Pow News: Re-writable DNA memory shown off!

[Mr.PowPow]

                                                     

Basically a group of researchers in the United States have figured out a way of a re-writing a small section of the DNA structure called "bits" (whether this is the official name or just a loose name they gave it, I'm unsure) by injecting two competing proteins into the DNA, once the right balance was achieved it allowed them to make the bits respond by glowing a certain color, the color the DNA glowed was dependent on its orientation (which means the bits were to glow different colors from the rest upon manipulation). Effectively it allows researchers to "compute" a small section of a biological system.

"After some 750 trials, the team struck on the right recipe of proteins, and now have their sights set on creating a full "byte" - eight bits - of DNA information that can be similarly manipulated."

Now I don't study biology or have extensive knowledge in the subject, but even I know that this sounds pretty darn cool.

Link to the article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-18158131

[CarolineJohnson]

We're closer to having on the fly mutating and people turning into anime characters.

[O:\msg]

Yay more people will live longer and there will be even less houses to go around!

Nah joking, it's good that they can do cancer research and stuff but I don't wanna live forever anyway. I did A level biology and can't remember a thing now

[shredc0re]

We're closer to having on the fly mutating and people turning into anime characters.

In a few years, we'll have a machine at home that lets us alter our looks every day. I really don't wanne be a part of this society anymore when this happens.

[iluvfupaburgers]

if i understood correctly, and with my basic biology knowledge. that would mean we are getting closer to being able to choose how are unborn kids would look like and be.


althought i think that defeats the purpose of having a kid because the fun part is seeing how he/she will turn out

[shredc0re]

althought i think that defeats the purpose of having a kid because the fun part is seeing how he/she will turn out

People should be how they are, no messing with DNA's except for maybe diseases that you inherit etc

[NekoBot]

This can lead to many things... but isn't toying with DNA messing with nature?

[Mr.PowPow]

This can lead to many things... but isn't toying with DNA messing with nature?

DNA manipulation of any kind has sparked controversy with a large number of people. Though this could be the step forward to curing those seemingly incurable diseases, eliminating genetic disorders and many other life altering things.

[NekoBot]

True, it can do those things, but it can screw us over too if we aren't careful. I hope some stupid war wont be fought over this >_>

[shredc0re]

I can actually see it happen already.. A war over DNA altering..

[Mr.PowPow]

I can actually see it happen already.. A war over DNA altering..

How would that work out? Unless you are trying to say a war over the technology to alter DNA, apart from that its all down to skill and intellect which you can't really achieve through war o.o

[NekoBot]

I can actually see it happen already.. A war over DNA altering..

How would that work out? Unless you are trying to say a war over the technology to alter DNA, apart from that its all down to skill and intellect which you can't really achieve through war o.o

truuuue.... this is debatable though