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POPSArtificial life will be created 'within months' more (at source): Carole Lartigue and colleagues removed the bacteria's entire genome and inserted it into the yeast - an organism that is distant from bacteria on the tree of life. Yeast is easier to manipulate in the lab and this process allowed the team to alter the genes - in this case, deleting one gene not necessary for bacteria to live.
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POPSGender identity isn't as simple as it seems As the case of athlete Caster Semenva (the world-class runner from South Africa) demonstrates, making a final determination on gender is not always possible, even from chromosomes. Think of the complexity this suggests about sexual preference, and the "not natural" argument some employ against homosexuality.
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POPSIt's harder to read books these days (via @haraya) Clipped this from a great article that not only analyzes how the fast paced nature of interactions via email, twitter, facebook, etc. has made it more difficult for us to find the time and patience to settle into a good book - but also contemplates why finding the time and space for reading books may be more important than ever as an escape from the frenetic pace of online communication. On a personal note, i totally relate to this. About 2 years ago i started reading numerous books about American history. I was loving it. Each night i looked forward to finding time for whatever book i was reading. But now, i find myself constantly in need of checking my email, twitter, amplify, clipmarks, etc. and making no time for books. Just last night i started a book about Benjamin Franklin, saying to my wife, "i really miss the enjoyment of reading books - going to give it another shot."
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POPSDoes anyone even understand the health insurance plan? I've seen people with great conviction on both sides of this issue, but really, how many people can clearly explain what the heck the various proposals mean? I know that i can't and i haven't met anyone yet who can. As this clip points out, this is not a recipe for success...