8TH AUGUST 2013
Inventor of the laser Dr Charles Townes to be sequenced for Genome Laser art project

http://tmblr.co/ZJM0Csrmxp7t

***** )'( *****

Greetings Burners, Captain Fastly checking in from the fateful Ooligan Airways flight OOL-23. Ooligan Alley are the creators of the legendary rhombic hexecontahedron stage "spikey" at 2 and C in 2011.

Genome Laser is an an audacious Burning Man project in collaboration with Control Tower and friends that spans science, technology and art.

Not that long ago, the act of John Frum landing an aeroplane caused mass hysteria and challenged the belief system of a civilisation. The act of not just recording, but broadcasting in public, for entertainment purposes, the data patterns that not only makes you human, but makes you, you, changes everything.

For the first time in history, at Burning Man 2013, the data from individual human genomes will be broadcast in public via laser beam.

Our mission starts by sequencing the individual human genome. Then, we will encode the 3.2 billion base pairs (ACGT), push the genomic data into custom built pattern generation software that interface with the mammoth 60W laser controller on the Control Tower, and broadcast an incredible light show across the Playa and up into space.

We’re thrilled to be collaborating with the International Arts Megacrew, who built that breathtaking Temple of Transition in 2011, and after a year off are challenging themselves to something completely different with Control Tower, a spectacular interactive landmark that will delight the Playa and act as a beacon for navigation.

Funding Requirements

Building and broadcast the Genome Laser via the Control Tower takes time, but thankfully we have the technical skills and commitment to making this happen on a lower budget. But, we want to go bigger for this project to fulfil it's full potential.

We are seeking to raise $4500 to fund the hardware required to plug into the Control Tower, and also synchronise with a Genome Laser co-located at Ooligan Alley. $3k of the funds raised in this project will be put towards building a co-located laser from our friend Skipp, who provided the lasers to Opulent Temple last year, and a key member of the Control Tower project. So, in other words, by donating to this project you are also helping the Control Tower.

We are building Genome Laser because we can, and because we want to push the boundaries of our imaginations and give something amazing back to the Burning Man community. This is non-profit art project where 100% of the funds raised will be channeled directly into materials - we are paying for our own flights, tickets, food, etc.

Genome Laser is going ahead, it's only a question of how big we can go in terms of co-locational genomic broadcasting. Our core costs include a special laser controller to plug into Control Tower and campaign materials (mission patches, sticker, etc) total $1.5k. Every contribution will be rewarded with a unique and limited edition gifts that have been designed and created with love to send our thanks to all the brilliant people who can help this crazy dream become a reality.

How else you can help?

Even if you cannot make a financial contribution then there are still ways that you can get involved - we're looking for people to help in technical and non-technical roles. Just as the Playa presents a blank canvas for people to construct their wildest dreams, Genome Laser provides a framework for experts in pattern recognition and visualisation to express to unleash on a mind-blowing project. Otherwise you can help by making some noise in your networks, on and off the Playa.

Thanks folks for all the support, and big dusty lasery love to y'all ;)

Fastly )'(

@ahousley

IMPORTANT: IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING GETTING YOUR GENOME BROADCASTED, FIRST YOU MUST READ THE BELOW STATEMENT ABOUT CONSENTS AND DISCLAIMERS.

We will endeavour to respect the privacy level that you request for your personal genome data, however we have to work on the assumption that the laser show can be decoded.

So, in order to be sequenced, you will have to sign and send back a consent which states that you waive all your rights to the sequence and understand that it will be made public and will contain information of a personal nature that may reveal disease predisposition, issues with future reproduction, or genes that may affect future generations. For example, insurance companies or others may use the information against you to withhold insurance or charge higher rates.

You will not hold the Genome Laser art project, any of its organisers, or anyone else associated with it, or supplying genome sequencing or materials, responsible for any damages that may occur by the release of genome information. For now and for ever.

If you contribute in return for the "Broadcase Your Genome" perk and then for any reason cannot be sequenced (i.e. such as timing, location, consent), then you may request for up to your contribution minus transaction fee to be refunded, which may take 30 days after the campaign close date.

If you have any questions, please email alex@genomelaser.com. Thank you!