Dirty Forums - It's life, Jim

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Scientists have created the world's first synthetic life form 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:

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"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:

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"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:

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"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.

Re: It's life, Jim

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deckard (Post 122158)

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!)

Re: It's life, Jim

Quote:

Originally Posted by //\/\/ (Post 122159)

(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!!!!

Re: It's life, Jim

the new industrial revolution
or
oh shit!

Re: It's life, Jim

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.

Re: It's life, Jim

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deckard (Post 122158)

As a singularitarian 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...

Re: It's life, Jim

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Originally Posted by Strangelet (Post 122507)

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...

Re: It's life, Jim

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Originally Posted by Deckard (Post 122564)

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

Re: It's life, Jim

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Originally Posted by Strangelet (Post 122567)

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

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