The innovative revival of extinct flower scents through DNA sequencing provides a novel way to connect with the past and enhance environmental awareness. By reconstructing these lost fragrances, we gain a deeper appreciation for biodiversity and the critical importance of conservation. This approach effectively combines science and art, transforming abstract concepts of extinction into tangible, emotional experiences.
Future Society, a biotech perfume brand, is at the forefront of this field, recreating scents of extinct flowers using DNA extracted from herbarium specimens. Scientists identify the genes responsible for producing scent molecules and insert them into yeast cells. These cells then produce similar aromatic compounds. While the recreated scents may not be exact replicas, they offer a compelling interpretation of what these flowers might have smelled like.
Future Society's debut line features six scents tied to specific extinct plants, each narrating a story of loss and remembrance. For instance, Grassland Opera evokes the scent of Orbexilum stipulatum, a flower from the American plains last seen in 1812. These fragrances act as emotional bridges, reframing climate grief into proactive climate engagement. This project also showcases the potential of biotechnology to revolutionize sustainable product design, reducing waste and environmental impact.