My project will revolve around the potential advancement that research into the bioluminescence and biofluorescence of deep sea creatures and corals might have in relation to the human body.
Inspired by the article; Love and War, by National Geographic, my work seeks to exemplify the possibilities on the horizon when adaptations to the environment, especially from these bioluminous creatures, are applied to human anatomy, seeming to signal the oneness of all living things on Earth, and an unspoken compatibility among us.
From the article:
“Scientists are now using bioluminescent compounds from marine animals to help track and destroy cancer cells. Cancer cells are notorious for hiding out among healthy cells before they start replicating uncontrollably. Yet, using luminescent compounds, these hidden cancer cells are easily detected and this can help scientists find cancer-fighting drugs that can effectively target them. In brain research, biofluorescent compounds from corals and jellyfishes are enabling the real-time visualization of neurons firing which is being used in medical research as well as in brain-machine interfacing technology”. In fact, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2008 went to a team of scientists responsible for discovering and developing the green fluorescent protein, GFP. This discovery has allowed the visualization of processes that were previously invisible, such as the development of nerve cells in the brain or how cancer cells spread. There’s no doubt that the future applications that stem from this research are bound to have profound effects on humans.”
The concept of bioluminescence’s relation to human anatomy led me to look further to the human body for inspiration — finding lymphatic vessels, drainage systems for excess tissue fluid carried by the blood plasma.
I found the structure of the lymphatic capillary fascinating as it flanged, yet overlapping structure allows tissue fluid to drain into the capillary, yet preventing backflow. The permeable nature of the capillary inspired thought into future fabrics that could possibly release medication into the body (i.e. insulin for diabetics?) but most of all, supported the idea of a wearable based on the idea of permeability, and the possibility of bioluminescence playing a role in mapping the human body
The nature of these advancements led me to envision a futuristic, avant garde approach to biomimicry. As seen from my moodboard, I’d like to have my wearable be a culmination of avant garde style, biomimicry and futurism, utilising light sensors and electroluminescent wire to mimic the emission of light by deep sea creatures in an environment devoid of light, and a possible pulsing effect to mimic the “flanges”of the lymphatic vessel moving aside to allow excess tissue fluid to drain (mapping the body with bioluminescence).