Thursday, March 18, 2010

Genomic Music

Last weekend, I went to a symposium about the connection of art and biology. I learned that there are several science labs doing research on the sounds of DNA. They have taken several approaches to correlate the genetic code to musical notes. In one lab, they measured the wavelength of infrared light aborbed by a genetic sequence and related it to a wavelength of sound. By combining the sounds along the string of genetic sequences, they were able to find out the sounds of DNA.

The music produced is actually pleasing and melodious. Susan Alexjander, one of the scientists doing the research, says "the combinations of frequencies are just stunning. I find it very arresting. It sounds alive to me." She goes on to comment about the strong reaction the music elicits saying, "Perhaps on a very deep level the body recognizes itself - hears something familiar in the music."

To learn more, check out this article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/222591.stm