Bio.Genica Genpets

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Science, Toys, Videos

Say goodbye to your old virtual pet. Bio.Genica has created Genpets, which are bioengineered genetic animals. They use Zygote Micro Injection to combine DNA, then put it into the little creepy critters. Each “fetus” has a microchip embedded to control and monitor life functions. It comes packed with its own heart monitor and Fresh Strip to better gauge its state while hibernating. Choose between 1 and 3-year models and 7 personality types that learn and adapt at prices starting at € 350 (~$550.00,) if the video doesn’t leave you feeling like you just don’t want to go there. If you do, we suggest you read their FAQs page and that should do the trick.

Read More | Bio.Genica

• Tools:
• Permalink
• Comments (3)
• Digg This
• Share on Facebook
• Email this story

Scientists inscribe Bible on space less than half the size of a grain of sugar

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Science

This is another holiday-related story we couldn’t resist. Scientists in Israel have inscribed all of the Hebrew text of the Jewish Bible onto a silicon surface that is less than 0.01 square inch. It took them only an hour to etch all 300,000 words by blasting gallium particles at an object that rebounded and caused the effect. Ohad Zohar, adviser at Technion Institute foresees the technology as a means of storing large amounts of data on DNA and bio-molecules. We wonder if anyone will get the chance to proofread the book.

Read More | RBNI

• Tools:
• Permalink
• Comments (1)
• Digg This
• Share on Facebook
• Email this story

Designers Create Lamps for Geeks

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Internet, Misc. Tech

We have discovered a new home for creative types called GNR8 Pipeline. Still in beta, it features such prototypes as these lamps. This Mosaic Pixellated piece, designed by &Design, says “the play of light through the myriad cubes has to be seen to be truly appreciated.” We also found this DNA Lamp built by Büro Für Form, perfect for any geek’s lab. Check GNR8 out for other cool ideas and artistic developments or feel free to submit your own.

Read More | GNR8 Pipeline

• Tools:
• Permalink
• Comments (0)
• Digg This
• Share on Facebook
• Email this story

Two Companies Analyze DNA

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Internet, Misc. Tech, Science

Want to trace the missing limbs on your family tree? GeneTree, launched this week in beta, offers DNA Test Kits so you can do just that. It has access to records from the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation which holds over 100,000 samples worldwide. After its research,  the company claims to have a database of 6 million people. For a fee starting at $99.00, GeneTree will send you some mouthwash to swirl, spit, and send back. You can then wait for the rich relatives to claim you on your profile page.

The newly established Ancestry also offers those services, and is building its database from scratch. They have taken profiles of 50,000 individuals and hope to see results in about 6 months. You can then compare your DNA results with others through the site. With a variety of tests available, the service’s cheek swab will set you back at a price beginning at $149.00.

While DNA testing will not tell you everything you need to know, it may lead to information such as names and addresses of those who are related to you. At least you will know if you absolutely have to attend the next family reunion.

Read More | ABC

• Tools:
• Permalink
• Comments (1)
• Digg This
• Share on Facebook
• Email this story