arabic.cnn.com
Extinct Flower Scents Recreated Using DNA Sequencing
Future Society, a Dubai-based biotechnology company, recreated the scents of six extinct flowers using DNA sequencing of preserved samples from Harvard University Herbarium, collaborating with Ginkgo Bioworks; the resulting perfumes are a blend of natural, synthetic, and bioengineered ingredients, creating unique woody and floral scents previously impossible to replicate.
- How has Future Society's use of DNA sequencing revolutionized the perfume industry, and what specific implications does this hold for the future of fragrance creation?
- Future Society, a biotechnology perfume company, has successfully recreated the scents of six extinct flowers using DNA sequencing technology. This was achieved in collaboration with Harvard University Herbarium and Ginkgo Bioworks, analyzing preserved plant samples some over 150 years old. The resulting perfumes offer unique woody and floral fragrances previously unavailable.
- What challenges did Future Society face in recreating the scents of extinct flowers, and how did the company overcome these obstacles using interdisciplinary collaboration?
- The company used DNA sequencing, similar to ancestry DNA tests, to identify scent molecules from extinct plants. The process involved analyzing preserved plant samples, revealing various scent-related genes, not all of which were activated when introduced to yeast. The final perfume blends relied on perfumers' expertise and existing fragrance libraries to interpret the genetic data and create the final product.
- Beyond fragrance, what other potential applications exist for this biotechnology approach in fields such as historical reconstruction, conservation, and environmental studies?
- Future Society's innovation combines biotechnology with perfumery, demonstrating the potential of applying genetic analysis to recreate historical scents. While the technology successfully extracts scent-related genes, achieving the precise original fragrance requires significant interpretation and creative blending by perfumers. The project highlights the potential for similar applications in other industries.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the story as a triumph of science and technology, emphasizing the innovative nature of the company's work and its potential to revolutionize the perfume industry. This positive framing overshadows potential limitations or criticisms of the process.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and descriptive. However, phrases like "triumph of science and technology" and "revolutionize the perfume industry" contribute to the overall positive framing and could be considered slightly loaded.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the process and technology used to recreate the scents of extinct flowers, neglecting to discuss potential ethical concerns regarding the use of extinct plant DNA or the environmental impact of recreating these scents on a commercial scale. There is also no mention of the cost of this process and whether it's accessible to other researchers.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy by contrasting the scientific approach of the company with a more 'romantic' or subjective approach to recreating scents. It implies that a purely scientific approach is superior, overlooking the value of subjective experience and artistic interpretation in perfumery.
Sustainable Development Goals
The company, Future Society, is innovating in the perfume industry by using biotechnology to recreate scents of extinct flowers. This promotes sustainable practices by exploring alternatives to traditional perfume production methods that may rely on unsustainable sourcing of ingredients. The project also highlights the potential of biotechnology for preserving biodiversity and cultural heritage related to plants.