View allAll Photos Tagged GeneticEngineering
False Shiva (aka “Monsanto Man” ) appears benevolent, hiding behind a beloved Shiva mask, his stance and multiple arms a poor imitation of the real Shiva. He is surrounded by dead and dying leaves, and a gold lasso to “Round Up” his victims, which include GM Corn, Soy, Rice and Beets. He holds in his hands a poison apple, a leafy noose with the bodies of hanging Indian suicide farmers, and a Wall Street Journal, which is also his dhoti. He stands victorious in his “merciless” Nike golf shoes, on the body of Mother Earth, whose basket of fresh fruit is scattered.
Yeah yeah, I know it’s bleak, but a lot of religious kitsch is pretty bleak too!
This is the second in a series of “Corporate Icons” I am working on – icons for a new and dismal age of rule by Corporate Demons. So far I have used Byzantine and Hindu religious kitsch as inspiration – look for Western medieval and Persian illuminated manuscripts for the next ones.
Mixed media - acrylic on wood panel, leaves are made out of shrinky dinks. Large - 24" x 30"
Research Technicians at IRRI performs the measurement of BB lesion length in the pilot plot of the transgenic and non transgenic entries.
Part of the image collection of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
Research technicians at IRRI perform the measurement of BB lesion length in the pilot plot of the transgenic and nontransgenic entries.
Part of the image collection of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
I'm very pleased to announce my book is finally available as a paperback! Just look at my happy little face! To anyone who ever said they'd buy one when it was available in print or anyone who was wondering whether I can string a sentence together, well now's your chance! Go on, buy one. You know you want to...
Here's the Amazon link for Skin & Bones...
Skin and Bones is the story of a horrifying virus outbreak from two vastly different viewpoints. One is the person responsible for the horrifying global pandemic and one is an unnamed source who can do little more than respond to the primitive instinct for survival. There's also a cat named Mog and some zombie pigs...
This morning you woke up feeling a little unwell. You have no appetite, your head is aching, your throat is sore and you think you might have a slight fever. You don’t know it yet, but the virus has already been working away inside you for a week or so and has been busy attacking your immune system. It’s reached the stage where it’s really about to make its presence known.
The virus will wreak permanent changes. From the second you were infected the grave is your only and eventual way out. At least by that point you’ll have no knowledge of what you’re doing. Just following some of the baser human instincts that have been modified and enhanced. Your end is nigh. Along with just about everybody else’s...
About 250 people joined the "March Against Monsanto" in Denver, Colorado, one of 400 marches worldwide. (10/12/13) The actions were to protest Monsanto's production and use of GMO's, pesticides, herbicides and genetically engineered seeds.
I just finished a textbook that Drew Endy gave me on the design principles of biological circuits.
There is a fascinating section describing how the transcription networks of E.Coli (the common bacteria in your gut) robustly build electric flagella motors on demand, and a navigation system that senses food gradients across distances larger than the bacteria itself. It then moves at 30 body lengths per second.
It’s an interesting case study in gene transcription networks. When E.Coli is bathed in nutrients, it focuses energy on cell division (growth) and not movement. With a lack of nutrients, a genetic trigger induces the manufacture of several helical propellers (flagella) to enable it to swim to a better life.
In the diagram above, you see the 45nm wide, 100 Hz proton-pump rotary motor, as it is assembled in stages from 30 different proteins (text labels above). The motor and flagellum tail are hollow allowing each protein to self-assemble in sequence as they move down the assembly line straw.
Two transcription factors, let’s call them X and Y, regulate the six operons (gene clusters Z1 to Z6) to produce all of the proteins in the proper sequence. Master regulator X activates Y and both jointly activate the sequence of six operons Z1 – Z6, in order, with logical OR gate inputs. The signaling network is a classic multi-output feed-forward loop, common in biological networks, especially sensory transcription networks. By reversing the activation thresholds (K) of X and Y, a FIFO order is achieved in protein production, a just-in-time manufacturing sequence. See diagram below.
Like all feed-forward loops, the network embeds other valuable information processing. Each of the output nodes has a sign-sensitive input filter, ignoring intermittent absence of the X signal and noise from a fluctuating environment. Deactivation only occurs when X has been off for about the time period of one cell generation, the time needed to complete assembly of the flagellar motor. See more examples of network topologies and benefits below.
The author proposes convergent evolution across many information networks, from genes to protein kinase cascades, to neurons, which is quite plausible.
The premise that I wrestle with is his claim that these networks are readily understandable. Working from the bottom up, and from the incredibly sparse networks and topologies, I can see why he’s excited. But I wonder if this scales. Jumping to neuronal circuits, the easy modularity is a bit more elusive, and I wonder if the simplified networks of parasitic organisms are a simple tier in the hierarchy of abstractions, just a few steps more complex than codon encoding and epigenetics. Perhaps evolved information networks embed much more accumulated computational complexity and offer fewer pattern matches to our engineered artifacts.
The information systems of biology have so many interesting lessons on robustness and distributed action. Here is a fascinating talk on bacterial communication (chemical quorum sensing and nanowires).
"tricks of the trade" explained...
this was my home-made stand consisting of a drink can which was flattened on one side.
this was not enough to keep the can still, so i used a slice of eggplant to keep the can stable.
so as not to leave traces, the eggplant was protected with cling-film, taped to the can.
I pierced the can with two wooden kebab sticks upon which I could maintain various fruit in place. (you can just see the sticks in this shot)
the white background is simply several A3-sized sheets of paper taped to the wall. i'll have to be more careful next time with the placement of the tape ;)
the whole setup was done in my kitchen, under halogen spot lighting.
On May 25, activists around the world will unite to March Against Monsanto.
Why do we march?
Research studies have shown that Monsanto’s genetically-modified foods can lead to serious health conditions such as the development of cancer tumors, infertility and birth defects.
In the United States, the FDA, the agency tasked with ensuring food safety for the population, is steered by ex-Monsanto executives, and we feel that’s a questionable conflict of interests and explains the lack of government-led research on the long-term effects of GM products.
Recently, the U.S. Congress and president collectively passed the nicknamed “Monsanto Protection Act” that, among other things, bans courts from halting the sale of Monsanto’s genetically-modified seeds.
For too long, Monsanto has been the benefactor of corporate subsidies and political favoritism. Organic and small farmers suffer losses while Monsanto continues to forge its monopoly over the world’s food supply, including exclusive patenting rights over seeds and genetic makeup.
Monsanto's GM seeds are harmful to the environment; for example, scientists have indicated they have contributed to Colony Collapse Disorder among the world's bee population.
What are solutions we advocate?
Voting with your dollar by buying organic and boycotting Monsanto-owned companies that use GMOs in their products.
Labeling of GMOs so that consumers can make those informed decisions easier.
Repealing relevant provisions of the US's "Monsanto Protection Act."
Calling for further scientific research on the health effects of GMOs.
Holding Monsanto executives and Monsanto-supporting politicians accountable through direct communication, grassroots journalism, social media, etc.
Continuing to inform the public about Monsanto's secrets.
Taking to the streets to show the world and Monsanto that we won't take these injustices quietly.
We will not stand for cronyism. We will not stand for poison. That’s why we March Against Monsanto.
Der Anbau von Gen-Pflanzen gefährdet die biologische Vielfalt und führt zu einem vermehrten Pestizideinsatz. Dabei kann niemand abschätzen, welche Folgen die Eingriffe ins Erbgut für Gesundheit und Umwelt haben. Die Wissenschaftler können weder den genauen Ort, wo das Gen in die Pflanze eingebaut wird, noch die Wechselwirkungen mit anderen Genen und Proteinen gezielt steuern. Kein Wunder, dass es beim Anbau von Gen-Pflanzen immer wieder zu überraschenden Nebenwirkungen kommt: Die Stängel von Gen-Soja platzen bei Dürre und Hitze auf oder Gen-Pappeln blühten zum falschen Zeitpunkt.
An agricultural research technician performs a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) procedure to determine the presence of alleles or genes with known function or importance.
Part of the image collection of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
Bean planting in Darién, Colombia. String marking the bean rows, and a plastic marker.
Credit: ©2009CIAT/NeilPalmer
Please credit accordingly and leave a comment when you use a CIAT photo.
For more info: ciat-comunicaciones@cgiar.org
English after Thai.
ราชบุรี, 7 มีนาคม 2552 -- สมาชิกและอาสาสมัครกรีนพีซ และเกษตรกรราชบุรี ร่วมปลูกข้าวอินทรีย์ในแปลงนาขนาด 10 ไร่ เพื่อสร้างสรรค์ศิลปะบนนาข้าวผืนแรกในประเทศไทย ในจังหวัดราชบุรี ซึ่งภายในอีก 4 เดือนข้างหน้า นาข้าวผืนนี้จะงอกงามกลายเป็นศิลปะอันสวยงามสะท้อนวิถีชีวิตของชาวนาไทย ด้วยภาพชาวนาใส่หมวกฟาง และถือเคียวร่วมกันเกี่ยวข้าว | ลิขสิทธิ์ภาพ: กรีนพีซ/วินัย ดิษฐจร
Ratchaburi, Thailand, 7 March 2009 –Greenpeace supporters, volunteers and farmers planted organic rice today in a bid to create the first ever art on a rice field in Thailand. The 10-rai rice field in Ratchaburi province will grow into a beautiful art in the next 4 months to show an image of farmers wearing straw hats and suing sickle to harvest rice. | Photo COPYRIGHT by Greenpeace / Vinai Dithajohn
Research Technicians at IRRI performs the measurement of BB lesion length in the pilot plot of the transgenic and non transgenic entries.
Part of the image collection of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
Crown gall is integral to one of the most important developments in Horticultural Science of the 20th Century.
No, not Mendellian genetics, but the active application of it. The organism that makes much of genetic engineering is the lowly Agrobacter that injects part of it's own genetic code in the plants it infects to make it produce it's food, interestingly called opines.
This machinery is used w/ specific sequences to inject them into the cells of another plant. That's how you get a starfish inside a plant, creating something entirely new.
Leopardoptera Caterpillar is a product of genetic engineering. Its magnificent soft spotted leopard-like fur was specifically designed to appease fur lovers around the world, in turn aiding to ease the decline of leopard populations. However, due to its amicable demeanor it has recently become a focus for the topic of domestication. Its subtle leopard-like behaviors, beauty, and ease in feeding makes it a lovely pet and interesting companion.
Learn more about Mutant Caterpillars at mutantcaterpillar.com
© Lisa Miller
Daniel Debouck of the Genetic Resources Unit.
Credit: ©2009CIAT/NeilPalmer
Please credit accordingly and leave a comment when you use a CIAT photo.
For more info: ciat-comunicaciones@cgiar.org
Daniel Debouck of the Genetic Resources Unit.
Credit: ©2009CIAT/NeilPalmer
Please credit accordingly and leave a comment when you use a CIAT photo.
For more info: ciat-comunicaciones@cgiar.org
GMO Test Trials Prove Divisive in Ghana
SAVELUGU, Ghana (IPS) A battle over genetically modified organisms (GMO) is building in Ghana after the government recently completed regulations that could allow modified cowpeas and other selected crops to be grown after confined field trials (CFT).
www.ipsnews.net/2013/12/gmo-test-trials-prove-divisive-gh...
A discarded Monsanto herbicide box. Monsanto takes aggressive ownership of the seeds they patent and sell but they don't take ownership or responsibility for the used herbicide containers. They leave the health risks and disposal of the containers to farmers and the rest of us.
Don't use this image on websites, blogs, or other media without explicit permission
© Colleen Watson-Turner. All rights reserved.
Occupy Hilo Light Brigade and GMO Free Hawaii Island team up for a joint action to raise awareness about GMOs
Yes. It's true. The corporations are killing you, ruining the planet and destroying our pollenators - bees, and they are getting rich doing it. Genetically modified organisms have no long term studies to prove safe for human consumption. With cancer, allergies and gut disorders on the rise recently, we can make a strong link to what toxic crap we are eating and the poor health of our bodies. Wanna learn more? There are numerous documentary films on this FOOD topic.
Ringiers farbige Kinderbücher / Kinderbuchserie
> Ringgi + Zofi / Spannende Abenteuer in Genikon
von Robi Reinfrank und Röbu Schnieper
Ringier & Co AG / Zürich 1988
ex libris MTP
their hair started falling out two days ago, around the eyes. I thought i had better take these today it is falling out so fast they wont look like punk rock mice for long.
I'm frankly not sure about this one yet. (It's bizarre that e.g. Monsanto can own a genome, but Prop 37 doesn't address that. While riding, Steve and I had a troubling conversation about related issues, most beyond Prop 37's narrow scope. I generally really respect Michael Hiltzik's LA Times articles, but Carl pointed out that Hiltzik missed the point in his reasonable argument against a mediocre paper cited by Prop 37 supporters.) Regardless, props for the costumes. (But I was also left wondering: Does the Aztec Empire perceive Prop 37 as a particular threat?)
02960016-84.jpg
English after Thai.
ราชบุรี, 7 มีนาคม 2552 -- สมาชิกและอาสาสมัครกรีนพีซ และเกษตรกรราชบุรี ร่วมปลูกข้าวอินทรีย์ในแปลงนาขนาด 10 ไร่ เพื่อสร้างสรรค์ศิลปะบนนาข้าวผืนแรกในประเทศไทย ในจังหวัดราชบุรี ซึ่งภายในอีก 4 เดือนข้างหน้า นาข้าวผืนนี้จะงอกงามกลายเป็นศิลปะอันสวยงามสะท้อนวิถีชีวิตของชาวนาไทย ด้วยภาพชาวนาใส่หมวกฟาง และถือเคียวร่วมกันเกี่ยวข้าว | ลิขสิทธิ์ภาพ: กรีนพีซ/วินัย ดิษฐจร
Ratchaburi, Thailand, 7 March 2009 –Greenpeace supporters, volunteers and farmers planted organic rice today in a bid to create the first ever art on a rice field in Thailand. The 10-rai rice field in Ratchaburi province will grow into a beautiful art in the next 4 months to show an image of farmers wearing straw hats and suing sickle to harvest rice. | Photo COPYRIGHT by Greenpeace / Vinai Dithajohn
"Uphold the GMO field trial ban!" Greenpeace demanded today as volunteers from the environmental organization marched to the Government House to deliver a petition, signed by more than 10,000 Thai consumers and farmers, against genetically-modified organisms (GMOs). The volunteers carried a giant replica of the petition, as well as flags with the words 'No to GMOs' as a message to the government of PM Surayud Chulanonont to reject last minute attempts by Agriculture Minister Thira Sutabutra to repeal the ban which is currently in place to protect the country's crops from the adverse effects of GMO contamination.
© Greenpeace / Supawadee Charoenpipatpimpa
As a co-leader of the yeast engineering project, Trey Sato is responsible for performing high throughput screening to identify stress-tolerant yeast strains for use in consolidated bioprocessing.
Photo by: Laurel Bacque, www.laurelbacque.com