What's it like beyond the locked doors of tissue culture? Here's a look inside inside the hood...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuN5YAoRGjw
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Friday, November 8, 2013
Lab members at their finest...
"Gru/Charlie" coming to the lab every night thinking that he's going to conquer the world
The minions reaction when they know that's not what's really going to happen
The minions going to their PI, Dr. Nafario for coffee
Gru/Charlie grumpy when his minions are having too much fun because they are hyped up on coffee
Dr. Nafario and his right hand man
Late nights at the lab with Papi Flu
Monday, November 4, 2013
Modern Frankenstein
Ok, so for some reason, the hood seems to have some sort of mystical power over me, especially late at night when I sit alone splitting my cell lines. So far I have A549s and FT's, but I want to maintain a flask of everything, so if anyone has some, please, if you let me know it would be much appreciated. Anyway... So, I was sitting there alone last night splitting my cells and it got me thinking about life, which some how, through the powers of the hood, grew into something much more...
Plans for a "living" mechanical-cell:
Before I start, I'd like to point out that there is no solid definition of what life really is. It's more descriptive and evolves over time. The current biological "definition" has various characteristics of life, but can't tell us for sure, yes or no, is this life or not... (as is the case with viruses). So, anyway..
Creation of a large man-made cell using computer systems. Suppose a robotic self-sustaining system is developed, designed in such a way that it would need to harvest or synthesize a lubricant, metal, and a fuel source/materials for a solar panel. At first this system would be huge, it would need several different areas for carrying out it's various functions for self-sustainability. Sensors would be put into place as a means of creating a signaling/mock immune/nervous system.
As means of a sort of homeostasis, the machine would be able to lubricate itself. Response to external and internal stimuli are done through sensors. Metabolism is done through the generation of energy whether it is powered by steam, fossil fuel, solar power, nuclear, etc.
The computer/brain would be capable of harvesting parts/raw materials to carry out the instructions of its onboard schematics(DNA).
All of these machines would be connected in a sense, via something like the internet for the purpose of transmitting information needed to promote the survival of their species. For example, the onboard sensors would be able to recognize different elements; in the case that a one of these "cells" becomes damaged in anyway, it would be recorded in the onboard memory and beamed to other cells as a sort of warning. Other "cells" could then be able to develop ways to protect themselves of threats. In the case of acid rain or other corrosive materials, for example, "cells" would be able to add a new material capable of withstanding such threats to their list of items they are seeking (lubricant, metal, energy).
Metabolism would be the use of energy, as mentioned before.
Through the response to its environment and it's addition of different components based on its chemical knowledge, I could make the argument that this is a growing, evolving, dynamic machine.
It seems to meet all of the biological requirements for life (I'm probably missing something or another), yet in all honesty I would consider this to be far from living. So, I'm curious as to what all of you think. Is this technically life?
Plans for a "living" mechanical-cell:
Before I start, I'd like to point out that there is no solid definition of what life really is. It's more descriptive and evolves over time. The current biological "definition" has various characteristics of life, but can't tell us for sure, yes or no, is this life or not... (as is the case with viruses). So, anyway..
Creation of a large man-made cell using computer systems. Suppose a robotic self-sustaining system is developed, designed in such a way that it would need to harvest or synthesize a lubricant, metal, and a fuel source/materials for a solar panel. At first this system would be huge, it would need several different areas for carrying out it's various functions for self-sustainability. Sensors would be put into place as a means of creating a signaling/mock immune/nervous system.
As means of a sort of homeostasis, the machine would be able to lubricate itself. Response to external and internal stimuli are done through sensors. Metabolism is done through the generation of energy whether it is powered by steam, fossil fuel, solar power, nuclear, etc.
The computer/brain would be capable of harvesting parts/raw materials to carry out the instructions of its onboard schematics(DNA).
All of these machines would be connected in a sense, via something like the internet for the purpose of transmitting information needed to promote the survival of their species. For example, the onboard sensors would be able to recognize different elements; in the case that a one of these "cells" becomes damaged in anyway, it would be recorded in the onboard memory and beamed to other cells as a sort of warning. Other "cells" could then be able to develop ways to protect themselves of threats. In the case of acid rain or other corrosive materials, for example, "cells" would be able to add a new material capable of withstanding such threats to their list of items they are seeking (lubricant, metal, energy).
Metabolism would be the use of energy, as mentioned before.
Through the response to its environment and it's addition of different components based on its chemical knowledge, I could make the argument that this is a growing, evolving, dynamic machine.
It seems to meet all of the biological requirements for life (I'm probably missing something or another), yet in all honesty I would consider this to be far from living. So, I'm curious as to what all of you think. Is this technically life?
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