PLAYING WITH THE HEARTSTRINGS
2022
2022
In my quantitative physiology class, I learned about autonomic innervation of the heart. This refers to the network of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibers from the autonomic branch of the peripheral nervous system that enables the heart to function. I wanted to combine this concept with the saying “tug at the heartstrings”. Music tends to have that effect on people, and to utilize this I used capacitive touch sensing so each nerve played a note when touched.
Displayed at:
Michigan College of Engineering + Michigan Stamps School of Art & Design Instagram
University of Michigan Arts Engine: Science as Art
University of Michigan Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building
1) 3D/photogrammetric scan of a plastic heart model
2) 3D print (SLA) of the heart model + poles in resin
3) CNC mill and laser cut plywood for the platform
4) Makey Makey (a capacitive touch sensing circuit) plugged into my computer
5) Wires attached to the Makey Makey
(The nerves were represented with yellow wire, as depicted in typical medical illustrations. However, to allow the sensors to work effectively, the wires were stripped of their insulated cover in the middle)
6) Computer (speaker) with Makey Makey software