The concept of genomic integrity, basically including all the molecular genetic details of cells, was developed in about 2009 as a means to encourage public awareness of the many things we can choose to avoid doing, for our health. Thus, prevention (to avoid health care issues) rather than actual care is my key passion. The non-profit association AGiR! Action for Genomic integrity through Research! was begun about 4 years ago to promote this idea. I am very interested in the open village plans for next fall, and will start with a short post as I am still looking into the best way to fit in! For instance, my experience with the AGiR! ‘art call’ (http://www.genomicintegrity.org/art-call) could be interesting to discuss in Alberto Rey’s session, as might some microbial water sampling on Lake Geneva. We have just started a second round to see if we can replicate last summer’s data: http://wiki.hackuarium.ch/w/Micro_to_Macro_Water_Pollution.
I learned about the local biohacker group, Hackuarium, when co-organising a biosensor course in the context of the EU project BRAAVOO, and was very excited by the energy and possibilities. The big AGiR! project at Hackuarium currently is about developing open source methods to look at your own cells for DNA damage. More info can be found here: AGiR! for genomic integrity - Hackuarium I have been hoping use of Foldscopes will be one solution to allow international networks to collect data, even perhaps using fluorescence. Foldscope - Hackuarium
We are also trying to design a ‘cheek cell chip’ for both micronucleus and comet data collection.
Maybe we could do a micronucleus workshop in October? Encouraging quantitative methodology is one of the challenges around these topics.
@Rachel a warm welcome on board! I’m Noemi, one of the early days members and involved in building the program for OpenVillage… I’m passionate about bringing different communities and professional knowledge into a space where more people from outside the core teams and disciplines can make a contribution. Even by becoming more aware of citizen science projects, and passing on the word. They can make for activities in a system which enables care - Ezio Manzini wrote about care as socio-technical innovation here, you might enjoy the read if you like to dig into theoretical frameworks for the work we’ve been doing with the community.
I liked your call for artistic depictions of “molecular dance” (!) and wondering if the works were exhibited somewhere? Same with the water sampling data? What have you found are good ways to bring the work and insights outside for a wider involvement where people can take action? (cc @albertorey )
For the micronucleus workshop @WinniPoncelet is probably the one to help out, but you know this already
Also, dont forget to register here so you get updates and learn about other sessions in the runup to october!
I think a micronucleus workshop would be cool :-). Off the top of my head in ReaGent we have a binocular lab microscope, some Foldscopes and some variations of this model (both with bought lenses and self-made ones). Plenty of glassware & staining products as well. What would you need exactly for the workshop?
We can also do a microbial analysis combined with the fly fishing demo by @albertorey . We also have the equipment and might as well when we are at a river!
Another proposal by @Nabeel_p was also related to public engagement and communicating science through art. How could be combine these insights?
Will check the links, then I’ll send you the text for Meet the Edgeryder and you can email over the pics (yourself + any activity relevant to the workshop) to me and Winnie, so we dont duplicate.
