It's life, Jim

[Deckard]

Scientists have created the world's first synthetic life form (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/science_and_environment/10132762.stm) in a landmark experiment that paves the way for designer organisms that are built rather than evolved.


Craig Venter, the US geneticist behind the experiment:
"This is an important step both scientifically and philosophically. It has certainly changed my views of definitions of life and how life works."

Julian Savulescu, professor of practical ethics at Oxford University:
"Venter is creaking open the most profound door in humanity's history, potentially peeking into its destiny. He is not merely copying life artificially ... or modifying it radically by genetic engineering. He is going towards the role of a god: creating artificial life that could never have existed naturally."

Mark Bedau, a philosopher at Reed College in Portland, Oregon:
"a defining moment in the history of biology and biotechnology"


As with several other scientific developments, yes we can choose to view it with great fear, with the sense that our tampering is arrogant and risks sowing the seeds of our ultimate destruction - or we can view it in awe as a towering achievement and a potential saviour for some of mankind's greatest environmental and physiological challenges.

For my part, I think this news is incredibly exciting.

[//\/\/]

For my part, I think this news is incredibly exciting.

an unbelievable feat!


(they have used a doctor who-esque 'frightened staring eyeballs' photo to illustrate, though!)

[Deckard]

(they have used a doctor who-esque 'frightened staring eyeballs' photo to illustrate, though!)
Heh, yeah, I saw it and for a moment thought it was connected to our new 2012 Olympic mascot!

http://i47.tinypic.com/2zewaa0.jpg

oooooooOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooo!!!!

[//\/\/]

the new industrial revolution
or
oh shit!

[Sean]

So I'm hearing that there's some debate over exactly how "synthetic" it really is. Apparently, since it's technically just a modification of existing DNA, although a monumental feat, some scientists are claiming it's not actually a legitimate "synthetic life form" Either way, it's a stunning advance, and hopefully one that a lot of good can come from.

[Strangelet]

As with several other scientific developments, yes we can choose to view it with great fear, with the sense that our tampering is arrogant and risks sowing the seeds of our ultimate destruction - or we can view it in awe as a towering achievement and a potential saviour for some of mankind's greatest environmental and physiological challenges.


As a singularitarian (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singularitarianism) I personally don't see it as tampering or trespassing on sacred ground. It is of our biological nature to create biological natures, as it is the nature of birds to migrate. IE it is intended by the universe as much as anything can be "intended"

the singularity is near and the question isn't is there a god, the question is when will there be a god

better take my meds...

[Deckard]

the singularity is near and the question isn't is there a god, the question is when will there be a god
Haha, yes. :)

Incidentally, another question is, what on earth made me pick up Raymond Kurzweil's book in Cardiff yesterday lunchtime, BEFORE coming on here and seeing you refer to the title (me having never previously heard of the book)?

That's a bit spooky, that is...

[Strangelet]

Haha, yes. :)

Incidentally, another question is, what on earth made me pick up Raymond Kurzweil's book in Cardiff yesterday lunchtime, BEFORE coming on here and seeing you refer to the title (me having never previously heard of the book)?

That's a bit spooky, that is...

LOL that's the way the singularity works. In mysterious ways ;):cool:

[Andrea]

LOL that's the way the singularity works. In mysterious ways ;):cool:

My life is full of it.... almost every day :D