When inoculated with the newly created Lovesick virus, which can produce a boost in oxytocin production, cells develop a pale reddish hue as a symbol of the love bug’s presence.

The artificial virus is a creation of transdisciplinary artist Heather Dewey-Hagborg as part of her three-month BioArt Residency at the University City Science Center, and in collaboration with biotech company Integral Molecular.

The New York-based artist, who holds a Ph.D. in electronic arts from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, said the concept of a virus that could help feelings of empathy and love spread across the population first came to her while weathering both a “personal situation” and the current political climate.

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