15. • The possibility of
engineering Gene
Targeted Mice (mice
whose genes are
selected for) allows for
testing for the functions
of specific genes and
proteins. This allows for
later determination of
ways of treatment of
various diseases.

16. Links
• 1. Animal Biotechnology
<http://www.nifa.usda.gov/nea/biotech/in_focus/biotechnology_if
_animal.html>
• 2. Transgenic animals
<http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/animals/using/biotechnology_1.sht
ml>
• 3. Animal Biotechnology
<http://www.aboutbioscience.org/topics/animalbiotechnology>
• 4. Strange Culture <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMPk9-
1uifA>
• 5. Charge Dropped Against Artist in Terror Case
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/22/nyregion/22bioart.html

17. Poop Burgers
Week 4
• Even though I do not agree with agree with
doctrines of veganism, I liked Noa’s presentation.
The concept of her works is very interesting. It
fascinating to actually be able to see and feel the
things that are only seen under the microscope.
Noa’s works are inspired by her life style. That is
why it was a unique experience to observe the
works of this artist. I liked the recreation of a dust
particle the most. It is a great idea, which was
accomplished with detail and precision.

18. • Modern science
is actively
working on
developing novel
methods of food
production.
Maybe one day
all that we
consume will be
produced from
chemicals. If this
is accomplished,
would this new
diet be
considered
vegan?

19. • Already today scientists know methods of producing
meat and cheese in the laboratories. The most
extraordinary example of this is meat recycling from
human feces. This may sound unbelievable and
disgusting, but in fact this is true. This is accomplished
by Japanese scientists under Mitsuyuki Ikeda, a
researcher from the Okayama Laboratory. Many of
those who have tasted the “Turd Burger” say that it
does actually taste like beef. Scientists aimed to reduce
emission of green house gases and the utilization
(including maintenance expenses) if livestock. The
major challenge that would resist the appearance of
this product on market is the human psychology itself.
“Shit Burger” does not sound appealing at all!

20. • Here is the link to
the video:
http://www.youtube
.com/watch?featu
re=player_embed
ded&v=u1N6QfuIh
0g

21. Links
• 1. SHIT BURGER: Japanese Researcher Creates Artificial Meat From Human Feces (Video):
• http://www.infiniteunknown.net/2011/06/15/shit-burger-japanese-researcher-creates-artificial-
meat-from-human-feces-video/
• 2. Japan scientist synthesizes meat from human feces:
• http://www.digitaltrends.com/international/japanese-scientists-creates-meat-out-of-feces/
• 3. Laboratory for Cell-Free Protein Synthesis:
• http://www.riken.jp/engn/r-world/research/lab/qbic/cfps/index.html
• 4. Protein Synthesis Lab:
• http://www.slideshare.net/aroybal/protein-synthesis-lab
• 5. Hamburger junction: Muscle grown in factories could soon be appearing in a supermarket near
you:
• http://www.economist.com/node/21548147

22. Aging / Body Modifications
Week 6
• Aging is defined as “an accumulation of changes in a person over
time.” These changes are naturally occurring and currently it is
impossible to combat these changes. In our modern era of
technological evolution, we are yet only capable of masking the
effects of aging. I have attended the art exhibition on aging last
week and do not quite agree with its main theme. If one is able to, I
think that he or she should definitely slow the effects of aging or
mask them. For example, the food that we consume affects our
aging, so one can easily control this. It is exceptionally up to each
single person if he or she wants to mask or get rid of the signs of
aging. Many celebrities today constantly undergo plastic surgeries in
order to look young at last. Personally, I am against plastic surgeries
and I do not think that those who get one done necessarily look
better. In fact they do not look “natural.” Thus, CNSI art exhibit on
aging was “promoting” natural looks in the process of aging over
masked.

23. • Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology
at UCLA offers a course call Biology of Aging. The
course is taught by Dr. David Walker. This course
offers a wonderful opportunity to investigate,
learn and understand the basic mechanisms of
aging. Studying this process will lead to future
discoveries of anti-aging mechanisms which
would lead to prolongation of life expectancy,
which would give us more time to accomplish all
that is wonderful but time consuming =)

24. "David Walker
• David Walker's primary research goal is to better understand the
basic biology of the aging process. Advanced age is the greatest risk
factor for most cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. However,
it has proven difficult to infer the relative_importance of the many
processes that contribute to aging. We are using the powerful
genetics of the fruit fly Drosophila to better understand the
molecular biology of aging. Many of the features that we associate
with aging in mammals are recapitulated in the fly (at a much
quicker rate). Using a combination of molecular genetic and
biochemical tools, we seek to identify genes and cellular pathways
that modulate the rate of aging. The long-term aim of this research
isto provide novel therapeutic targets to counteract age-related
human diseases."

25. • Here in Los Angeles we have a Department of
Aging which provides support and various
services to aging citizens. Thus, government is
attempting to alleviate the effects and side
effect of aging on its citizens.

26. • Original artwork
illustrating aging with
and without proper
skin care.
Commisioned by a
cosmetics company
for print and
animated TV
advertising
worldwide.

27. Links
• 1. Department of Integrativ Biology and Physiology / David
Walker
<http://www.ibp.ucla.edu/physcifacultyindiv.php?FacultyKe
y=9698>
• 2. Age-progressed and age-regressed portraits and
animations.
<http://www.dlwaldron.com/ageprogression.html>
• 3. City of Los Angeles Department of Aging
<http://aging.lacity.org/>
• 4. National Institute of Aging. <http://www.nia.nih.gov/>
• 5. Stein Institute for Research on Aging.
<http://sira.ucsd.edu/>

28. Amplified Natural Intelligence
Final Project

29. • In our modern society technological advances
are not shocking anymore. It is expected for
the various electronics to be further
developed in order to achieve better device
capabilities. However, while on the path
creating Artificial Intelligence, we tend to
neglect our own intellectual development.

30. • Behavioral modifications, particularly
education, do tend to improve the level of
human intelligence. However, this process is
slow and requires constant work. As the new
generations of computer that come out with
improved functionality, it would be possible to
create human beings with improved analytical
and logical power.

32. • In the core of the model of creation of humans with
Amplified Natural Intelligence (ANI) lies the concept of
decoding a given code (by Alan Turing) and those of
physiology and molecular biology. To achieve the
proposed goal Human Genetic Engineering (HGE) is
necessary. Genes need to be modified at an embryonic
level in order to produce functional cells postnatally.
Retroviral transfecton would be the core technique
utilized in procedure. Through this technique, extra
genes coding for Nerve Growth Factors (NGF) and
molecules guiding axonal patterning, such as molecules
from Ephrin family, as well as genetic information
coding for molecules that increase neuronal synaptic
connectivity will be inserted into the embryonic
genome during the early stages of embryonic
development.

34. • The inserted code of genes will be decoded by
the natural mechanisms of the organism to
produce exogenous molecules. These
molecules will further amplify the effects of
the endogenous molecules involved in
nervous system development. Thus,
neurogenesis along with axonal and synaptic
efficient patterning will contribute to creation
of ANI.

35. Links
• Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence:
http://www.aaai.org/home.html
• Cyclopia and defective axial patterning in mice lacking Sonic hedgehog gene
function
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v383/n6599/abs/383407a0.html
• Neuronsderived fromradial glial cells establish radial units in neocortex
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v409/n6821/abs/409714a0.html
• Genetic modification of preimplantatoin embryos: toward adequate human
research policies
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/4149080?uid=3739256&uid=2129&uid=2&uid
=70&uid=4&sid=47699069307897
• Genetic Enhancement: http://www.genome.gov/10004767

36. Extra Credit
Lejla Kucukalic’s lecture on Biotech to Biopunk: Science Fiction’s
Visions of Genetics
• Scientists are often portrayed in a stereotypic
manner in a literature and media where they
are usually described us people with thick
eyeglasses and bunch of tubes who basically
live their whole life in the laboratory.
• This portrayal creates certain stereotypes that
about scientist which today it is almost
impossible to break.

37. • Science is an area that requires vast amount of
research and dedication. Being a scientist
does not mean in any way that he or she lives
in a social isolation.
• Since research requires so much time and
effort, scientist have to often work overtime
rather than going to the bar with others who
works a regular weekly load at work and can
come home and simply relax.

38. • Scientist today, like never before, are able to
balance their laboratory work, family
obligations and social norms that comply with
the etiquette. It is easy to just take a look
around on our campus (when on South
Campus) to become aware of all this.
• People need to be more educated about what
it takes to be a scientist and that the scientist
are just like any of us, they are just a little
more busy.

39. • “Biopunk is a technoprogressive movement
advocating open access to genetic
information. Biopunk hobbyists or biohackers
experiment with DNA and other aspects of
genetics.”
• The lecturer succeeded in explaining how
science fiction, read by the majority of those
not involved in science, view scientists in
general, and especially how what biopunks are
thought of today.

41. Links
• 1. Biopunk
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biopunk
• 2. Biopunk: DIY Scientists Hack the Software of Life
• http://www.facebook.com/biopunk.book
• 3. Introduction: perception and representation of science in literature and fiction film
• http://pus.sagepub.com/content/12/3/227.full.pdf
• 4. How blogs, Twitter and other social media tools are changing conversations about scientific
research
• http://www.earthmagazine.org/article/science-and-social-media
• 5. http://www.biopunk.org/links-t27.html