Main | hot science: October 2005 »
September 29, 2005
Robots Do DNA
these images show from left to right in each row, the sequence of self assembly by the miniature robots
One of the cornerstones of organic development is how cells are able to replicate DNA using building blocks floating randomly inside a cell's nucleus. A little bio lesson; the interior of a nucleus is filled with a gel-like liquid known as plasm. Also present are polymerases which grab nucleotides (the DNA building blocks I was speaking of) as needed when copying DNA.
Inspired by these biological systems, scientists at M.I.T have developed miniature robots that can self assemble using parts that float randomly in their environments. Basically, the bots latch on to one another in specific sequences. They come in two colors, yellow (Y) and green (G) and float around on a cushion of air like hockey pucks. Each robot is programmed to latch onto a green robot on one side and a yellow robot on the other to form 5-robot strings such as YGGYY or GYYGG. They robots can also correct any mistakes they've made by checking to make sure they are latched on to the correct colored neighbor.
More and more research like this is surfacing after years of lab time - all with some similar conclusions when attempting to artificially simulate biological processes. Nature has a way of using the simplest actions to complete the most complex tasks. Currently most technology needs to be complex in order to achieve complex actions. In order to get to where nature has perfected biological processes, we need to minimize that complexity level. Less complexity means less room for error and less energy wasted. I find this research totally fascinating.
Posted by tranism at 1:21 PM | Permalink
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September 27, 2005
Killer Whales? No, Killer Dolphins
I am alarmed at the idea of our sea saviors being trained to kill! Don't believe me? The Guardian Unlimited reported that armed dolphins escaped from US Naval facilities during Hurricane Katrina. The article explains the dolphins have been trained to shoot toxic darts at terrorists and spies using a specially designed harness and could prove extremely dangerous to surfers and windsurfers should they be mistaken for terrorists by the dolphins. The US Navy admits it has been training dolphins for military purposes, but has refused to confirm that any are missing.
I'm sure animal rights activists are probably going to have a field day with this one.
Posted by tranism at 10:13 PM | Permalink
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September 20, 2005
Harry Potter and The Recessive Gene
Most people are familiar with J.K. Rowling's stories about the young wizard Harry Potter and the latest book "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" only serves to further prove itself as a cultural phenomenon. In fact, I've just finished reading it and even thru 6 book iterations and 3 movies, I still want more. Anything Harry Potter and I will be happy. Somehow the stars all lined up and the bright full moon this past weekend smiled bright on my wishes and an article surfaced across my computer screen. Scientists (real legit ones) have written theories about how wizarding ability may be genetic. They believe using the Harry Potter franchise would be a great way to get children interested in genetic concepts by using analogies to a story so endearing and close to their hearts.
Wizards or witches can be of any race, and may be the offspring of a wizard and a witch - the offspring of two muggles (muggle-born), or of mixed ancestry (half-blood).
This suggest that wizarding ability is inherited in a mendelian fashion, with the wizard allele (W) being recessive to the muggle allele (M). According to this hypothesis, all wizards and witches therefore have two copies of the wizard allele (WW). Harry's friend's Ron Weasley and Neville Longbottom and his arch-enemy Draco Malfoy are pure-blood wizards: WW with WW ancestors for generations back. Harry's friend Hermione is a powerful muggle-born with (WW with WM parents). Their classmate Seamus is a half-blood wizard, the son of a witch and a muggle (WW with one WW and one WM parent). Harry (WW with WW parents) is not considered a pure-blood, as his mother was muggle-born.
Just like in real genetics, there are even scientists who dispute this theory and offer their own. They hope with the use of these examples, the concepts of mendelian genetics can be introduced to children as young as five, and then built on by gradually introducing specific terms such as "gene" and "allele", and relating these to chromosomes and DNA. At every stage, children's familiarity with the Harry Potter characters can be used as a hook to engage them in discussing concepts of heredity and genetics.
Damn, I only wish science would have taken a similar approach to teaching me the foundations of genetics back when I was schooling. It would have been so much more fun that staring at half-assed drawings of DNA chains and mitochondria in textbooks.
Posted by tranism at 11:27 PM | Permalink
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September 6, 2005
Subaru R1e Maybe Soon
At the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru unveiled the R1e which is an all electric version of the R1 sold only in Japan. So what's so hot about an electric vehicle? We used to have one here in the states called the EV1 made by GM only to be completely axed and GM admitting it was a failure. The R1e addresses all the issues the EV1 faced; size, economy, cost, reliability, recycle-ability and efficiency.
So lets talk stats. The R1e is a 2+2 vehicle powered by a next generation battery codeveloped by NEC technologies. The batteries are super light, much more energy dense, made from manganese lithium-ion and can be charged in about 15 minutes from a single standard outlet. One full charge allows the R1e to travel 125 miles. That would be perfect for trips to and from work, school and errands, but the reality is, that range is too short for the wide open expanses of American freeways. So how will this vehicle and vehicles like it impact the future of automotive travel?
Economically, the R1e makes sense because its a "transitional vehicle", meaning it's not to replace current petrol based autos. Its purpose is to force people to re-evaluate their transportation needs, getting the public used to technology they didn't grow up with, and eventually penetrating the mass market. Once those three conditions are met, only then will the mass public be able to transition into alternative energy based technologies such as fuel cells. Current methods of trying to get alternatively powered vehicles into market will never "sale" past early adopters and tree huggers because it causes a disruption in current energy, power and fuel infrastructures. We can not expect large oil and car companies to move first. They watch where the demand is so it is up to the public to move first and thats where vehicles like the R1e step in.
The size of the R1e is perfect for many reasons. Going smaller allows you to pull from old design manuals that say if you want a super strong object, with the maximum amount of volume, using the least amount of materials . . . you go for a spherical shape. The bubble shaped R1e fulfills all these requirements. It's nut-shell like frame makes it incredibly strong and it's aerodynamic shape lends to its smooth ride and long range for an all electric vehicle.
Reliability was a major issue for GM's EV1. Many owners complained of battery failure and exceedingly long charging hours for very little mileage. Cost wise the EV1 was a nightmare as GM tried to market it for the everyday commuter but the vehicle cost nearly 2x as much as a better equipped gas car. Subaru did right by making the R1e's list of standard features comparable to current offerings. Unlike the EV1, you get air conditioning, cd player, cruise control, safety, car like ride and easy maintainence.
The technology inside the EV1 was still in it's infancy and the market wasn't ready. However with the success of hybrids, now is the time for a vehicle like the R1e to really step forward and claim it's market. Hybrids are wonderful (I own a Prius) but as environmentally friendly as they are, there are still emissions exiting it's tail pipe and they still need a commodity that is growing shorter and more expensive every day; gas.
This is where the R1e exceeds previous electric vehicle iterations and surpasses current hybrid offerings. No emissions and a battery system that is 100% recyclable. Subaru and NEC spent a considerable amount of money figuring out a way out to re-use battery components and to completely recycle them into new vehicles. This drives down costs and makes the most expensive component of the vehicle much more manageable to produce, thus passing those savings on down to the consumers.
Which leads to the final element for the R1e's possible success here in America. As a transitional, alternative, and even 2nd vehicle . . . it needs to be affordable. Because it lacks the range gas vehicles enjoy, it needs to undercut current offerings by making it even more affordable. A sub $9,000 car would send legions of college students, first time buyers, and commuters to Subaru show rooms. It's mass adoption will force the big companies to finally open and distribute an alternative energy infrastructure and from that success; will allow Subaru and other car manufactures to seriously spend more money not just on concept research but actually bringing these vehicles into production. The goal one day is to finally allow technology to step forward to solve our oil, gas and pollution problems. The current model of our capitalist based society often hinders advancements for monetary reasons. We need to force a revolution there but to get to that point, we need consumers to buy, adopt, and mass-accept.
I for one love the R1e. It's design appeals to me much more than the SMART cars do. It's all electric platform makes my bank account happy as my dependency on gas will be alleviated. 125 miles per charge is plenty to get me to and from work and run errands. With it's success I can see charging stations opening up all over the country. With 15 minute charge times, that'll give me just enough time to get out, stretch my legs and grab a snack. Subaru has already confirmed the R1e will come to Japan with the possibility of an introduction to America. I say, bring it on Subaru, bring it on. It's a small step, but a right one.
more pictures after the jump
Posted by tranism at 12:56 AM | Permalink
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September 4, 2005
Mr. Octopi is More Than Meets The Eye
Scientists may now have to re-evaluate the predator - prey relationship of the deep ocean and it all started at a Seattle aquarium. Marine Scientists at the aquarium had to move a Giant Pacific Red Octopus into a larger tank containing sharks and other large fish while the Octo's tank was worked on. They figure an Octo's introverted personality and color changing ability would keep it safe, but which animal was really in danger here? Every week, they would find shark carcasses all over the tank. They decided to keep a camera running all night and what did they find?
My Octopi was caught red (pun intended) handed; snatching sharks, twisting their bodies, smashing their heads against the rocks and holding them still since sharks literally drown if not constantly moving. They posted the video and I have to say, that is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. The final scene shows Mr. Octopi bringing in the shark's head into it's beak delivering the final "crunch" putting the shark out of it's misery.
That shark got his ass OWNED! Some marine biologists are now re-evaluating whether or not sharks are natural predators (which was assumed) or actual prey. Was this all just some freak coincidence or are sharks gettin owned all up and down the Pacific? A mere invertebrate and yet they will probably rise up one day to OWN us. I for one would like to publicly say, I welcome our new masters and bow to their ultimateness and offer many years of servitude.
make sure you check out the video here
via collision detection
Posted by tranism at 12:55 PM | Permalink
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September 3, 2005
The Real Mighty Mouse
The miracle mouse (mice) is/are creating a stir in the scientific community. Apparently it all started with one mouse that somehow regenerated it's amputated limbs - a feat normal for amphibians, fish and insects but extremely rare for mammals. What is even more startling is the scientists were able to extract the regenerative cells and inject them into normal mice. Those mice also began to heal and regenerate lost tails, toes and ears.
"We have experimented with amputating or damaging several different organs, such as the heart, toes, tail and ears, and just watched them re-grow. It is quite remarkable. The only organ that did not grow back was the brain."
The scientists have identified 12 genes that attribute to the regeneration and it is theoretically possible for those genes to be compatible in humans. If further study is approved, this could open up a whole new era in medical science. The regenerative abilities kicked in regardless of when a limb was lost, whether it was yesterday or 12 months ago. Lab mice typically have a life span of only 2 years so its hard to conduct any long term studies without using an animal that can live longer.
The powers of regeneration usually stays with lower animals. Mammals have regeneration abilities when they are still young, but as they grow, the body's cells become more specialized losing their ability to become other cells. This allows mammals to become much more complex organisms but in lower life forms like a newt for example; when it loses it's leg, the cells around the damaged tissue revert back to stem cells, dividing and multiplying rapidly. Because they are stem cells, they can become any cell thats needed to regenerate the missing limb.
If anything, this is all the more confirmation that world governments need to open up the barriers currently blocking stem cell research. Religion and conservative beliefs need to step aside, for the growth, betterment, and advancement of humankind.
Posted by tranism at 11:36 PM | Permalink
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