Cybernetic Bacteria 2.0 by The Institute of Unnecessary Research :: April 16 - July 22, 2009 :: Talk: April 18, 2009; 5:00 pm :: The Science Gallery, Pearse Street, Dublin, Ireland.

What would a creature with access to humanity’s digital knowledge, the genetic toolbox that drives evolution; the sophistication of the pathogen; and awareness of all our intimate vulnerabilities do? In Cybernetic Bacteria 2.0, the chemical communication of bacteria and the live data streams of our own digital networks (the wireless / bluetooth / RFID activity taking place in and around the gallery) are combined in real time to generate a brand new artificial life form. This installation explores the layers of complexity in both digital and organic communications networks and investigates the relationship of bacteria to artificial life. By Anna Dumitriu (IUR - Director), Dr. Simon Park (IUR -Physarum Dynamic), Dr Blay Whitby (IUR - Head of Ethics), Tom Keene and Lorenzo Grespan U.K.

Part of: INFECTIOUS: STAY AWAY

What is infectious? AIDS? Ebola? Financial Panics? Religion? Can this event be contained?

From April 17 something will be spreading from Science Gallery. INFECTIOUS will explore mechanisms of contagion and strategies of containment through a range of exhibits, experiments and epidemic simulation. INFECTIOUS at the Science Gallery will allow you to probe everything from the immune system to insidious viral marketing and catchy tunes. INFECTIOUS features singing crustaceans, virus sculptures and simulated outbreaks and is an event where the participant helps spread the experience. Expect to be screened for your dangerous ideas as you enter this containment zone.

Opening with a three day long festival of events, talks and performances INFECTIOUS will start spreading on April 17th and will hopefully be contained by July 17th. Find all the performances and workshops here.