Darwinian Evolution on a Chip Paegel BM, Joyce GF PLoS Biology Vol. 6, No. 4, e85 doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.0060085.The article cited above was published by the peer-reviewed, open-access journal, Public Library of Science (PloS). In their paper the researchers detail how an automated device evolves a biological molecule, on a chip, propagating a population of RNA enzymes.
Relax, this won't immediately spawn the rise of complex Artificial Intelligence. It does pushes a couple more steps down the path though. Combining the concept behind the Pleo, mentioned in yesterday's story, with the ability to produce biological growth will either excite that inner geek you've been cultivating or we'll see you at the sporting goods store stacking up on survival gear for the robot wars.
Maybe it's true; I watch too much Battlestar Galatica, but this is a good starting point for discussing ethical developments in the biology and technology realms. The American Journal of Bioethics covers topics ranging from cloning and genetics to health law and research ethics. Traversing these domains gives us a chance to get our bearings and understand the slippery terrain of bioethics. Some further resources for your digital traveling pleasure are:
National Institutes for Health (NIH)
The Center for Bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania
The President's Commission on Bioethics
As long as the dialogue continues we have a chance. It's when they stop talking that it's time to start stockpiling resources. Good luck and say hi to the Cylons for me.
1 comment:
According to the article Media Equation, “The media equation challenges the cherished assumption that words and pictures in media are symbolic representations that are not actually present.” People have a “strong positive bias” towards predictable social relationships. Knowing which components make up comfortable social interactions and giving users the predictable responses they want can make robotics feel a lot friendlier.
Although media (including robotics) are tools, users respond to them as real social interactions, and the real people behind the tools must take the responsibility to wield them ethically.
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