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Amateurs Are Trying Genetic Engineering At Home

Posted by timothy on from the another-way-to-define-parenting dept.

the_kanzure points out this AP story on amateur genetic engineering, excerpting: "The Apple computer was invented in a garage. Same with the Google search engine. Now, tinkerers are working at home with the basic building blocks of life itself. Using homemade lab equipment and the wealth of scientific knowledge available online, these hobbyists are trying to create new life forms through genetic engineering a field long dominated by Ph.D.s toiling in university and corporate laboratories." Reader resistant has a few ideas about how to use this sort of lab: "Personally, I'd like to whip up a reasonably long-lasting and durable paint made with dye based on squid genes that glows brightly enough to allow 'guide lines' to be daubed along hallway baseboards, powered by a very low trickle of electricity. Plus, a harmless glowing yogurt would make for a cool prank."

6 of 245 comments (clear)

  1. Laugh now, but by unassimilatible · · Score: 4, Funny

    I have a plan and you all will soon bow down before me:

    1) Create perfect woman in petri dish
    2) First /.'er to lose virginity
    3) Patent troll
    4) ?
    5) Profit

    --
    Slashdot "libertarians": Small government for me, big government for those I disagree with. -1, I disagree with you
    1. Re:Laugh now, but by TheRaven64 · · Score: 4, Funny

      You can't patent trolls, there's too much prior art.

      Also, I'm fairly sure 'trying genetic engineering at home' is a euphemism for something...

      --
      I am TheRaven on Soylent News
  2. Minature pandas by pomegranatesix · · Score: 5, Funny

    If I could get my hands on some panda DNA, I'd genetically engineer a mini-panda about the size of a guinea pig or hamster for the pet market.
    In one fell swoop, I will have saved a species from extinction AND become a billionaire!

  3. Been doing it for years by eggman9713 · · Score: 3, Funny

    I have been doing genetic engineering for years and am quite an expert at it. Anyone can do it! Just stand on the streetcorner in a revealing getup and ask for money.

    1. Re:Been doing it for years by houghi · · Score: 3, Funny

      You are aware that at least one of you has to be female, right?

      --
      Don't fight for your country, if your country does not fight for you.
  4. What does Bart have to say about this? by Gocho · · Score: 3, Funny

    Bart: "How would I go about creating a half-man, half-monkey-type creature?"
    Mrs. Krabappel: "I'm sorry, that would be playing God."
    Bart: "God-schmod, I want my monkey man."