R.I.P. Phoenix via www.nasa.gov
We realize that removing features and support is not easy, but with this spring cleaning done, we’ve laid the groundwork for more Reader improvements down the line.
Official Google Reader Blog: Spring Cleaning: Comments, offline, and older browser support
I love the way the Google Reader team links to developers that work in both the Google and the Apple spaces. That rocks.
thedailywhat:
So This Just Happened of the Day: Spoiler alert.
[artsbeat.]
We report the design, synthesis, and assembly of the 1.08-Mbp Mycoplasma mycoides JCVI-syn1.0 genome starting from digitized genome sequence information and its transplantation into a Mycoplasma capricolum recipient cell to create new Mycoplasma mycoides cells that are controlled only by the synthetic chromosome. The only DNA in the cells is the designed synthetic DNA sequence, including “watermark” sequences and other designed gene deletions and polymorphisms, and mutations acquired during the building process. The new cells have expected phenotypic properties and are capable of continuous self-replication.
Creation of a Bacterial Cell Controlled by a Chemically Synthesized Genome
The more research I do on this, the more awe-struck I am by the accomplishment and potentials.
“To live, to err, to fall, to triumph, to recreate life out of life” indeed.
However, the beautiful calamity of evolution will seep into the created genetic lines and cause changes that the designers won’t be able to foresee or stop. It’s been that way since Eden (and even frustrated YHWH).
In the end, nature still is in charge.
While I am a Luddite who fears powerful folks sashaying with hubris, I cannot help but wonder:
Which came closer to preventing Dr. Venter from venturing this far?
Science teacher: Craig Venter: Cautionary Tale One
Sometimes, life is a lot like Lost (or the other way around).
Neatorama: Where Cursors Come From
At that time, Bent Stumpe was an electronics engineer, newly recruited to work on developments for the SPS Central Control room. One of the things his supervisor asked him to build as soon as possible was a device to control a pointer on a screen, also called a tracker ball.
The bowling balls – CERN Bulletin
Fascinating how revolutionary objects often get their start as very practical ideas.
Spartanburg Day School’s New Upper School
“The architectural style is a little bit different than what you’ve seen on campus so far,” Jacobs said. “This is really a new image for the school. It looks back to sort of the history of private day schools in this country.”
So exciting to be a part of this process and I’m happy my students will get to enjoy the benefits of a new space and ever-vitalized school in the coming years.