Tag: Science
Shortage of Rare Earth Elements Could Thwart Innovation
by Ouranos on Feb.17, 2010, under Breakthrough, Opinions
“Silicon may represent one of Earth’s more common elements, but it transformed Silicon Valley into a high-tech corridor and helped usher the world into the Information Age.
Now rare earth elements with exotic names such as europium and tantalum hold the key to hybrid cars, wind turbines and crystal-clear TV displays – that is, if a looming supply shortage doesn’t stop innovation in its tracks.” – http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20100216/sc_livescience/shortageofrareearthelementscouldthwartinnovation
In other words, China’s being greedy. And we’re letting them! Yet again our country is allowing other country’s to control world-wide supply of a precious resource we could find on our own soil if we were just willing to produce it. Same with oil, we have enough oil between the Dakotas and Alaska to put the Middle East outta business, but do we drill it? Nah, the caribou might be affected. Right.
Danger Room What’s Next in National Security Pentagon Looks to Breed Immortal ‘Synthetic Organisms’
by Ouranos on Feb.06, 2010, under Breakthrough
“The Pentagon’s mad science arm may have come up with its most radical project yet. Darpa is looking to re-write the laws of evolution to the military’s advantage, creating “synthetic organisms” that can live forever — or can be killed with the flick of a molecular switch.
…The plan would assemble the latest bio-tech knowledge to come up with living, breathing creatures that are genetically engineered to “produce the intended biological effect.” Darpa wants the organisms to be fortified with molecules that bolster cell resistance to death, so that the lab-monsters can “ultimately be programmed to live indefinitely.”
Darpa’s got to prevent the super-species from being swayed to do enemy work — so they’ll encode loyalty right into DNA, by developing genetically programmed locks to create “tamper proof” cells. Plus, the synthetic organism will be traceable, using some kind of DNA manipulation, “similar to a serial number on a handgun.” And if that doesn’t work, don’t worry. In case Darpa’s plan somehow goes horribly awry, they’re also tossing in a last-resort, genetically-coded kill switch:” – http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2010/02/pentagon-looks-to-breed-immortal-synthetic-organisms-molecular-kill-switch-included/
Dude. Genetic uberness, with a power off switch. Why? Watch the newer of the two modern Hulk movies. Abomination? Uh oh, crazy green dude, press the button, bam, he’s down.
