Tattoos have become an essential way for those in the military, law enforcement and first responder communities to celebrate and commemorate their service. EVERENCE is going taking that idea to a whole new level. The name itself is a portmanteau of the words Forever and Reverence. Both of those concepts describe why people get tattoos, but EVERENCE is a patented technology by Endeavor Life Sciences that allows you to add DNA from a loved one into any new or existing tattoo.
EVERENCE was created after Patrick Duffy saw a commemorative tattoo on the leg of the widow of a fallen SEAL while SCUBA diving in Key Largo, Florida. There, he and his father run a therapeutic diving program for Veterans. Duffy looked at the tattoo considered how to add something even more significant and that’s when he came up with DNA. After a lot of research, Endeavor Life Sciences was born.
I’m told the process is simple. The collection is as easy as taking a cheek swab. The DNA is then synthesized and encapsulated in what looks like a powdery substance. It is actually a medical grade polymer called PMMA, often used in medical applications. The PMMA contains the DNA sample. The vial of Everence can be brought to any tattoo artist and added to the ink. This is significant because it means you can go to any artist you choose.
It’s harmless and completely individualized. Because it’s a powder, you can take it to any artist. They add it to the ink, prior to tattooing. Here, Retired SEAL Stephen “Turbo” Toboz talks about his experience.
Once you start thinking about it, you can do almost anything. Imagine a tattoo of your family with their DNA. It’s like having them with you always. Likewise, a unit tattoo can be customized with DNA from fellow teammembers. It could even be the DNA from a beloved pet.
But that’s not all. The EVERENCE powder could be added to many processes or left in a vial. It could become a keychain or placed in the handle of a knife. In fact, I imagine specialty vendors creating new applications.
While I see it as very complimentary to military tattoos commemorating friends, family and service, anyone could incorporate EVERENCE into tattoos and other applications, and I hope they do. It’s a fine way to honor those who mean so much to us.
Tags: Endeavor Life Sciences, Everence
They got quite the shitstorm from the tattoo community..
I’m legitimately curious as to why?
“EVERENCE” is also just “Reverence” with the “R” removed.
Matt
“The DNA is then synthesized into a powdery substance which is actually a medical grade polymer called PMMA, ”
This technology is nothing but pure snake oil. PMMA or Poly(methyl methacrylate) also known as plexiglass or acrylic can not be synthesized from Deoxyribonucleic acid. I’m sorry to say this to anyone who is interested in honoring a lost loved one, but this is not how chemistry works. This is pure snake oil.
For the cost of this “service” the survivor would be better served by buying and naming a star after a loved one.
I realize you are hell bent on hating this but the fault is mine for not explaining every little detail. The PMMA encapsulates the DNA. The powdery substance you get is PMMA containing the DNA.
Calling him “hell bent” for calling out something that makes no sense in the article is quite the leap.
“Synthesizing” a polymer from DNA makes no sense and most people with a decent knowledge of chemistry and biology know that. “Encapsulating it” (although I don’t know how you would do that) is totally different.
That isn’t what it ever said. It always said that the polymer contained the DNA.
I’m sorry but you could not be more incorrect. I would hope you would, on all other things, conduct a level of research that mimics your anger. Be a voice my friend, not an echo.
SSD, love your work, thank you for keeping me updated on all the latest gear!!!!
I read an article yesterday about how “raw water” bottling was making a killing in Silicon Valley and possibly spreading water borne illness. My first thought was, there’s always a sucker willing to buy whatever you want to sell. Kudos to this company for their entrepreneurial spirit. I wish them well.
An interesting idea, that I’m certain I’m not the target demo for (more of a death diamond kinda guy).
I just have to wonder how they purpose to avoid a Stevie The Cat problem:
http://freakonomics.com/podcast/the-troubled-cremation-of-stevie-the-cat-a-new-freakonomics-radio-podcast/
Huh, fascinating link, thanks for sharing. Love me some Freakonomics.
And whether or not they have people in them, synthetic diamonds are pretty cool.
Dumb.
All seriousness aside, I wonder how long it will be before someone tries to get a tattoo with their dog or cat DNA in it…That was my first thought when I saw this- and well, obscure would make a fortune I would imagine.
Turbo is the man. I have spent a lot more money on things that are a lot less meaningful. I think that this should be viewed as an honor to someone else not something for yourself. I’m going to do it for my swim buddy through BUD/S because I know it would mean a lot to him and show that I’ve always got a piece of his short bow-legged ass with me!