Wednesday, Nov. 6, 5-6:30pm. CBIS Auditorium. RPI. Talk by Francois-Joseph Lapointe - part of Art, Science & Religion – Free and open to the public

François-Joseph Lapointe: From the Womb to the Tomb/ Stories of Neonatal Microbione and Postmortem Necrobiome. The transmission of the microbiome at birth plays a crucial role in shaping an individual's health and development, representing a dynamic interplay between maternal and neonatal microbial communities. During childbirth, neonates are exposed to a diversity of maternal microbes, establishing the foundation for their own microbial ecosystem. This transmission process is multifaceted, influenced by various factors such as mode of delivery, breastfeeding, and environmental exposures. In parallel, the decomposition of a body also presents a complex ecological process orchestrated by diverse microbial communities, including the epinecrotic microbiome. As the body transitions through stages of decay, distinct microbial consortia colonize different niches, driving decomposition while also contributing to nutrient recycling and ecosystem succession. Surprisingly, similarities can be drawn between the transmission of the microbiome at birth and the decomposition process, echoing themes of life, death, and transformation. Just as artists throughout history have depicted the cycle of birth, life, and mortality, microbial communities orchestrate similar narratives through their interactions with the human body. By exploring these connections in my hybrid practice, I want not only to deepen our understanding of microbial ecology but also uncover novel insights into the human experience, bridging the realms of science and art in unexpected ways.

Bio: François-Joseph Lapointe is a biologist and bioartist, Full professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the Université de Montréal (Canada). He holds a PhD in evolutionary biology (1992) and a PhD in the studies and practices of the arts (2012). As part of his research in biology, he is interested in phylogenetics, systematics, population genetics, and the human microbiome. As part of his interdisciplinary artistic practice, he draws inspiration from models of molecular biology and genetics. He is the author of 140 scientific publications and more than 300 international conferences. His artistic work has notably been presented at the Musée de la civilization (Quebec), Transmediale (Berlin), NY Hall of Science (New York), Ars Electronica (Linz), Medical Museion (Copenhagen), Science Gallery (London), and the Pompidou Center (Paris). https://en.fjlapointe.com/