aphexddb.com

Looks like we understand a little better how to optimize our biology, check out this article on mice that are basically Lance Armstrong on crack:

The mice over-express a gene responsible for the enzyme phosphoenolypyruvate carboxykinases (PEPCK-C). Normal expression is in the liver, in the production of glucose.

The scientists found their new mice would eat twice as much as normal mice – but weigh half as much. They could also give birth at three years old – which in human terms is akin to an 80-year-old woman giving birth.

via BBC NEWS

Perfect for today.

via Gabriel

Now thats just epic! Also found this photo on Yabitt.net

Demolish the moon! Hack the genome! Woo! Just what I needed on the day before Friday, some rigorous philosophical thinking.

The divide between the intellectually/physically rich and poor can only be closed if transhumanism is enacted uniformly. Unfortunately, the capitalist society in which we live most likely ensures that only the monetarily rich will benefit. Since money does not necessarily equate with moral goodness and intelligence, we are thus in dire straits as transhumanist ideology will quickly be abandoned in the pursuit of dominance and power. Therefore, transhumanism is probably the world’s most dangerous idea (Fukuyama, 2004). The potential for great evil is dizzying. Fortunately, the reverse is also true.

via Jotlab

After spending some time in Japan you have an idea of how much of a joke our options are, well done Wired. I don’t think anyone would have made this list any differently if they had the chance.

• They stifle progress
• They’re a cartel
• They’re going to make you pay for Tetris
• They just can’t behave themselves
• They illegally spy on you
• They have annoying commercials
• They hate you
• Their contracts are nonsense
• They charge crazy fees (for services you didn’t ask for)
• They lock handsets
• They cripple their products
• They charge double for data
• They own politicians
• Their products suck

via Wired

Alex Telthorst just posted a sweet video of him and his buddies doing some cool boating on Lake Creek. Anything on a river that has the nickname “The Brains” just can’t be safe. You guys are nuts!

via Facebook

World traveler and adventurer extraordinare Cam Martindale has finally added video posts to his epic travel site. This guy has worked on the South Pole, trekked in Nepal, fought fires in Australia.. just look at the site already.

Offyonder.com

Samurai costume completely made from Rubbermaid 32 gal. garbage cans and rubber stoppers I bought at a junk store.

Via kudzutech’s Flickr Page

I found this interesting talk on Intelligent Design and Young Earth Creationism. The speaker covers the history of the movement and how it has evolved.

Link to source page

…compared to this epic display of Team Fortress 2 costume creativity:

via Yabitt.net