Neuron Conductor
Outline
Neuron Conductor investigates the effects of biological neuron activity, cultured on a multielectrode array, in response to the introduction of viruses and pharmacological treatments. The responses are visualised through the movement of a robot which generates a unique musical score. The resulting art/science work presents an alternative means of visualising and understanding neural responses as well as raising awareness and accessibility of the research through a public facing exhibition. Neuron Conductor investigates real health issues in a unique manner as well as contemplating the role of non-human agency within hybrid biological / digital systems.
Partners
Investigators
Neuron Conductor is a radical multi-disciplinary art-science installation resulting from the collaboration between electronic artists John McCormick and Adam Nash with scientist Asim Bahtti. Live neuron cells cultured on a MultiElectrode Array (MEA) operates a robot that conducts a unique, live musical score in response to the effects of different viruses and treatments on the neural network. Neuron Conductor takes cutting edge scientific research and creates a unique multi sensory installation that conveys the data in an imaginative, provocative artwork.
Hybrid biological / digital systems are prevalent in both biomedical engineering and contemporary artworks. Tightly coupled hybrid systems can enable digital agents to learn from and co-operate with humans in the development of artworks and in understanding the effects of changes to the biological entity’s environment on cellular behavior. This project combines research approaches from the arts and bioengineering to create a radical multidisciplinary investigation of hybrid system agency, data visualization and presentation and methods for engaging the public with scientific research through artworks.
