Slashdot Mirror
Open source Digital Bacteria
FiReaNGeL writes "Scientists have constructed a software capable of simulating organisms at the molecular, single-cell and population levels. The program, called AgentCell, will soon be available, open sourced under a BSD license. "With AgentCell we can simulate the behavior of entire populations of cells as they sense their environment, respond to stimuli and move in a three-dimensional world". The researchers have designed their digital bacterial system in modules, so that additional components may be added later - "The hope is that people will modify the code or add some new capabilities". AgentCell has possible applications in cancer research, drug development and combating bioterrorism. Lots of movies and pictures are available, along with a detailed press release describing the program."
Will my anti-virus interfere with this software?
of bacteria in this world ...
Saying "Lots of movies and pictures are available" in a Slashdot article is like a death sentence to the poor server running the site...
It seems that Windows users receive free copies of stuff like this each time they connect to the Internet and get their mail.
That, and news on free "sword sharpeners", if ya get my meaning.
I remember the old game of "Life" that simulated growth with very simple rules. Sounds like the game has grown up.
Vos teneo officium eram periculosus ut vos recipero is.
As if Windows didn't have to deal with enough computer viruses, now it has to deal with computer bacteria as well.
multifariam.net -- yet another nerd blog
Bacteria may be the only culture some people have.
I don't know the meaning of the word 'don't' - J
And just how do we know our entire reality isn't simply a large scale version of this? Is our universe simply the inside of a box? Does it even matter?
Well, first, no - if we're in a giant box, and the laws of physics defined therein cause us to see and experience what we're seeing and experiencing, then... no. That's the framework of our universe. We can't operate outside of that framework, so kvetching about it isn't very productive.
And second, you'll be getting the munchies very soon, I'm guessing.
Don't disappoint your bird dog. Go to the range.
Anybody know the cure for digital chlamydia?
I networked with this infected computer and didnt have my firewall turned on.
"For instance, if you mix a pathogenic strain with a friendly strain, which one is going to win, and with what kind of speed?"
I can't wait until this becomes an actual game:
"Cell-Wars 3D. Engineer your own pathogens and destroy up to 5000 different types of organisms! Experience multiplayer action over the Internet in a race to be the quickest and most destructive pathogen.
Be sure to enter in our annual contest. The winner will get to see their pathogen recreated in real life by our molecular engineers and injected into a mouse! Total insane action!"
Blockquoth the article:
"As soon as this is done the code will be available for download. Stay tuned."
Besides, the MiB don't operate on the entire planet. Perhaps that's the best argument for releasing something which may have questionable applications as open source - you can't undo it once it's done.
You are checking your backups, aren't you?
Alice: Yeah...make sure we stick 'combat terrorism' in there somewhere. That'll make sure we get the cash.
Bob: Oooh ooh...and maybe the frontpage on some reputable internet discussion board *cough*.
-Nano.
How many times have we all complained about having to use non-OSS because it was our only option that accomplished what we wanted it to. I personally have felt this way dozens of times.
Now, it seems the tables have turned. OSS has turned into the exact thing that it despises. I personally think this article raises some interesting issues, particularly concerning living organisms being forced to use open source just because that is the only option available to them.
OK, someone was actually given a research grant to produce a new version of Life?
Yes, I'll have what they're smokin', thank you.
This post encoded with ROT26. If you can read it, you've violated the DMCA. Handcuffs please, sergeant.
Scientists have constructed a software capable of simulating organisms at the molecular, single-cell and population levels.
Am I the only one who had to read that thrice to verify that it in fact did not say "orgasms"?
Imagine the military applications of software capable of simulating orgasms at the population level!
Maybe I just need caffeine.
Moderator hint: a comment is neither "Flamebait" nor "Troll" if it is true.