Difference between revisions of "Homo Illuminus"

Revision as of 13:05, 10 January 2024

Overview

Humans, unlike many organisms in nature, do not possess the ability to produce observable light. Imagine a world where humans have evolved or been genetically modified to exhibit bioluminescence. What if we could flash light like fireflies, angler fish, or bioluminescent plankton? This speculative workshop invites participants to explore the concept of "Homo Illuminus" – humans with the ability to glow.

Workshop Activities

Introduction to Bioluminescence:

- Overview of bioluminescent organisms in nature and their functions.

- Discussion on the potential benefits and challenges of humans possessing bioluminescence.

LED Programming and Application:

- Hands-on session where participants program LED devices to simulate bioluminescence.

- Exploring how these LED devices could function on the human body.

Performance Art Exploration:

- Participants engage in a performance art session to visualize the potential of human bioluminescence.

- Creative expression through light patterns, movements, and group interactions.

Discussion and Reflection:

- Group discussion on the experience and artistic expressions during the performance.

- Reflection on the implications of human bioluminescence in terms of aesthetics, communication, and societal impact.

Expectation:

Participants gain a unique perspective on the hypothetical scenario of humans having bioluminescent capabilities, combining elements of biology, technology, and artistic expression.

Background

Bioluminescence

Bioluminescence is a captivating natural phenomenon characterized by the production and emission of light by living organisms. This enchanting process involves the interaction of light-emitting pigments, such as luciferin, with enzymes like luciferase. Found in diverse organisms ranging from fireflies and jellyfish to fungi and deep-sea creatures, bioluminescence serves various functions, including attracting mates, deterring predators, and capturing prey. The mechanism behind bioluminescence showcases the intricate interplay of biology and chemistry, resulting in the mesmerizing glow that has intrigued scientists and captured the imagination of people worldwide.

Mechanisms for bioluminescence

Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by living organisms. Various organisms have evolved different mechanisms for bioluminescence. Here are some common mechanisms:

Luciferin-Luciferase Reaction:

- Fireflies (Lampyridae): Fireflies are well-known for their bioluminescence. They use a chemical called luciferin and an enzyme called luciferase. The enzyme catalyzes the oxidation of luciferin, resulting in the release of light.

- Glow-worms: Similar to fireflies, glow-worms use luciferin and luciferase for bioluminescence.

Fireflies (Photinus pyralis), Glow-worms (Lampyris noctiluca), Click beetles (Pyrophorus spp.), Railroad worms (Phengodidae family)

Aequorin System:

- Jellyfish (Aequorea victoria): Some jellyfish species use aequorin, a protein that binds to calcium ions. When aequorin binds to calcium, it undergoes a conformational change and emits blue light.

Jellyfish (Aequorea victoria), Certain species of comb jellies (Ctenophora)

Bacterial Bioluminescence:

- Vibrio fischeri: Certain species of bacteria, such as Vibrio fischeri, use a different system. They have a set of genes responsible for the production of luciferase, as well as other components like luciferin and oxygen.

Vibrio fischeri (symbiotic with certain fish and squid), Photobacterium phosphoreum (common marine bacterium)

Fungal Bioluminescence:

- Mycena and other fungi: Certain fungi, like Mycena, exhibit bioluminescence. The exact mechanism in fungi can vary, but it often involves the oxidation of a light-emitting pigment.

Mycena spp. (e.g., Mycena chlorophos), Neonothopanus gardneri (Brazilian fungus)

Cryptic Bioluminescence:

- Some species of deep-sea organisms: In some deep-sea organisms, bioluminescence is thought to serve a cryptic function, such as counter-illumination, where the emitted light matches the ambient light to make the organism less visible to predators.

Dragonfish (e.g., Grammatostomias flagellibarba), Various deep-sea squid species