News

The latest NewSilk article identifies touchpoints between material science, synthetic biology, design and art

In the article we discuss the initial experimental touchpoints between material science, synthetic biology, design and art encountered during the project’s first year.
NEWSILK Workshop 02 / Kuva: Aalto-yliopisto
NEWSILK Workshop 02 / Kuva: Aalto-yliopisto

New Silk aims to produce new types of silk-like materials in the context of synthetic biology. In the article NEW SILK: Studying Experimental Touchpoints between Material Science, Synthetic Biology, Design and Art (2018) we discuss the initial experimental touchpoints between material science, synthetic biology, design and art encountered during the project’s first year. Firstly, the study shows that shared material experiences in the setting of workshops build foundational understanding of perceived material agency leading to discussion on material activity and research ethics. Secondly, our research identified that all of these disciplines, material science, synthetic biology, design and art, approach materials research through experimental methods, even if the goal of the research differs in each discipline.

Niinimäki, K., Groth, C. & Kääriäinen, P. (2018). NEW SILK: Studying Experimental Touchpoints between Material Science, Synthetic Biology, Design and Art. Temes de Disseny, 34, 32-41.

  • Updated:
  • Published:
Share
URL copied!

Read more news

Learning Centre graphics
Research & Art Published:

Learning Centre opening hours during Christmas and year-end holidays

Thank you for the past year and have a wonderful holiday season!
Three white, circular lace patterns on a black background, each with a unique geometric design.
Research & Art Published:

Smart textiles are reshaping our understanding of materials – and interspecies communication

The PAST-A-BOT research project, funded by the European Research Council (ERC), is developing soft, intelligent textiles that could one day function as rescue robots, sound-sensing agricultural fabrics, or assistive clothing. At the same time, the project aims to rethink the way we approach materials research.
A woman presenting her master's thesis on textile chemistry at Aalto University. A laptop and notes are on the table.
Research & Art Published:

Master’s student showcases efficient color stripping of cotton fabrics

On December 9, master’s thesis student Elsa Vuorenmaa from the Textile Chemistry Group presented the results of her research on color stripping of reactive-dyed cotton fabrics.
Four men in formal attire, each in different settings. One wears a turtleneck, others wear suits with ties.
Research & Art Published:

Future makers research batteries, cryptography and plastic recycling

The Technology Industries of Finland Centennial Foundation awarded 3.5 million euros in research funding to eight projects, five from Aalto University.