DNA So Dangerous It Doesn't Exist

Panaqqa writes "A group of researchers at Boise State University is investigating the theory that there are genome sequences so dangerous they are incompatible with life. Greg Hampikian, a professor of genetics, and his team are comparing all possible short sequences of nucleotides to databases of gene sequences to determine which ones don't exist in nature. The New Scientist reports that the US Department of Defense is interested enough in their work to have awarded them a $1 million grant. I for one am not sure I like the possible directions this research could take."

Comments

Re:I though it was an other 'idea' like ID

[Yahweh Doesn't Exist]

>It's the science that matters.

only so long as that science is good science.

and, statistically speaking, it DOES matter whether it's conducted by the most dedicated atheist or a devout Christian. in the general population atheists are about 10%, whereas for top scientists 90% are atheist.

a big problem is that "science" done by fundamentalists only tries to explain the "observations" found in the Bible, whereas good scientists have to explain all observations at all times in all places.

science should be done without an agenda. in practice this never happens perfectly but the religious agenda is most dangerous to good science because, unlike money, fame, success etc., it's the only one that will stand up to consistent repeated evidence of it not being true.