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Danilo Oliveira Vaz

Can we communicate with other living beings besides animals?

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Can we communicate with other living beings besides animals?

For example, it is well known that plants and fungi are sentient creatures, but modern societies/humans seem to regard this fact as unworthy of much attention. Perhaps we do so because we lack a common language to establish such inter-realms communication.

In this hands-on project you will challenge this frontier by translating electric signals (BioData) from plants and fungi into audio-visual media that we humans are capable of relating to. In order to accomplish this, you will engage with Processing, "a flexible software sketchbook and a language for learning how to code within the context of the visual arts."

Optional: In case you have an Anduino kit this project can be double fun, as learners will have instructions on how to collect the BioData themselves.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Project Overview
In this guided project you will do some creative coding with the Processing framework in order to translated electrical signals collected from plants and mushrooms into visualizations and sound. Please open this page (https://github.com/dnllvrvz/BioData-Inquiry) on your computer before starting the project. It will help you!

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops artistic coding skills with Processing for data visualization and sonification
Suitable for beginners interested in exploring interdisciplinary connections between science, art, and technology
Offers hands-on experience in collecting and translating bio-data from plants and fungi
Arduino users may benefit from additional instructions on data collection
Assumes learners have access to necessary hardware and software, which may pose financial barriers
Prior experience with Processing or similar coding frameworks is recommended

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in BioData Processing with these activities:
Read 'Entangled Life' by Merlin Sheldrake
Deepen your understanding of the role played by fungi in our planet's ecosystem and human civilization, providing context for the course's exploration of inter-species communication.
Show steps
  • Procure a copy of 'Entangled Life'
  • Read the book
  • Take notes as you read
  • Reflect on the implications of Sheldrake's work
Join a study group focused on BioData
Foster collaboration and enhance your understanding by joining a study group dedicated to exploring BioData and inter-realms communication.
Show steps
  • Identify potential study partners
  • Form a study group
  • Meet regularly
  • Discuss BioData and related concepts
Experiment with Processing sketches
Enhance your visual coding skills by experimenting with Processing sketches, solidifying your understanding of data visualization techniques.
Browse courses on Processing
Show steps
  • Familiarize yourself with Processing
  • Create simple sketches
  • Explore the Processing community
  • Experiment with different data sets
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Explore Arduino tutorials
Expand your understanding of hardware interfacing by studying Arduino tutorials, preparing you to collect BioData from plants and fungi.
Browse courses on Arduino
Show steps
  • Identify relevant Arduino tutorials
  • Follow the tutorials
  • Build simple Arduino projects
  • Connect your Arduino to a computer
Develop a visual representation of your BioData
Demonstrate your grasp of inter-realms communication by creating a visual representation of BioData, fostering your creativity and analytical thinking.
Browse courses on Data Visualization
Show steps
  • Choose a data visualization tool
  • Import your BioData
  • Explore different visual representations
  • Refine your visualization
  • Present your visualization
Attend a Processing workshop
Accelerate your progress by attending a Processing workshop, deepening your understanding of the software and connecting with other enthusiasts.
Browse courses on Processing
Show steps
  • Identify relevant Processing workshops
  • Register for a workshop
  • Attend the workshop
  • Apply what you learn
Contribute to an open-source BioData project
Solidify your understanding of BioData and contribute to the scientific community by participating in an open-source project.
Browse courses on Open Source
Show steps
  • Identify an open-source BioData project
  • Review the project's documentation
  • Contribute to the project
  • Submit a pull request
Participate in a BioData hackathon
Challenge yourself and showcase your skills by participating in a BioData hackathon, pushing the boundaries of inter-realms communication.
Show steps
  • Identify relevant BioData hackathons
  • Form a team or participate individually
  • Develop a BioData-related project
  • Submit your project

Career center

Learners who complete BioData Processing will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from data to make data-driven decisions. This course can help someone in a Data Science role by providing a foundation in working with and processing biological data. More specifically, this course can be helpful for those interested in the field of bioinformatics, which combines biology, computer science, and information technology to manage and analyze large amounts of biological data. The course's focus on translating electrical signals collected from plants and mushrooms into visualizations and sound provides a unique perspective on biological data processing that may be attractive to those working in this field.
Geneticist
Geneticists study genes and heredity. They research and analyze genetic data, create genetic models, and develop genetic therapies. This course may be useful for someone in a Genetics role, as it provides a foundation in working with and processing biological data. The course's emphasis on translating electrical signals collected from living beings into visualizations and sound provides a unique perspective on biological data processing that may be attractive to those working in this field.
Neuroscientist
Neuroscientists study the nervous system and its function. They research and analyze neurological data, create neurological models, and develop neurological therapies. This course may be useful for someone in a Neuroscience role, as it provides a foundation in working with and processing biological data. The course's emphasis on translating electrical signals collected from living beings into visualizations and sound provides a unique perspective on biological data processing that may be attractive to those working in this field.
Immunologist
Immunologists study the immune system and its response to infection and disease. They research and analyze immunological data, create immunological models, and develop immunological therapies. This course may be useful for someone in an Immunology role, as it provides a foundation in working with and processing biological data. The course's emphasis on translating electrical signals collected from living beings into visualizations and sound provides a unique perspective on biological data processing that may be attractive to those working in this field.
Microbiologist
Microbiologists study microorganisms and their interactions with the environment and human health. They research and analyze microbiological data, create microbiological models, and develop microbiological therapies. This course may be useful for someone in a Microbiology role, as it provides a foundation in working with and processing biological data. The course's emphasis on translating electrical signals collected from living beings into visualizations and sound provides a unique perspective on biological data processing that may be attractive to those working in this field.
Pharmacologist
Pharmacologists study the effects of drugs on the body. They research and analyze pharmacological data, create pharmacological models, and develop pharmacological therapies. This course may be useful for someone in a Pharmacology role, as it provides a foundation in working with and processing biological data. The course's emphasis on translating electrical signals collected from living beings into visualizations and sound provides a unique perspective on biological data processing that may be attractive to those working in this field.
Wildlife Biologist
Wildlife Biologists study wildlife populations and their habitats. They research and analyze wildlife data, create wildlife models, and develop wildlife conservation plans. This course may be useful for someone in a Wildlife Biology role, as it provides a foundation in working with and processing biological data. The course's emphasis on translating electrical signals collected from living beings into visualizations and sound provides a unique perspective on biological data processing that may be attractive to those working in this field.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists study the environment and find solutions to environmental problems. They research and analyze environmental data, create environmental models, and develop environmental policies. This course may be useful for someone in an Environmental Science role, as it provides a foundation in working with and processing biological data. The course's emphasis on translating electrical signals collected from living beings into visualizations and sound provides a unique perspective on biological data processing that may be attractive to those working in this field.
Ecologist
Ecologists study the interactions between living organisms and their environment. They research and analyze ecological data, create ecological models, and develop ecological policies. This course may be useful for someone in an Ecology role, as it provides a foundation in working with and processing biological data. The course's emphasis on translating electrical signals collected from living beings into visualizations and sound provides a unique perspective on biological data processing that may be attractive to those working in this field.
Toxicologist
Toxicologists study the effects of toxic substances on the body. They research and analyze toxicological data, create toxicological models, and develop toxicological therapies. This course may be useful for someone in a Toxicology role, as it provides a foundation in working with and processing biological data. The course's emphasis on translating electrical signals collected from living beings into visualizations and sound provides a unique perspective on biological data processing that may be attractive to those working in this field.
Zoologist
Zoologists study animals and their behavior. They research and analyze zoological data, create zoological models, and develop zoological conservation plans. This course may be useful for someone in a Zoology role, as it provides a foundation in working with and processing biological data. The course's emphasis on translating electrical signals collected from living beings into visualizations and sound provides a unique perspective on biological data processing that may be attractive to those working in this field.
Marine Biologist
Marine Biologists study marine life and ecosystems. They conduct research on marine organisms, habitats, and ecosystems, and develop plans for conservation and management. This course may be useful for someone in a Marine Biology role, as it provides a foundation in working with and processing biological data. The course's emphasis on translating electrical signals collected from living beings into visualizations and sound provides a unique perspective on biological data processing that may be attractive to those working in this field.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineers combine engineering principles with medical knowledge to design, build, and maintain cutting-edge medical devices, implants, and other systems. This course may be useful for someone in a Biomedical Engineering role, as it provides a foundation in working with biological data and designing systems to interact with living organisms. The course's emphasis on translating electrical signals collected from plants and fungi into visualizations and sound provides a unique perspective on biological data processing that may be attractive to those working in this field.
Veterinarian
Veterinarians diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases in animals. They perform surgeries, prescribe medications, and provide general care to animals. This course may be useful for someone in a Veterinary role, as it provides a foundation in working with and processing biological data. The course's emphasis on translating electrical signals collected from living beings into visualizations and sound provides a unique perspective on biological data processing that may be attractive to those working in this field, particularly in research or animal-related medical fields.
Biostatistician
Biostatisticians apply statistical methods to biological data and medical research. Their work assists in assessing and improving the efficacy of medical treatments, developing new drugs, and understanding the causes of diseases. This course may be useful for someone in a Biostatistics role, as it provides a foundation in working with and processing biological data. The course's emphasis on translating electrical signals collected from living beings into visualizations and sound provides a unique perspective on biological data processing that may be attractive to those working in biostatistics specifically.

Reading list

We've selected 18 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in BioData Processing.
Explores the scientific evidence for plant sentience and communication, providing a foundation for understanding the inter-realms communication that this course aims to facilitate.
This fascinating book delves into the hidden world of fungi, revealing their ecological importance and potential role in inter-species communication, complementing the course's focus on plant-based interactions.
This practical guide explores generative art techniques using Processing, providing hands-on examples and insights into the creative potential of code, which is central to this course.
Delves into the world of fungi, highlighting their ecological importance and potential for inter-species communication, complementing the course's focus on plant-human interaction.
This beginner-friendly guide to Arduino microcontrollers is useful if learners choose to use the Arduino kit for data collection, providing a solid foundation for understanding the hardware aspect of the project.
This provocative book explores the scientific evidence for plant intelligence and communication, providing a deeper understanding of the potential for inter-realms communication.
This popular science book offers a fascinating glimpse into the social and communicative behavior of trees, fostering an appreciation for the interconnectedness of the natural world and the importance of inter-species relationships.
Explores the role of sensory experiences in human culture and society, providing a theoretical framework for understanding the importance of sensory modalities in inter-species communication.
This thought-provoking book explores the evolutionary relationship between plants and humans, providing a historical perspective and insights into the potential for inter-species communication.
Comprehensive introduction to the Processing programming language. It covers a wide range of topics, including the basics of programming, data visualization, and interactive art.
This classic work in environmental literature offers a lyrical and philosophical exploration of the natural world, fostering an appreciation for the interconnectedness of life and the significance of inter-species relationships.
This groundbreaking work raised awareness about the harmful effects of pesticides, providing a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of neglecting inter-species communication and environmental stewardship.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Internet of Things (IoT). It covers a wide range of topics, including the basics of IoT, the different types of IoT devices, and the applications of IoT.
This lyrical and informative book weaves together scientific knowledge and indigenous wisdom, offering insights into the interconnectedness of life and the importance of respectful relationships with the plant world.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of cloud computing. It covers a wide range of topics, including the basics of cloud computing, the different types of cloud computing services, and the applications of cloud computing.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of machine learning. It covers a wide range of topics, including the basics of machine learning, the different types of machine learning algorithms, and the applications of machine learning.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of data science. It covers a wide range of topics, including the basics of data science, the different types of data science techniques, and the applications of data science.

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