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COURSE MATERIALS
Into the Blue
for transdisciplinary learning
Materials: Theory
a) Colour Theory
Modern color theory for traditional and digital painting media
This website presents an account of the dimensions of color and light perception, written for painters using either traditional or digital media. The conceptual framework presented here was developed by Dr. David. J.C. Briggs as a component of Colour, Light, and Vision, a course in color theory and practice that he has been teaching at the Julian Ashton Art School, Sydney.
Vision Science & the emergence of modern art
Color Vision and Art is one of the exhibits in the WebExhibits online museum, promoting discovery through multidisciplinary approaches that support all learning styles. The website includes information on color vision and perception and color theory.
WebExhibits is a public service of the Institute for Dynamic Educational Advancement (IDEA).
WebExhibits is a public service of the Institute for Dynamic Educational Advancement (IDEA).
b) Pigments
Pigments through the Ages
Pigments through the Ages is one of the exhibits in the WebExhibits online museum, promoting discovery through multidisciplinary approaches that support all learning styles. WebExhibits is a public service of the Institute for Dynamic Educational Advancement (IDEA).
The legendary Prussian blue, the color that can save or kill lives
This news article addresses the history of Prussian blue and its many uses besides art.
ColourLex
ColourLex is a website on color by chemist and teacher Juraj Lipscher. The website has information on paintings with an emphasis on their pigment analyses, information about the individual pigments, the scientific methods devoted to the investigation of paintings, and a collection of resources on paintings, painters, pigments, and the scientific methods used in the investigation of paintings.
Scientists resurrect a long-lost blue hue
News article on how scientists used medieval recipes to recreate a lost blue hue. Scientists prepared the blue watercolor from the fruit of the plant Chrozophora tinctoria and used the dye to reveal its chemical structure using a series of lab techniques.
A 1000-year-old mystery solved: Unlocking the molecular structure for the medieval blue from Chrozophora tinctoria, also known as folium
Scientific article on Science Advances on how scientists used medieval recipes to recreate a lost blue hue.
c) History and cultural significance
A Brief History of the Color Blue
Summarized the history of the color Blue from the website alpha designer.
The surprising pattern behind color names around the world
Video explaining the Berlin-Kay hypothesis
The World Color Survey
Website of the World Color Survey. The study was initiated in the late 1970s to test the hypotheses advanced by Berlin and Kay (1969) regarding the existence of universal constraints on cross-language color naming, and the existence of a partially fixed evolutionary progression according to which languages gain color terms over time.
d) Art, symbolism, and meaning
Prussian blue: From the Great Wave to Starry Night, how a pigment changed the world
Text by Hugh Davies, La Trobe University, on Prussian blue’s importance in art history.
The 6000-Year History of Blue Pigments in Art
Article by Sarah Gottesman on the website Artsy about the history of Blue pigments in art.
The History of the Color Blue: From Ancient Egypt to the Latest Scientific Discoveries
Summary of the history of Blue from the website My Modern Met.
Picasso’s Blue Period
Youtube video on Picasso’s Blue Period. A cathartic and life-changing time that would give the young artist the emotional and artistic tools to pioneer cubism and revolutionize modern art.
What is the rarest colour in nature? – Victoria Hwang
TED-ed video by Victoria Hwang explains what colors are the most rare to see in nature, and how physics and evolution drive their scarcity.
Dazzling Blue ‘Sea Sparkles’ Emit a Glittering Glow on the Shores of Tasmania
Article about why Tasmania waters were emitting an electric blue glow. The cerulean brilliance is caused by bioluminescent organisms—specifically, Noctiluca scintillans—that when disturbed by waves or currents, flash a blue light.
Why Is Blue So Rare In Nature?
Video from the Be Smart youtube channel explains why among living things, the color blue is oddly rare. In this video some butterflies help us learn how living things make blue, and why this beautiful hue is so rare in nature.
Why is the color blue so rare in nature?
Short introduction on the rarity of blue color in nature.
How Nature Uses Physics to Make the Color Blue
Introduction about the science behind blue in nature.
Art Talk: Cyanotypes – Art and Science at Home
Conservation scientist Julie Wertz talks about the science and process of cyanotypes, also demonstrating how you can make one at home.
Introduction to the cyanotype process
The National Science ad Media Museum provides a short introduction to cyanotypes and a DIY guide.
The uptake characteristics of Prussian-blue nanoparticles for rare metal ions for recycling of precious metals from nuclear and electronic waste
Scientific article about the use of Prussian-blue nanoparticles to extract gold- and platinum-group metals from electronic waste, and its use to recycle nuclear waste.
Picasso’s favorite pigment may one day recycle metals from your cell phone
News article on the use of Prussian-blue to extract gold- and platinum-group metals from electronic waste.
In Living Color: Bacterial Pigments as an Untapped Resource in the Classroom and Beyond
Article on the use of pigments from bacteria in the classroom that was adapted the practical lab work proposed to the students in this course.
Bacteria
The Encyclopædia Britannica online presents a short introduction to Bacteria, including information about types of structure, morphology, reproductive processes, role in ecology and human life, evolution, growth, metabolism and classification.
Streptomyces inside-out: a new perspective on the bacteria that provide us with antibiotics
Chater, K. F. (2006). Streptomyces inside-out: a new perspective on the bacteria that provide us with antibiotics. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 361(1469), 761.
An Introduction to Actinobacteria
This is an open access peer-reviewed chapter written by Ranjani Anandan, Dhanasekaran Dharumadurai and Gopinath Ponnusamy Manogaran introducing Actinobacteria.
Microbe Profile: Streptomyces coelicolor: a burlesque of pigments and phenotypes
Nodwell, J. R. (2019). Microbe Profile: Streptomyces coelicolor: a burlesque of pigments and phenotypes. Microbiology, 165(9), 953.
Streptomyces coelicolor
Hoskisson, P. A., & van Wezel, G. P. (2019). Streptomyces coelicolor. Trends in Microbiology, 27(5), 468–469.
This designer uses living bacteria to dye clothes without water
Wired article on he work of Natsai Audrey Chieza, a designer using Streptomyces coelicolor to dye fabric and garments in patterned hues of pink, purple and blue.
Bacterial Blues
Text, by the blog Small Things Considered, on the production of blue pigments by bacteria.
BioShades
Page of BioShades, a project to find more natural and sustainable pigments for textile dyeing.
Isolation of Bacteria Producing Bluish-Purple Pigment and Use for Dyeing
Tsukamot, T., Yasuj, H., Hata, T., Hayasaka, S., & Kato, H. (2000). Isolation of Bacteria Producing Bluish-Purple Pigment and Use for Dyeing. In JARQ (Vol. 34).
Bacterial Pigments: Sustainable Compounds With Market Potential for Pharma and Food Industry
Venil, C. K., Dufossé, L., & Renuka Devi, P. (2020). Bacterial Pigments: Sustainable Compounds With Market Potential for Pharma and Food Industry. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 4, 100.
Fungal and Bacterial Pigments: Secondary Metabolites with Wide Applications
Narsing Rao, M. P., Xiao, M., & Li, W. J. (2017). Fungal and bacterial pigments: Secondary metabolites with wide applications. Frontiers in Microbiology, 8(JUN), 1113.
New Blue Pigment Produced by Pantoea agglomerans and Its Production Characteristics at Various Temperatures
Fujikawa, H., & Akimoto, R. (2011). New Blue Pigment Produced by Pantoea agglomerans and Its Production Characteristics at Various Temperatures. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 77(1), 172.
Learn.Genetics: Genetic science learning centre
A project from the University of Utah, Learn. Genetics: Genetic Science Learning Center, has a series of simple resources introducing basic genetics. Here you can find appealing video animations with simple texts explaining DNA, genes, proteins, inheritance, mutations, RNA and more complex concepts such as epigenetic and transgenic mice.
About Genomics
The National Human Genome Research Institute offers clear and accurate information about genomics, promoting literacy and public engagement. The Institute offers a series of educational resources, texts and illustrations, infographics and timelines, and even practical activities and class plans to introduce students to genomics.
Your genome: Discover more about DNA, genes and genomes, and the implications for our health and society
Yourgenome is a website, produced by the Wellcome Genome Campus near Cambridge, UK, with information on genetics and genomics. On this website, you can learn about DNA, genes and genomes, from basic biology to ethical challenges. It has texts, videos, activities, games and animation to engage students.
What is Biotechnology, Gene editing by José Bessa
(15’36”) José Bessa, an i3S researcher and leader of the group Vertebrate Development and Regeneration, presents a short introduction to biotechnology and particularly gene editing. The tool can be used to introduce the topics of biotechnology and gene editing, teach some key concepts on the subject and trigger a larger debate on the larger implications of these technologies and how different people from different backgrounds approach the topic.
What is gene editing and how does it work?
(4’34”) A short animation from The Royal Society about gene editing and how it allows scientists o change gene sequences by adding, replacing or removing sections of DNA.
Mutations, gene editing and demystification of the powers of CRISPR and gene editing
(59’35”) Fábio Júnio Ferreira, an i3S researcher, presents an introduction to mutations, gene editing and CRISPR, also trying to demystify the powers of gene editing and particularly the CRISPR technique.
The Future of Gene Editing
This text from the Columbia University Irving Medical Center introduces CRISPR and its discovery and presents a series of researchers and projects using CRISPR to treat diseases, further developing CRISPR tools and reflecting on the ethical implications of this technology and its uses.
Introduction to biotechnology
“Introduction to biotechnology” from the Khan Academy is a simple and concise overview of what is biotechnology and DNA technology. You can also find here an introduction to genetic engineering, DNA cloning and recombinant DNA, Polymerase chain reaction, gel electrophoresis and DNA sequencing.
What is genome editing?
Introduction and overview of genome editing from the National Human Genome Research Institute. This website offers clear and accurate information about genomics, promoting literacy and public engagement.
A Brief History of Gene Editing
(1’34”) A Brief History of Gene Editing is a short video from the World Science Festival, part of the “CRISPR in Context: The New World of Human Genetic Engineering”, a debate with Jennifer Doudna, Jamie Metzl, William Hurlbut, and moderated by Guy McKhann.
History of Genetic Engineering and the Rise of Genome Editing Tools
Synthego presents a complete history of gene editing and the tools used, from the discovery of the DNA to the Nobel Prize for the development of CRISPR.
Introduction in CRISPR Cas 9 and its successors, by José Bessa
(37’32”) José Bessa, an i3S researcher and leader of the group Vertebrate Development and Regeneration, presents an introduction to CRISPR cas9. This presentation can be useful to introduce gene-editing key concepts, and explain what’s CRISPR cas9 (a gene-editing tool that can manipulate gene expression in plants, humans and animals) and its potential.
CRISPR-Cas9 Mechanism & Applications
Howard Hughes Medical Institute – BioInteractive offers a series of classroom resources, including this interactive module exploring how CRISPR-Cas9 technology works and the many ways in which scientists are using it in their research.
Nobel Prize Lessons: Genetic scissors: a tool for rewriting the code of life
The website of the Nobel Foundation has educational materials about the Nobel prize winners, including the 2020 Chemistry Nobel Prize awarded for the discovery of the CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors. The resources include background information on CRISPR/Cas9 and its discovery for non-experts (the popular science background) and scientists.
CRISPR-Cas Gene Editing Teaching Resources
Bio-rad provides CRISPR-Cas Gene Editing Teaching Resources explaining the bacterial origin of the CRISPR, how it was adapted for gene editing and some of its current applications. The Classroom activities and resources include a CRISPR paper model activity, a bioinformatics activity and a PowerPoint presentation to help guide your students through the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing lab activity.
Introduction to the CRISPR/Cas9 system – A powerful method for engineering your gene of interest
Some biotechnology companies offer information and learning resources on materials and biotechnological tools including CRISPR/Cas9. This is the case of Takara’s Learning centre information on how CRISPR works and how to produce sgRNA in vitro.
CRISPR Digital Resources
The Innovative Genomics Institute offers educational resources on CRISPR science, including a brief introduction to CRISPR genome editing technology, uses, and ethics from Jennifer Doudna and other experts. The resources also include an illustrated glossary, hands-on interactive tools and videos on CRISPR-cas9.
CRISPR Cas9 – A Brief Introduction
A video from Applied Biological Materials – explaining CRISPR/cas9. The video is part of the CRISPR Crash Course organised by the company.
How to design sgRNA sequences
Takara’s Learning centre information provides detailed information on how to choose sgRNA design tools, choose the target sequence and design sgRNA sequences.
The Complete Guide to Understanding CRISPR sgRNA
Synthego offers a complete guide to understanding CRISPR sgRNA. The guide explains the difference between gRNA and sgRNA, how to design sgRNA for CRISPR experiments, compares different sgRNA formats and explains the advantages of synthetic sgRNA and multi-guide sgRNA.
CRISPR Cas9 – gRNA Design
A video from Applied Biological Materials – abm explaining the design of gRNA for CRISPR/cas9. The video is part of the CRISPR Crash Course organised by the company.
Genetic variation in prokaryotes
Takara’s Learning centre information provides detailed information on how to choose sgRNA design tools, choose the target sequence and design sgRNA sequences.
Bacterial Genetics
Chapter on Bacterial Genetics from the LibreTexts, a project developing and providing open-access textbooks.
Transformation, Transduction and Conjugation (Horizontal Gene Transfer in Bacteria)
Video explaining ways of bacteria to transfer genetic material horizontally: Transformation, Conjugation and Transduction.
CRISPR Methods for Bacteria: Genome Engineering, CRISPRa, CRISPRi, Base Editing, and More
Text from the addgene blog explaining CRISPR methods on bacteria.
Plasmids 101: Transformation, Transduction, Bacterial Conjugation, and Transfection
Text from the addgene blog explaining basic concepts about plasmids.
Bacterial Genetics
This is a lecture by Professor Zach Murphy on Bacterial Genetics. We will be teaching you about the most important aspects of bacterial genetics including: Conjugation, Transformation, Transduction, and Transposition.
For the First Time in 200 Years, a New Blue Pigment Is Up for Sale
Article from the Smithsonian Magazine about YInMn Blue, the new blue pigment identified in 200 years.
Explainer: how scientists invent new colours
Text from the website “The conversation”, by Colin Hall and Eric Charrault, on how scientists create new colours.
Researchers Create Living ‘Neon Signs’ Composed of Millions of Glowing Bacteria
Article for the public, published by UC San Diego, about a group of biologists and bioengineers at the university that created a living neon sign. This living sign is composed of millions of bacterial cells that periodically fluoresce in unison like blinking light bulbs.
Textile dyeing with natural pigments
Page explaining BioShades, a project to find more natural and sustainable pigments for textile dyeing.
Researchers Create Color Images With Bacteria
Article from the Smithsonian Magazine about a group of researchers at MIT that engineered E. coli bacteria that produce color when hit with certain wavelengths of light, allowing them to produce images.
Dyeing textiles with bacteria: experiment and collaborate
Video from the TextileLab Amsterdam about their experiments on dyeing textiles with bacteria.
