During this project, contrasting methods and mathematics behind weaving and textile production with that of protein sequences and how these inform their function, were combined in the search for alternative insights. Within a group set up as a product of Bio Leeds, Lorna Dougan, Paul Turner, Andy Wilson and Rhi Gregory created a series of woven pieces, which were based around the amino-acid sequences of cold-shock proteins. These organisms – known as extremophiles – were the main point of interest, and the investigation was to see how minor changes could result in vastly different results, while some other changes might see no variation at at all.

 

The first collection of pieces were displayed at ASMbly 2015, alongside a public workshop led by Lorna and Rhi, whereby participants were invited to weave their own protein, and learn more about the structures of proteins. The Yorkshire Evening Post featured an article about the event, read it here. 

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The project evolved further, and work was displayed at The Astbury Conversation public engagement event in 2016, prior to the lecture led by Nobel Prize Winner Micheal Levitt.

 

A pair of chairs upholstered in a digitally printed fabric were exhibited, inspired by the protein myoglobin. An interactive ‘protein weaving’ workshop was also run at the event, whereby participants could learn about the structure of proteins through weaving.

 

The project also received a grant from The BioChemical Society for ‘Diversity in Science’. 

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