I think that this class really revealed the potential connections between art and science that one can make. Admittedly, I was a little skeptical at the beginning when Professor Johnson proposed that we make music out of the prion protein chains, but once she delivered her lecture and showed us examples, I was thoroughly convinced that any type of science can be represented through art (and vice-versa).
I think that the Texas Wesleyan group did an excellent job portraying the amino acids that make up the protein prion through music. I found it intriguing how each amino acid had their own role in the music, such as the amino acids glycine, tryptophan, glutamine, proline, and histidine representing the base line “in set in low strings and percussion.” I also found it intriguing how the music could convey the “destructive interaction between the abnormal and normal versions of the protein” just through the different notes and sounds used. I actually wish the song had lasted longer.
Despite all the examples that were shown, however, I think the most interesting aspect that I took away from the class was the concept of sonification, and how science is able to provoke an emotional response from the audience through art. Honestly, if you just read through the amino acids that make up the prion protein, I don’t think anyone could attach some sort of emotion to it–it’s very matter-of-fact and doesn’t request subjective opinions to it. But the fact that the Texas Wesleyan group and other artists presented in the examples were able to take each scientific concept and provide some sort of eery (or cheery) atmosphere through their music or even evoke such an emotional response is amazing to me. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to see science the same, pragmatic way again after this experience!