Unveiling the Harmonic Symphony: Exploring the Audible Frequencies of DNA
Introduction
If we could hear the body, delve into its rhythms and frequencies, what might it sound like? Would we recognize patterns pleasing to the ear, consider them beautiful, or even musical? Is our biology harmonically ordered in any way? These intriguing questions have captivated the minds of scientists, musicians, and curious individuals alike. One direct approach to explore these mysteries is by accessing the frequencies of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), the fundamental carrier of genetic information for all living organisms.
The Meeting of Science and Music
In 1988, a composer with a deep curiosity about the harmonies of life approached Dr. David Deamer, an esteemed cell biologist currently affiliated with UC Santa Cruz. Dr. Deamer, renowned for his research on the origins of life, had previously created captivating music cassettes, DNA Suite and DNA Music, inspired by the mapping of DNA’s base sequences. Intrigued by the composer’s questions, Dr. Deamer offered his expertise to unravel the potential harmony within our biological essence in raisingreality.
Embracing the Vibrational Frequencies
A significant constraint in this unique project was the requirement to collect vibrational frequencies directly from the molecular realm, rather than relying on arbitrary pitch assignments. These frequencies, akin to musical scales, would serve as the foundation for composing music. After two years of meticulous exploration, on April 1990 (Earthday), the cassette version of Sequencia was recorded. Later, in 1994, a CD was produced featuring additional captivating compositions. Sequencia comprises three original performances – Eikos, Sequencia, and Pataphysical Thymine – blending traditional instruments with electronic keyboards, all derived from a tuning system inspired by the naturally occurring frequencies within DNA .
Raising Reality: The Potential of Audiogenomics
The convergence of genetics and music has given birth to a new field known as audiogenomics. It explores the relationship between sound, genetics, and human biology. The exploration of DNA’s audible frequencies offers a unique perspective on the harmonies that may underlie our existence. This emerging field has the potential to uncover hidden connections between music and health, opening up avenues for therapeutic interventions and innovative approaches to wellness.
The Advent of Gemoctave: Bridging Music and Genetics
One fascinating concept that has emerged from the study of audiogenomics is the notion of “gemoctave.” Gemoctave refers to the harmonious octave that represents the genetic code. Just as octaves in music create a sense of harmony and balance, gemoctave proposes that the genetic code follows a similar pattern. Exploring this idea further could lead to profound insights into the organization and structure of our DNA, providing us with a deeper understanding of our biological composition.
Reeveolution: Resonating with Nature’s Symphony
The concept of “reevolution” takes audiogenomics a step further by suggesting that our genetic makeup resonates with the broader symphony of the natural world. Just as each musical note contributes to a larger composition, our individual genetic frequencies may form part of a grander symphony that encompasses all life on Earth. Reeveolution encourages us to contemplate our interconnectedness with nature and embrace the beauty and harmony that permeate the fabric of existence.
Conclusion
In our quest to unravel the mysteries of life, the exploration of DNA’s audible frequencies offers a unique perspective on the harmonious nature of our biology. The convergence of science, music, and genetics through audiogenomics opens up new frontiers of knowledge and invites us to appreciate the symphony within our very cells. As we continue to unlock the secrets of our genetic composition, we may find ourselves captivated by the harmonies that echo through the tapestry of life.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Can we actually hear the frequencies of DNA? While DNA itself does not emit sound, the concept of audiogenomics allows us to translate the vibrational frequencies of DNA into audible compositions.
2. What is the significance of gemoctave in audiogenomics? Gemoctave represents the harmonious octave that mirrors the genetic code, suggesting a fundamental order and structure within our DNA.
3. How can audiogenomics benefit us in practical terms? Audiogenomics has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by offering new avenues for therapeutic interventions and personalized wellness approaches.
4. Is there scientific evidence to support the concept of reevolution? The idea of reevolution is still a subject of scientific exploration, but it encourages us to consider our interconnectedness with the natural world and the symphony of life.
Acknowledgements:
The author wishes to thank Dr. David Deamer for his invaluable assistance. The science sections were either directly written, or edited, by him.
The Music
Sequencia, (cassette and compact disc). Three original compositions by Susan Alexjander, using microtonal scales derived from the infrared spectra of adenine, guanine, thymine and cytosine. Performed by voice, tabla, violin, cello and synthesizer.
DNA Suite: by D.W. Deamer. (Cassette) keyboard realization of direct translations of nucleotide sequences in the human insulin gene; two satellite DNAs, and Alu Consensus, a 300 nucleotide repeating sequence that surprisingly comprises over a tenth of the human genome.
Molecular Meditation: by David Deamer. (Cassette) – synthesizer translations of nucleotide sequences in an antibody gene.
Produced by Science & The Arts:
Susan Alexjander, aka: Susan Alexander
Science & The Arts
PO Box 428
Aptos, Ca. 95001
831-421-0934
xjander@got.net
Dr. David Deamer
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
University of Ca. Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, Ca. 95064
459-5158 (tel/fax)
deamer@hydrogen.ucsc.edu
BIOS:
Susan Alexjander holds a Masters degree from San Jose State University in Composition and Theory. She has taught at the university level and is currently an adjunct faculty member of Union Institute in Sacramento, California. Her compositions have been performed throughout the United States, including collaborations with dance companies. Sequencia is internationally known and has appeared on CNN, BBC Radio, Wisconsin Public Radio, and featured at the Boston Museum of Science, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Art Museum of Santa Barbara. In 1995 she received a Fellowship from the Alden B. Dow Creativity Center in Midland, Michigan, to explore the geometry of the mineral kingdom as musical data.
She is Director of Science & The Arts, a company founded by Dr. David Deamer, which furthers the research into the ‘musical’ universe of frequency. Her book, Sound Healing: A Guide To Therapeutic Practices, will be published by Crossing Press, Freedom, Ca. in Spring of 1999.
Dr. David W. Deamer is professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of California, Santa Cruz. His undergraduate B.Sc. degree was in Chemistry, at Duke University, Durham NC (1961) and his Ph.D. in Physiological Chemistry from the Ohio State University School of Medicine (1965). Following post-doctoral research with Profs. Lester Packer and Daniel Branton at UC Berkeley, he joined the faculty at UC Davis in 1967.
In 1994 he moved his laboratory and teaching appointment to UC Santa Cruz.
Dr. Deamer’s NASA-supported research concerns the role of membranes in the evolutionary events leading up to the origin of cellular life. His laboratory has been continuously supported by the Exobiology program since 1985. Dr. Deamer’s NIH-supported research is related to the discovery that single stranded RNA or DNA move through a bacterial toxin channel and can be characterized by the resulting blockades in ionic current.
@1999 IEEE Engineering In Medicine and Biology magazine. All Rights Reserved.
Article reprint permission has been requested.
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22011216/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25584811/
