Postnatural Botany: A creative exploration of botanical diversity, observation and communication skills

“Postnatural Botany” rules booklet, plant discovery cards, and role-playing cars for “Explorer”, “Regulator” and “Artist”. Photo: Karen Ingram

Guest post by Karen Ingram, Creative Director

Postnatural Bestiary/Botany

This past July, participants of the 2018 OpenPlant Forum went on an expedition where they discovered several new species of plants. Ok- they didn’t REALLY discover the plants, but they played a game that enacted the discovery of 18 new plants, from alpine to outback, at the conference dinner held at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts (SVCA). The game, “Postnatural Botany” was inspired by Medieval Bestiaries, and the notion that explorers would describe the wildlife from their travels to people who had never seen such wildlife, as a means to share with the community.

Image courtesy of Rutgers University Honors College Instagram and Julia Buntaine.

“Postnatural Botany” has its origin as a workshop I created for 23 students in the Rutgers University Honors College and Douglass Residential College for women. The workshop took place in early 2018 and was part of a course, “Science/Art/Technology in New/York/City" taught by Julia Buntaine of the SciArt Center.

Originally dubbed “Postnatural Bestiary” and depicting a wide array of animals, I worked with Dr. Nicola Patron from the Earlham Institute to tailor the game to be plant focused, specifically for the Open Plant Forum.

The 2018 Open Plant Forum was hosted in Norwich, at the John Innes Centre. Norwich–which enjoyed great prosperity in the Middle ages–was the perfect backdrop for a game based on medieval bestiaries.

Playing the Game

Each person was assigned a role as an “explorer”, “artist”, or “regulator” and worked in teams to produce artworks of each plant according to the rules of play. Patron selected a wide variety of plant life; Venus Flytrap, Rainbow Eucalyptus, Welwitschia, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, and Java Moss were all “discovered”, described with limited terminology and depicted with magic markers and imaginative minds.

Karen Ingram introducing the game to attendees of the Open Plant Forum. Photo: Nicola Patron

The “explorer” in each group was given an envelope that contained a card with the plant they had “discovered.” The card displayed a limited amount of information, including an image of the plant, the name, habitat, size, characteristics of its flower (if there was one), and information about a specific “outstanding feature” for each plant.

The “explorer” had to describe the plant they had discovered to an”artist” for visual interpretation. A “regulator” was also part of the game play, in order to ensure all parties followed the rules, of which there were many! Neither the artist nor the regulator were allowed to guess what the plant might be. The artist was not allowed to talk at all, primarily to keep them from guessing what the plant was.

Explorer Jenny Molloy gesticulates as she describes a Baobab tree to her team’s artists, Joanne Kamens and Dave Rejeski. Photo: Karen Ingram

Clockwise from bottom left: Francoise Kepes, Claudia Vickers, Steve Evans, Richard Sever, Anne Osbourn, Jim Haseloff, Peter Murray-Rust, Christina Smolke. Photo: Karen Ingram

Fun with Rules

I created a fictitious human-centric “public” that has no access to robust image catalogues and information we have via the internet, and no knowledge of the sciences. Because of these limitations, “explorers” had to use simplified terminology; leaning on familiar household objects and tools used by humans (purses, for example) and referencing the human body as a measurement unit. Professor George Lomonosoff from the John Innes Center remarked that it was a joy to describe a Rainbow Eucalyptus tree to his team’s “artists” as being “...as tall as twenty men!”

Jim Haseloff puts the final touches on his drawing. Photo: Nicola Patron

Simple explanations, gestures, analogies referencing common household objects, an abbreviated list of plant traits (stems, leaves, flowers, roots), as well as a few select domesticated plants were used in favor of scientific terminology.

The key objectives of the game were not so much to depict the plant correctly, but to work as a team: to communicate carefully on the part of the explorers, and to listen and interpret on the part of artists and regulators, and for everyone to have fun with plants.

An amazingly accurate rendering of a Sturt’s Desert Pea by Jan Lyczakowski, who exclaimed “I’ve never seen this plant before, but apparently I did a pretty well!” Photo: Nicola Patron

Open Plant Forum attendees marvel over a gallery of colorful creations. Photo: Nicola Patron

Colette Matthewman–whose winning drawings of a Jack-in-the-pulpit underwent several iterations before she was satisfied–shared her thoughts: “The OpenPlant Forum attracts a mutidisciplinary crowd, and this was a great game for breaking down barriers of language as we were all restricted to using very every-day words together with gestures to describe and understand the look of the plant – and the plants chosen looked really fantastical! As ‘an artist’ it was fascinating to see how I started to relate the explorer’s description to plants that I knew. This helped me to draw a reasonable likeness, but also limited my ability to take on board specific instructions from the explorer as they didn’t match the image in my head.”

A Note about the Postnatural

The term “Postnatural” is defined as any organism altered by humans via selective breeding or genetic engineering. In the fable of this game, the plants and organisms are newly “discovered” by humans. Through the ages, plant collectors took their findings to new places for breeding and growth in new environments, altering the genetics and epigenetics of the plants forever. This calls to question, at what point of human intervention do organisms become “postnatural”? Once an organism is known and it is integrated into our lexicon; in a Bestiary as it was in the Middle Ages, domesticated to produce products for humans, or its genome sequenced, it is part of our human narrative. Fewer and fewer botanists get to experience the thrill of discovering a new plant species. And yet, through the discoveries of modern biology, humans are experiencing a new kinship with other organisms as we learn more about common biological processes and origins of life on earth. The gameplay of “Postnatural Botany” relies on observation, communication, listening, and interpretation; tools that we can all use to examine the potential impact of this kinship.

Markers down. Randy Rettberg, Roger Castells, and Ian Small survey the final pieces as people finish their pieces. Photo: Karen Ingram

Sketches show depictions of Venus Flytrap, Corpse flower, Java moss, Jack-in-the-pulpit (the winner), and Vegetable Sheep. Photos: Nicola Patron

[Closes 13 Feb 2019] Postdoc position in engineering complex traits in plants

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to join the Laboratory of Dr Nicola Patron to work on a project to engineer plant responses to nitrogen availability. The aim of this project is to deploy genome engineering tools to introduce multiplexed targeted mutations in specific coding and non-coding regions of a group of plant genes predicted to coordinate large-scale transcriptional responses to environmental nitrogen availability. The post-holder will be based in the Patron Lab at the Earlham Institute, (Norwich Research Park, UK) and will work in collaboration with the Brady and Segal Labs (UCDavis).

Salary on appointment will be within the range £31,250 to £38,100 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a fulltime post for a contract of 23 months from 1st April 2019.

http://www.earlham.ac.uk/postdoctoral-research-scientist-engineering-complex-traits-plants

[Closes 10 Feb 2019] Post-doc position in Field lab at JIC: Enzymes for scalable carbohydrate synthesis

Currently advertised is a post-doctoral position in the lab of Prof Rob Field at the John Innes Centre, in Enzymes for scalable carbohydrate synthesis.

Deadline for applications in 10 February 2019. For more information and to apply click here.

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Main Purpose of the Job

Postdoctoral Researchers work with limited supervision to carry out individual and collaborative research projects relevant to the enzymatic synthesis of glycans, sugar nucleotides and sugar phosphates using chemical and enzymatic approaches.

Key Relationships

Internal: Line manager, group members and, as necessary, other researchers, research support staff and students across the Institute.

External: Collaborators at Keele, Manchester and Iceni Diagnostics 

Main Activities & Responsibilities

• Identify, plan, carry out and modify experiments to meet the objectives of the project

• Prepare results, reports and manuscripts for publication in leading scientific journals and other relevant media

• Disseminate research findings though presentations to various audiences at internal, national and international meetings

• Collaborate with colleagues within the Institute in the development of original and world-class research, including contributing to research proposals and grant applications

• Liaise with industry and other external stakeholders5Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, Scientific Integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirements

• Contribute to the smooth running of the group, including the effective use of resources, supervision of visitors to the laboratory and assisting with training others, encouraging scientific excellence

• Continually strive for excellence, seeking out and acting on feedback and relevant learning and development opportunities

• As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post, for example, contributing to the work of Institute committees

[Closes 1 Mar 2019] CSIRO Synthetic Biology Future Science Fellowships scheme

The third round of the CSIRO Synthetic Biology Future Science Platform Future Science Fellowships scheme is open – please see details below. These Fellowships provide an opportunity for early-to-mid career researchers (academic rank A-C in the Australian system) to develop their careers in synthetic biology research through collaboration with their Australasian host university (or other eligible host organisation) and CSIRO, Australia’s peak scientific research organisation. Applications close 5pm Australian Eastern Standard Time, Friday 1st March 2019.

Further information and application instructions for the Fellowships are available at: https://research.csiro.au/synthetic-biology-fsp/work-with-us/synbio-fellowships

The 2019 priority Application Domains are Health & Medicine, and Maximising Impact (social sciences). Applications in other Application Domains will also be accepted. We also have a technical priority area: BioFoundry use (high throughput robotic engineering; Foundry facilities are available). Further details can be found in the Priority Areas (see section under ‘Projects’ in the Instructions to Applicants).

Fellowship Enquiries: SynBioFSP@csiro.au

Foundry Enquiries: SynBioFoundry@csiro.au

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2019 CSIRO Synthetic Biology Future Science Fellowships

CSIRO’s Synthetic Biology Future Science Platform (SynBio FSP) is pleased to announce the opening of the third round of CSIRO Synthetic Biology Future Science Fellowships.

The scheme aims to attract outstanding national and international early- to mid-career postdoctoral researchers (equivalent to Australian Academic Levels A and B, or in exceptional circumstances, Level C) to expand Australian research capacity in synthetic biology. A key element of the SynBio FSP is establishment of a collaborative community of practice extending across CSIRO and Australia more broadly, and linking into international efforts in the field. Research projects must demonstrate an ability to build Australian capacity in synthetic biology.

Fellowships will be hosted at a Host Organisation (usually an Australian University, but other Australian research organisations may also be eligible) and will be a partnership between the Fellow, CSIRO, and the Host Organisation. Fellows will be employed by the Host Organisation but will maintain a strong linkage to CSIRO through a partnering CSIRO Mentor(s) and various joint activities designed to support development of a synthetic biology community of practice across Australia. Fellows will have a Visiting Scientist appointment at CSIRO and may spend a portion of time physically located within a CSIRO research group if appropriate for the Fellowship project.

How to apply?

Further information and application instructions for the Fellowships are available at: https://research.csiro.au/synthetic-biology-fsp/work-with-us/synbio-fellowships

Applications must be submitted by 5pm Australian Eastern Standard Time, Friday 1st March 2019.

The SynBio FSP strongly supports women and other minorities in STEM disciplines. We welcome applications from such individuals and greatly value the diversity they bring to the SynBioFSP. We recognise that women are less likely to apply for engineering-related Fellowships and Fellowships in general, and would therefore like to encourage applications from women. Processes are in place to recognise and properly assess output relative to opportunity, and opportunities for flexible working arrangements and career interruptions are embedded in the Fellowship rules.

Further enquiries can be directed to: SynBioFSP@csiro.au

[Closes 24 Jan 2019] OpenPlant Programme Manager job

Apply here >>> https://www.jic.ac.uk/vacancies/openplant-programme-manager-osbourn-group/

Main Purpose of the Job

Applications are invited for the position of an OpenPlant Programme Manager to be based at the John Innes Centre in Norwich. This position is part of the £13 M OpenPlant Synthetic Biology Research Centre, a large collaborative project led jointly by the John Innes Centre and the University of Cambridge (http://www.openplant.org). The successful applicant will work closely with Professor Anne Osbourn (Director, OpenPlant, Norwich) and other scientists at the John Innes Centre and the Earlham Institute to co-ordinate, integrate, trouble-shoot, evaluate and report on the progress of the overall programme. A key part of the responsibilities of the post holder will be (with Professor Osbourn) to liaise with Professor Jim Haseloff (Director, OpenPlant, Cambridge) and his team to enable the successful delivery of the scientific and strategic goals of this large and complex project. The post holder will also be expected to take an active role in OpenPlant engagement activities.

Further details can be found at https://www.jic.ac.uk/scientists/anne-osbourn/.

Key Relationships

The successful applicant will be line-managed by Professor Anne Osbourn and will work closely with scientists within OpenPlant at the John Innes Centre and the Norwich-based Earlham Institute to co-ordinate and enable the successful delivery of the Norwich-based parts of the OpenPlant programme. A key part of the responsibilities of the post holder will be (with Professor Osbourn) to liaise closely with Professor Jim Haseloff and his team to co-ordinate, integrate, trouble-shoot, evaluate and report on the progress of the overall programme. The post holder will also be expected to take an active role in OpenPlant engagement activities.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the OpenPlant Lab (Norwich) - co-ordinate, integrate, trouble-shoot, evaluate and assist with reporting on the progress of the overall programme

• Liaise closely with Professor Jim Haseloff, the Cambridge-based OpenPlant Project Manager, and scientists in the OpenPlant Lab (Cambridge) to ensure effective integration of the two-site Programme and to maximise opportunities for synergy

• Organise meetings, workshops, training courses, engagement activities and other events on behalf of OpenPlant

• Undertake other science engagement/social science activities relevant to OpenPlant

• As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role

[Closes 22 Jan 2019] Tenure-track assistant professor position in Plant Genome Engineering

The department of Genetics Development and Cell Biology at Iowa State University (ISU) is inviting applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in Plant Genome Engineering. They’re looking for a plant biologist who uses and/or develops genome editing technologies in their research.

Apply here >>> https://www.iastatejobs.com/postings/37758

GDCB seeks to hire a plant biologist who addresses fundamental or applied questions in the mechanisms of plant function and/or development at the cellular and molecular level using genome engineering such as CRISPR/Cas gene editing. Scientists developing resources that potentially reshape specific plant characteristics for the benefit of the environment and the human condition are strongly encouraged to apply.

Areas of interest will address or integrate Signature Themes at ISU in Biological Systems, Datarich Environments, and Environmental Sustainability, including but not limited to: molecular and cellular processes integral to plant health or disease, genome dynamics, phenomics, plant development, epigenetics, genetic and metabolic regulatory networks, and plant responses to environmental signals and stresses. Interdisciplinary or collaborative research is encouraged.

Responsibilities include building a nationally recognized research program that competes successfully for extramural funding, advancing the discipline through high-quality publications, mentoring students, and effective teaching of undergraduate and graduate courses. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent communication and leadership skills and will share the university’s commitment to an inclusive environment that supports diversity.

GDCB and ISU provide an interactive, collegial environment of world-class scientists studying biological questions of fundamental importance, with particular strengths in plant sciences. Our faculty use experimental and computational approaches in an array of organisms, and participate in interdisciplinary graduate training programs in Plant Biology, Genetics and Genomics, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, and an NSF Research Traineeship in Predictive Plant Phenomics.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in life sciences or related

• Published record of high-quality research

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability or clear potential to secure extramural funding

• Evidence of ability to develop a research program with potential for national distinction

• Research plan that enhances existing strengths at ISU

• Engagement in interdisciplinary or collaborative research

• Postdoctoral research experience

• Demonstrated ability or potential to excel in scholarly teaching

• Evidence of commitment to an inclusive climate that supports diversity and enableshonest and respectful exchange of ideas

Please visit https://www.iastatejobs.com/postings/37758 to view the entire vacancy and apply electronically. For full consideration, submit the application by January 22, 2018.

Improving homebrewing with the help of arduinos and XOD: Our Biomaker Challenge

We are a small, merry band of newbie Biomakers and amateur homebrewers and have started a project to monitor the progression of our fine brews in real time. By day we are two research scientists and a Biology teacher.

 We are looking to develop a piece of kit which allows us to see how quickly our homebrew is turned from a mixture of sugars in the initial malty extract into alcohol in beer. As sugars are converted to alcohol by the yeast, the density, or Specific Gravity (SG), of the liquid decreases and this is traditionally monitored by the means of a hydrometer. The SG decreases over time until it reaches a final plateau, at which point all of the sugars have been turned into alcohol. We are interested in monitoring how quickly this happens and how we can monitor it in real time.

Sam’s Biomaker Starter Kit arrives “what an exciting package to find on my desk first day back in the lab in 2019!”

An alcohol meter, testing beer immediately after brewing but before fermentation.

Image by Jeena on Wikipedia, shared under CC BY-SA 3.0

Getting started…

Initial challenges

As two of us have absolutely no prior knowledge of using Arduinos the first challenge has been to work out which end of the lead plugs into the laptop and which end into the Arduino. One of us has much more experience of programming, but not huge experience with Arduinos. It’s pretty much a ragtag skillset, held together with a Whatsapp group, copious mugs of tea, soup, swearing and an overarching dedication to the cause of better homebrew.

Initial thoughts

The learning curve of getting the Arduinos, laptops and components to talk to each other was incredibly steep. A few pointers from the ever-helpful Colette Matthewman helped immensely. Gratifyingly learning the XOD aspect of the project has been pretty straightforward. The online tutorials have stepped us through what we need to do in a logical manner.

 Our initial design has been modified, from just monitoring the height via the height sensor supplied, to attaching a Hall Sensor to the Arduino and attaching magnets to the hydrometer. We have developed ideas which can spring from this once we’ve got the basics in place and are quite excited (an overused word), about the potential scope of what we’re playing with.

 We are still very much in the early stages of the project, but are learning and have welcomed the opportunities to work towards a common goal (better beer), whilst acquiring new skills. This project has some way to run and will, no doubt, be adapted, modified and changed over time.

Follow our progress (intermittently) via twitter @dewhurst_ben, @popupcamptrout, @LP_Alwyn, @AutoBrewControl

More information about the Biomaker Challenge can be found at www.biomaker.org