http://www.rawstory.com/2017/03/complex-...st-genome/

Quote:Complex synthetic life moves closer with designer yeast genome

Quote:Scientists have taken a big step toward designing complex forms of life from scratch by constructing five new artificial chromosomes of baker’s yeast, representing a third of the micro-organism’s genome, or genetic blueprint.
The international team used computers to create laboratory-made versions of the threadlike structures that carry genetic code inside cells.
Synthesizing genomes may alarm some who see biotechnologists “playing God” but scientists view it as a logical extension of existing genetic engineering that is already used routinely to make drugs like insulin, as well as genetically modified crops.

When we finally, unequivocally synthesize life in the lab from scratch, the talking point will go from 'if God isn't real why haven't scientists been able to create life?' to 'we meant out of nothing with a magic word, like God did it'. Actually it will go to 'I don't remember saying that'.

Yeah, we play god every time we turn on a light switch. Except using electricity is so commonplace now that we forget people used to think lightning came directly from the gods.

I'm sure people will say god does it better, because only he can give something a soul, or that he can poof one up from nothing, while we use what their god gave us. Whatever they can still hold on to for their god to remain special.

There is virtually no limit to the amount of bullshit the theistic mind can dream up to retain their fucking fairy tales.

(March 9, 2017 at 3:57 pm)Chad32 Wrote: Yeah, we play god every time we turn on a light switch. Except using electricity is so commonplace now that we forget people used to think lightning came directly from the gods.

I'm sure people will say god does it better, because only he can give something a soul, or that he can poof one up from nothing, while we use what their god gave us. Whatever they can still hold on to for their god to remain special.

Haha, so true!  I tell my husband he's a magician, as far as I'm concerned.  He did take Defense Against the Dark Arst, after all.

It's become a running joke to say "Lumos!" every time someone turns on a flashlight.

People really do take technology for granted.  What we do now every day would absolutely be seen as godlike (or black magic) if we took it back 1000 years.  I try hard not to take it for granted.  I am absolutely TICKLED by new technology.  When motion activation fist came out, I giggled for MONTHS every time I used it or saw it used.  We can do some amazing things! 

It's too bad the majority are more like Kim Kardashian than Bill Nye.  We need better, and more, education!

(March 9, 2017 at 3:56 pm)Mister Agenda Wrote: When we finally, unequivocally synthesize life in the lab from scratch, the talking point will go from 'if God isn't real why haven't scientists been able to create life?' to 'we meant out of nothing with a magic word, like God did it'. Actually it will go to 'I don't remember saying that'.

Reminds me of Scotty from StarTrek IV? V? The voyage home.
He sits down to an 80's computer and starts talking to it to input the formula for transparent aluminium for the new tank for the humpbacks. Nothing happens! They tell him to use the mouse! So he picks up the mouse and starts talking into it! Lol!

A keyboard.  How quaint.

(March 9, 2017 at 3:57 pm)Chad32 Wrote: Yeah, we play god every time we turn on a light switch. Except using electricity is so commonplace now that we forget people used to think lightning came directly from the gods.

I'm sure people will say god does it better, because only he can give something a soul, or that he can poof one up from nothing, while we use what their god gave us. Whatever they can still hold on to for their god to remain special.

After Ben Franklin invented the lightning rod and they started to become popular, buildings with a long history of lightning strikes no longer had an issue with it.  At first the churchy people didn't like seeing lightning rods on their neighbors homes and buildings since at first glance it appeared to them a lightning rod was thwarting God from meting out his lightning bolts of punishment.

And then the folks with lightning rods pointed out that if a simple sharpened iron rod could deflect God's mighty wrath, God maybe wasn't all that mighty, and implying such a thing might be viewed as blasphemy.

And then it was also noted the lowliest and most decadent and depraved brothel in town was never struck by lightning if it had a lightning rod and meanwhile the town church with out one was struck regularly.

At some point the churchy folk decided to just shut the fuck up about lightning rods . . .

(March 9, 2017 at 7:30 pm)vorlon13 Wrote:

(March 9, 2017 at 3:57 pm)Chad32 Wrote: Yeah, we play god every time we turn on a light switch. Except using electricity is so commonplace now that we forget people used to think lightning came directly from the gods.

I'm sure people will say god does it better, because only he can give something a soul, or that he can poof one up from nothing, while we use what their god gave us. Whatever they can still hold on to for their god to remain special.

After Ben Franklin invented the lightning rod and they started to become popular, buildings with a long history of lightning strikes no longer had an issue with it.  At first the churchy people didn't like seeing lightning rods on their neighbors homes and buildings since at first glance it appeared to them a lightning rod was thwarting God from meting out his lightning bolts of punishment.

And then the folks with lightning rods pointed out that if a simple sharpened iron rod could deflect God's mighty wrath, God maybe wasn't all that mighty, and implying such a thing might be viewed as blasphemy.

And then it was also noted the lowliest and most decadent and depraved brothel in town was never struck by lightning if it had a lightning rod and meanwhile the town church with out one was struck regularly.

At some point the churchy folk decided to just shut the fuck up about lightning rods . . .

It is well documented that Yahweh has trouble when it comes to iron, after all.

Yahweh = pussy.