14
POPSGenetic Studies Endow Mice with New Color Vision The new abilities of the genetically engineered mice indicate that the mammalian brain possesses a flexibility that permits a nearly instantaneous upgrade in the complexity of color vision, say the study's senior authors, Gerald Jacobs and Jeremy Nathans. The evolution of color vision has been a topic of intensive study for more than three decades. The new research is the most definitive yet in shedding light on the first steps that led to the emergence of trichromacy — the variety of color vision found today in most primates, including humans.
0
POPSDebate over Genetically Modified crops continues Do you trust genetically modified food crops? I am leary of them because they have not been tested enough to know for certain how they affect our own genetic makeup. I had no idea that they have been on the market for so long. We probably have eaten GM foods without even knowing it.
2
POPSBreakthrough in Flood Tolerant Rice Those of you concerned about genetically-modified food will find this story interesting. After 13 years of research, a UC Davis scientist was able to isolate a gene in rice that is responsible for flood tolerance. Using a technique known as "precision breeding", researchers were able to create new varieties of flood-tolerant rice without using genetic modification. This announcement comes at the same time the GAO released a report on genetically-modified food in the US, which found that "unauthorized releases" of GE crops have occurred and will happen in the future. Both of these stories address an increasingly important topic: food security and food safety. You can read the GAO report here: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d0960.pdf.
1
POPSFencing in Europes Farmers Environmentalists claim that genetically modified foods are harmful to humans. Europeans and Americans have been eating GM foods for a dozen years without any apparent ill effects. EU farmers want GM crops because of its increased yield and profit potential. EU environment ministers are about to decide whether Europe should have GMO-free zones. Odds are that they will allow those countries that demand such zones to have them but they are unconvinced that GMO foods present any potential harm to humans. The deciding factor will, of course, be based on what is most economically feasible. Is it simply fear of bioengineering that raises opposition to genetically modified organisms? If we can increase our chances of survival by boosting the production of crops that nature has given us, then I ask why not?
6
POPSSwitzerland places ban on humiliation of plants I can see this is going to be a new source of jokes on late night television talk shows. I can understand the intent, concerning putting limits on the genetic modification of food crops. And we do need to maintain a large diversity of plants to prevent the loss of plant life due to our current trend towards monoculture. Overall, I think this is a good thing.
29
POPSMichael Phelps: ‘Naturally’ transhuman
* He has proportionately short legs relative to his long, powerful trunk; this large upper body is the engine that powers his long arms. Moreover, his unique physique reduces drag through the water and allows for maximum propulsion. * Phelps has a greater-than-average lung capacity allowing him to execute his underwater dolphin kicks longer than the competition. * He has a genetic advantage that cause his muscles to produce 50% less lactic acid than other athletes. This means he can work at higher work loads for longer periods. * With a low body fat of 4%, he is better able to convert his effort into speed. Looking at this list it’s as if Phelps was designed to swim. Which leads to an interesting question: Given the potential for genetic modification and gene doping, should it be acceptable for other athletes to acquire the same physiological endowments through artificial means? If not, what makes it so acceptable to come by these traits ‘naturally?’ And how
9
POPSA new taste I like it, exactly where we thought all is known, a new space has been found. It makes a lot of sense :)
26
POPSHunger Can Make You Happy The researchers think that hunger-induced happiness is an adaptive measure. Getting food, especially in the wild, requires concentration, clear-headed perception and often cooperation.
2
POPSIn Lean Times, Biotech Grains Are Less Taboo See how the media misguide. Biotechnology reduces yields, it does not increase them. Go to yesterday's clip on the subject which proves that the biotech companies have no case when it comes to increasing agricultural productivity. The only case is for increasing their profits. Go to - http://clipmarks.com/clipmark/C8609958-71E0-45E0-BCDA-4F38C4B70305/
1
POPSExposed: the great GM crops myth There you are! A real hard-headed reason to dis-invest in GM technology, rather than unproven fears that it will cause some kind of unforeseen environmental catastrophe.
5
POPSArtificial General Intelligence: Barking up the wrong tree? The question is: could Kurzweil and Goertzel's Aritifical General Intelligence genuinely surpass the human brain? Or is ti simply mimicing it? Their solution still relies on computation, but there is no evidence that the human brain makes any such calculations to arrive at its conclusions. If so, what needs to be done in order to develop a computer system that works the same way as the human brain? And what about the mother of all conundrums: free will. Goertzel pretends it doesn't exist at all, but how could we motivate even a self-aware computer to do things on its own initiative?
1
Pops
Newest Clips
Latest Comments
Most Pops
Print
Save
Turn on live update