https://today.duke.edu/2018/11/chlamydia-attacks-frankenstein-protein
https://www.biospace.com/article/a-modern-frankenstein-the-brave-new-world-of-electroceuticals/
Link to original scientific article if you are into that kind of stuff
https://www.biospace.com/article/a-modern-frankenstein-the-brave-new-world-of-electroceuticals/
Link to original scientific article if you are into that kind of stuff
These two articles explore scientific discoveries and phenomena and refer to both of them in Frankenstein. Though starting in science fiction, Frankenstein has entered the scientific sphere with two new meanings. The first, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is a work or agency that ruins its originator. The second, as used by these two articles, involves scientific phenomena surrounding reanimation or zombies.
The first article explores the idea of electroceuticals, or using electricity. This specific hearkens back to the original story because electricity was the means by which Frankenstein was revitalized. Electroceuticals involve things like pacemakers or vagal nerve stimulation, which has been shown promising results in various diseases. This article specifically focuses on research where frogs were able to grow their legs back faster and stronger. The frogs in the focus group were unable to completely grow their legs. Using complex biochemistry, they were able to let the frog’s legs grow back. This could have unbelievable ramifications in the biomedical community, as we learn about new ways to help patients heal faster. Oftentimes, the limiting factor in many procedures and treatments in heal time. This reflects the story Frankenstein very strongly, seeing that humans have been fascinated with how one could bring someone back from the dead for a long time. Though this science is far away from bring back a living organism, it can bring back living cells, which is a start.
The second article explains a complicated scientific topic using Frankenstein as a reference to help readers understand. It describes how chlamydia strains revitalize themselves and live like zombies amongst living organisms. This article explores how researches have long been confused by this topic. This addresses another use of Frankenstein where a living thing is brought to life, but is seen as nefarious. The survival of the Chlamydia, a living thing, resting on the death of the cells that it is inhabited reflects themes of propagation and the biological hierarchy reflected in Shelley.
Questions:
What are some other instances/uses of Frankenstein is talking about scientific discovery?
In which ways has a fictional piece, Frankenstein, enter our current scientific discourse?
What does it say about the human condition in that we are continuing to explore the same philosophic inquires brought in Frankenstein?
I think that this is a fascinating topic, and will no doubt have large ramifications on the scientific community, as you have stated. "Frankenstein" has been used in many different ways in the scientific community, such as being used to guide general discussions on the limits of scientific innovation, as discussed by Claire Colebrook. The fact that the human species continues to discuss the issues presented in Shelley's novel demonstrates that her writing has struck a chord with all of humanity, and that these issues will remain important for many years to come, surrounding issues such as the environment, technology, and many others.
ReplyDeleteThis acts as a perfect example of the interconnectedness of the humanities and science. Frankenstein is such an ubiquitous term in scientific terminology that even those who have never read or seen a rendition of the original tale have some basic gist of the meaning. It shows the timelessness and potential impact that writers (or other artists) may leave with their works. Shelley's work will no doubt continue to impact many different fields (scientific and not), and her success in doing so may act as a source of motivation for future writers when considering the impact they may leave behind.
ReplyDeleteI think there's a third usage of "Frankenstein" that you're missing here. The word is often used to refer to the monster instead of the man who made the monster (despite the fact that that is very incorrect), so the term has shifted to mean anything composed of very disparate parts. Frankenstein has entered our scientific discourse in exactly how you've described. Things brought back to life are often referred to in a way that alludes to Frankenstein, and things animated with electricity are as well. I think it shows our fascination with life after death, but not in a spiritual way. Dracula, Frankenstein, zombies, and a whole host of other things are about undead monsters, which must point to some desire to live forever.
ReplyDelete