YCAM Bio Research

Continuous operation of BioLab, expected further expansion of the project

We are continuously developing a range of activities with BioLab. In 2020, we plan to develop a comprehensive archive of Japanese gardens, continue the “DNA of Forests” workshop, and create more learning opportunities with new ideas.

Unveiled the first installation work in collaboration with artists, promoted further academic research

We unveiled a large-scale installation developed in collaboration with the artist group “contact Gonzo” and published magazines relating to the exhibition. We also began research to develop a comprehensive archive of Japanese gardens. In addition to this, we introduced the background and what we had carried out for these researches in the form of a research showcase.

中見出し（見出し4）：wow, see you in the next life. / studies on uncertain information from the future and the past本文：This was the title of a new installation in the exhibition that was presented by artist group “contact Gonzo” and YCAM Bio Research. Inspired by the question “where did the body come from, and where is it heading?”, we created the new installation based on knowledge in the field of biotechnology that we gained from our recent studies, from an approach that focuses on genetic heredity through DNA, and cultural tradition by way of stories and folklores.

Research on developing a comprehensive archive of Japanese gardens

We are advancing this research into the development of a comprehensive archive for Japanese gardens by making full use of modern technologies, with the aim of proposing a prototype for application to future garden creation. We conducted a range of studies in 2019, including an investigation of the ecosystem, especially analysis of environmental DNA and others, and 3D-scanning of the garden and recording of environmental sounds, which was carried out in the Sesshu garden at Joeiji temple, Yamaguchi city.

Research Showcase

With the themes “body and genetics” “DNA of the forests and gardens,” and “Analysis on genetics,” we introduced our research activities around our exhibition and projects in 2019.

OpenLab “Understanding Living Culture”

Focusing on public talks, we hosted a symposium to introduce YCAM’s activities. In 2019, themed on a field of biotechnology where various issues are intertwined, with invited practitioners from both home and overseas, we discussed the roles of the bio lab, the relationship between technology and creativity, and the potentiality of the public art center. On the day, we sold the Genome Bento at the venue, with a focus on the length of the genome and the country of origin for the 2019 version (for more on the “Genome Bento”, see 2016).

Sharing thoughts on the potential and issues around biotechnology

In order to consider the application possibilities of biotechnology including issues around bioethics, we conducted an intensive workshop and supervised a translation of “BioBuilder,” a pioneering book about synthetic biology. We also took part in a meeting that brought high school science teachers together and introduced our activities and held a joint discussion. We commenced preparations for the large-scale exhibition scheduled for the next year.

Intensive workshop themed “Personal Biotechnology”

We have held the intensive workshop series titled “YCAM InterLab Camp.” Having invited engineers and researchers who were active at the forefront, we have introduced the tools destined for use in media art creation in the future and sought to deepen understanding alongside the participants from both home and overseas. The theme of the third workshop is “Personal Biotechnology”. Through the lectures and hands-on workshop centered on reading, writing, and the bioethics of bioinformatics, a technology related to DNA, we considered the application possibilities of biotechnology more deeply.

Supervision of translation for the book “BioBuilder”

This book explains the fundamentals of synthetic biology and presents the how-to of experiments, targeted at students and citizen scientists. It also functions as a guide for DIY biology as well as containing details on areas from the bio-design and basics of genetic engineering to experiments for making “E. coli that smells like bananas” or a “bacterial photography system.” It also has a chapter on the important theme of “bioethics” and introduces past arguments and anticipated future issues.

Further expansion, education, and movie production

Building on the outcomes of the previous year’s research, we commenced work on developing our “DNA of Forests” workshop into a series of workshops called “Yamaguchi’s Future Classes.” Furthermore, we collaborated on the creation of a movie entitled “World Tour,” the story of which begins with our workshop. We also created a “Rice Koji Monolith” (Monolith of Rice Malt) kit to learn about the environment for microbes and fermentation.

Workshop “DNA of Forests”

In the workshop “DNA of Forests”, to produce a new type of field guide, we visited the forests of Yamaguchi city and collected living samples with the participants. This field guide was used to record the names of species that participants presumed through the workshop, observations using microscopes, reference DNA information with online database etc. We developed the workshop so that the participants could see nature from a range of different perspectives by making their own field guide.

Starting BioLab operations, introducing the research process

Cooperating with domestic and foreign academic institutions, laboratories, and FabLabs, we explored the application possibilities of biotechnology and introduced our research process with a range of themes six times a year. Furthermore, we exhibited our work at the triennial “Art Setouchi 2016” and undertook a research residency at “SymbioticA,” a laboratory in Australia dedicated to art and life science.

Open Day "Biotechnology from your kitchen"

Based on the concept of “Biotechnology from your kitchen,” we set six different themes – “Bread and Yeast,” “Fermentation and DIY,” “DNA of the Forest,” “Man and Symbionts,” “Organisms and programming,” and “Cells and Genes” – conducted research and demonstrated the process in the form of a showcase. On the day of the event, we introduced our activities via a tour, workshop, and face-to-face explanation.

Creation at the Art Setouchi Triennale

As one of the artists of “Art Setouchi 2016,” we participated in the “Creator in Residence ‘ei’ (CiR)” project on Shodoshima island, Japan. We used an old abandoned storage shed as our exhibition space and demonstrated the fermentation process by collecting and culturing the wild yeasts that live in the plants, soils, etc. found throughout the island.

Co-developing the “Genome Bento” project

For this project, having cooperated with researchers at the Database Center for Life Science (DBCLS) and chefs in local restaurants, we began developing the “Genome Bento (lunch box)” made using only ingredients for which the genome sequences had been determined. With this bento, we provided meals not only to eat but also that enabled us to think about what we can discover from DNA or genome information, or how we can use these for our future.

Toward the Establishment of BioLab

We held a series of lectures inviting professionals to consider the possibilities of science and biotechnology within familiar areas of study such as agriculture, biology, and cooking We also took part in an online course in synthetic biology for non-professionals, “Bio Academy: How to Grow (almost) Anything,” and visited domestic and overseas academic institutions and laboratories to establish what was required for our lab and succeeded in establishing “BioLab.”

Lecture series "Agri Bio Kitchen"

Focusing on “food,” as one of the basics of human life among “food, clothing and housing” we invited professionals as speakers and held a series of lectures entitled “Agri Bio Kitchen” to deepen consideration about our future food themed on “Agri (Agriculture),” “Bio (Biology and life),” and “Kitchen (cooking).”

Establishment of BioLab

Over the preparation for operation and safety management, we established the BioLab in our building and began preliminary operations. Examples of some of the equipment installed include a clean bench to ensure a safe work environment and protect samples from contamination, PCR to make copies of DNA, and an autoclave for sterilization.