The DNA Vending Machines Portrays a Powerful Message
Davina Sinnatamby — March 11, 2014 — Tech
Artist Gabe Barcia-Colombo makes us question issues of DNA ownership when it comes to biotechnology with his DNA vending machine. He envisions a machine that makes buying DNA like buying a bag of chips.
In the field of biotechnology, it’s hard to decide who owns what when it comes to DNA; the lines are blurry when it comes to individuality. Thus, this art installation sells packaged DNA in a vending machine. Each DNA sample is sold in a vial with a collectible photo of the donor.
The project equates human DNA to a collectible item and makes us wonder: if this machine really existed, would people abuse this easy source of purchasing DNA? And would you attempt to claim someone else’s DNA if buying it was as easy as buying a bar of chocolate?
In the field of biotechnology, it’s hard to decide who owns what when it comes to DNA; the lines are blurry when it comes to individuality. Thus, this art installation sells packaged DNA in a vending machine. Each DNA sample is sold in a vial with a collectible photo of the donor.
The project equates human DNA to a collectible item and makes us wonder: if this machine really existed, would people abuse this easy source of purchasing DNA? And would you attempt to claim someone else’s DNA if buying it was as easy as buying a bar of chocolate?
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