Posted on May 26, 2008

The Phoenix Has Landed via Twitter

That ladies and gentlemen, is the surface of mars. The lander touched down minutes before this was taken.

Image from the Phoenix Lander

I followed the hair-raising flight, atmospheric breaking, parachuting, and rocket firing landing of the Mars Phoenix Lander today via Twitter.

Science, it works bitches!

images via NASA

Posted on Nov 2, 2007

Gene Therapy Please

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

Posted on Nov 1, 2007

In moral defence of Transhumanism

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

Posted on Oct 30, 2007

Intelligent Design and Young Earth Creationism

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.

YouTube Preview Image
YouTube Preview Image

Link to source page

Posted on Oct 16, 2007