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Post by billmcelligott on May 21, 2010 22:40:33 GMT
Synthetic life? Synthetic hysteria more like New cell advances are a long way from being genuinely artificial life forms — and nothing to be afraid of Craig Venter, the flamboyant US molecular biologist and entrepreneur, has been at it again. Not content with first-equal position in the race to give a complete description of the human genome, he has now announced that his team have created the world’s first synthetic life form. The editor of the journal Artificial Life has described this as “a defining moment in biology”. Dr Venter himself has claimed that his success has changed his “view of the definition of life and of how life works”. Well, he would do, wouldn’t he? Before we get too excited, we should note that he has not actually “created artificial life”, as the headlines proclaim. He has synthesised DNA from basic chemicals; but lone DNA is not life. More, much more is needed. In this case, it was provided by an existing bacterium whose usual humble duty is to cause mastitis in goats. Into this the DNA was inserted. Yes, the resulting minute organism was new life but nearly all of that new life was taken off the shelf from nature. www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/guest_contributors/article7133384.eceI thought you might be interested to see what opinions come forward on this and how it may affect the future ?
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Post by rembrandt on May 26, 2010 3:17:40 GMT
I have been tracking this story since I heard it on the radio. Freakin awesome to say the least. I am interested in the fall-out technologies that are sure to come from this and the big step that has been taken in the sciences.
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ruffashlar
Member
Lodge Milncroft No. 1515 (GLoS), Govanhill Royal Arch Chapter 523 (S.G.R.A.C.S.)
Posts: 2,184
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Post by ruffashlar on Jun 2, 2010 15:04:59 GMT
Science itself is nothing to be afraid of, even though we know the awful things that have been created using it. And it doesn't stop some people being completely and irrationally afraid of it. So I don't hold up much hope of this new technology faring any better on that front. Not with a perfectly good word like Frankenstein in the language ;D But don't call me a doomsayer. It is a completely thrilling and fascinating subject all the same
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Post by rembrandt on Jun 2, 2010 23:30:27 GMT
Sure bad uses of the technology can come about. That would be par for the course. It is also par for the course that good will come out of it. Seems to be a trend.
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Post by kerryadelfred on Aug 31, 2010 10:15:08 GMT
Hello, I m Kerry Adelfred. Today I use this forum first. I learn very much from your forum. Please give me more guidance related to this topic only. I am very happy after using this forum. Thank You. ________________________________________ Want to get-on Google's first page and loads of traffic to your website? Hire a SEO Specialist from Ocean Groups seo pecialist
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Post by sammy on Aug 31, 2010 12:30:26 GMT
I also have been keeping up with this story, very fascinating indeed. I believe thier goal is to obtain reqrowth of amputated limbs just so ya know kerry (you might wanna google Craig Venter). Anyway he seems to be getting fairly good ground on his work, wich im sure is exciting for him and his team. The "mastis flat" as I was saying is going to be for regrowth of limbs, or basicly they grow a limb then sow it on ya when its done cookin. Not sure how bad the bad things could be, maybe theft in the middle east goes up since hands can be regrown? I love the story at any rate thanks for sharing bill! I didnt love that liver Craig was growing on the outside of a rat though *shiver*.
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