Programming Life

Programming Life: J. Craig Venter On 60 Minutes

by Socrates
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This video is the full profile interview of controversial genomics scientist J. Craig Venter. It is only 13 min long but covers a great deal of issues surrounding Craig Venter’s persona and work such as: his project of sequencing the first complete human genome, his anti-establishment and arguably arrogant behavior, his religious beliefs (or lack thereof), the designing and creation of the first synthetic species and its implications. Other relevant videos: Andrew Hessel: An Introduction To Synthetic Biology Synthetic Life Video Presentation Synthetic Biology Breakthrough: Programming Life On Your Computer Screen

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Synthetic Biology Breakthrough: Programming Life on Your Computer Screen

by Socrates
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Usually I don’t post on weekends but the amazing scientific developments of the last couple of days demand that I do so. Underneath you will find a short summary, some informative videos, relevant links and initial commentary by me and others on Craig Venter‘s breakthrough creation of synthetic life. This first clip is the original press conference where Dr. Venter provides a brief chronology of the project and discusses some of the ethical and potential practical implications thereof. The Unveiling of Synthetic Life The second video is the consequent Journal Science video interview with J. Craig Venter about the first synthetic cell. Notable Quotes by Craig Venter: “This is the first self-replicating species that we have had on the planet whose parent is a computer.” “Cells are software driven biological machines.” Some initial reactions: The Washington Post says of J. [...]

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