DIY DNA Extraction

bill — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 23:08:00 -0400

How to extract DNA (and RNA) from anything living using household materials.

DNA Could Become Unstable by Design

bill — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 18:53:00 -0400

Scientists at Oregon State University have proposed that supposedly-stable DNA bases can be pushed into a "dark state" where they are highly vulnerable to damage from ultraviolet radiation. The idea challenges some of the most basic concepts of modern biochemistry.

Only tangentially-related, but I've wondered about this conceptually: when playing chess, part of a winning strategy is to play conservatively when you're ahead, and make wild, risk-taking moves when you're behind. The same strategy applies in other aspects of life, for instance, a large corporation will plod slowly but surely, while a startup must be nimble and take creative risks. I've wondered if a similar strategy wouldn't be valuable in biology: when things are going good, take steps to prevent random genetic change, and when things are not going good, encourage it.

Link

Your DNA as Art

bill — Fri, 10 Mar 2006 14:47:00 -0500

Spit in a test tube and these guys will generate some art based on your DNA.

Link

Thomlex - DNA

DIY DNA Extraction

DNA Could Become Unstable by Design

Your DNA as Art