Scientists and artists alike are using genetic engineering and imagination to grow microbes into intricate, artistic patterns.
in 2015. Microbiologists have long known that bacteria come in a diversity of shapes and shades, and scientist-artists have been harnessing colorful bacteria to create works of art since at least the 1920s. Creating microbial masterpieces is not much different from painting. But because the hues are living cells, it’s hard to predict exactly what they’ll do as they grow.
The advantage of “plagiarizing” genes is that it lends the artist more control over their finicky living paint, says Pinglay. Microbes can also be specifically altered so they are safe for humans—a big reason why citizen scientist-artists might opt for manipulated bacteria over species cultured from the wild. The lab-designed microorganisms better ensures safety.
“There are no rules, basically,” says Berkmen. But to create good art, as with any other medium, “you have to be very familiar with it…. And that only comes with experience.”American Society For Microbiology Agar Art 2019 Contest; Michael Taveirne of North Carolina
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