Are genetically modified (GM) foods bad for you? This is a controversial topic and at this time I am not going to talk about that question entirely. Nor am I here right now to discuss the ethics of manipulating genes. However, recently there was a study that pointed out that there were no large unintended […]
“Superbugs” In Sewage
Image source: Iqbal Osman/Flickr. “Superbugs” have been found breeding well in Chinese sewage plants. Tests at two wastewater treatment plants in northern China revealed antibiotic-resistant bacteria were not only escaping purification but also breeding and spreading their dangerous cargo. Joint research by scientists from Rice, Nankai and Tianjin universities found “superbugs” carrying New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase […]
Molecular Robots
Molecular robots. What are they? How do they work? Are they ethical? A piece written by Heather Zeiger, a bioethicists, gives all the lowdown on how they work and the ethics behind them. While she goes into detail on how they work (read her article for more in depth explanation), I just want to give […]
Throw Your Genome Away!
In a recent article by Dr. Tomkins, he writes the following: It was once believed that the regions in between the protein-coding genes of the genome were wastelands of alleged nonfunctional “junk DNA.” However, we now know that these previously misunderstood regions are teeming with functional activity—and a new study shows they are actually required […]
Double Function: DNA Code and Duons
Cells are the “building block of life”, they form organisms. Inside, DNA resides, storing the instructions that tell how to build proteins. Protein are made up of something called called amino acids. The instructions in the DNA are called genes. However, the DNA has other functions as well, it regulates some of the cell’s activities. DNA code […]
Geckos and Robots
Geckos are truly awesome creatures. One intriguing attribute is that they can walk on walls and ceilings. There is a secret to this ability, in the gecko’s feet. Researchers have been trying to elucidate this secret for some time, and now have come up with technology to mimic these gecko appendages. This includes glue, […]
Things I Have Learned From Dr. Steven Meyer
Throughout the years I have listened and have learned from Dr. Steven Meyer. I agree with most concepts he presents, but do take exception to others. However, this post is not about this arguments, rather his methods and tactics in presenting and talking to those who oppose his views. I am impressed by how he […]
Better Superglue
Try using superglue in wet conditions, and you’ll find that the glue is not so super. Even epoxy doesn’t work well in water. Scientists finally decided to turn to the lowly mussel to learn how to make better glues for use in wet environments. Mussels manufacture their glue under water, yet the glue can withstand […]
Ham vs. Nye
Overall, I think Ham had strong foundational points, especially philosophically. Nye seemed to be stronger on the natural sciences but weak philosophically with no grounding for his would view. Ham talked about the fact that Nye, a materialist, has no grounding for things like reason, science and morality. If the universe, including ourselves, are just […]
Antibacterial, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
While talking to an office manger of a company who purchased, among other things, hand soap, I stated that I had noticed that she bought antibacterial hand soap. From her perspective it seemed better, hey it is antibacterial, bacteria are bad so let’s get soap that kills them. However, I can think of three good […]