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DARPA Embraces Nature With Establishment of Biological Technologies Office

Posted by samzenpus on from the monkey-see-robot-monkey-do dept.

Zothecula (1870348) writes "From robotics to optics and forgery prevention to solar cells, biomimicry has proven fertile ground for researchers. Recognizing nature's potential in the development of new technologies, DARPA has announced the establishment of the Biological Technologies Office (BTO), a new division that aims to 'merge biology, engineering, and computer science to harness the power of natural systems for national security.'"

18 of 40 comments (clear)

  1. Agent Orange II by flyingfsck · · Score: 1

    They need to improve Agent Orange...

    --
    Excuse me, but please get off my Pennisetum Clandestinum, eh!
  2. Android Body Needed by Kozar_The_Malignant · · Score: 4, Funny

    > a new division that aims to 'merge biology, engineering, and computer science to harness the power of natural systems for national security

    In other words, Dick Cheney needs an android body urgently.

    --
    Some mornings it's hardly worth chewing through the restraints to get out of bed.
    1. Re:Android Body Needed by Savage-Rabbit · · Score: 2

      > a new division that aims to 'merge biology, engineering, and computer science to harness the power of natural systems for national security

      In other words, Dick Cheney needs an android body urgently.

      Is that a good idea? He was dangerous enough with a shotgun, he will be a walking disaster when he can shoot laser beams form his eyes.

      --
      Only to idiots, are orders laws.
      -- Henning von Tresckow
  3. I'm confused... by fuzzyfuzzyfungus · · Score: 2

    Does this mean bioengineered super-soldiers, or is that just a fancy way of saying "Yeah, we really miss having a biological warfare program, those were good times..."?

    1. Re:I'm confused... by Baloroth · · Score: 1

      According to TFA, neither (well, not that they're announcing, anyways). They're supposedly looking into advanced prosthetics, biological manufacturing techniques, disease tracking, stopping harmful genetic engineering, stuff like that. I'd imagine a defense against bio/chemical weapons would also be of interest. Although, given it's DARPA, I wouldn't be at all surprised if they did look into bioengineered super-soldiers, just to see if it's possible.

      --
      "None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license." --John Milton
    2. Re:I'm confused... by geekoid · · Score: 1

      ANd I hope it is. BEcasue once it starts, it will get cheaper and then I can be a bio engineered super civilian.

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      The Kruger Dunning explains most post on /. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
  4. Am I the only one... by Zontar+The+Mindless · · Score: 3, Insightful

    ...who saw "Embrace" in the headline and immediately appended "..., Extend, and Extinguish" to that?

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    Il n'y a pas de Planet B.
    1. Re:Am I the only one... by webmistressrachel · · Score: 1

      When I saw the headline, I thought, "DARPA doesn't embrace nature, it maims and kills it!" So, close...

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      This tagline was transcoded to result in at least one smirk. If you experience failure to smirk, please consult your Gen
    2. Re:Am I the only one... by DNS-and-BIND · · Score: 1
      Yes. Yes, you are.

      Repeat this until you internalize it: "Just because I think something, or have a certain reaction, does not make it so."

      --
      Shutting down free speech with violence isn't fighting fascism. It IS fascism!
    3. Re:Am I the only one... by Zontar+The+Mindless · · Score: 1

      Don't quit your day job.

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      Il n'y a pas de Planet B.
  5. Sharks by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    With Frickin Lazy Beams!!!

    Ok just before I posted I re-read that and realised my mistake - but DARPA is government right?

    Sharks with Frickin Lazer Beams - you can choose which is most appropriate.

  6. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 1

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  7. Embraces? by wonkey_monkey · · Score: 1

    DARPA Embraces Nature

    Or seeks to bend it to its will?

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    systemd is Roko's Basilisk.
    1. Re:Embraces? by geekoid · · Score: 1

      Why else would you embrace it?

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      The Kruger Dunning explains most post on /. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
  8. This has a lot of potential by gawdonblue · · Score: 1

    Merging biology, engineering, and computer science has the potential to give us:

    Steve Austin
    Jaime Sommers
    Cybermen
    The Borg
    Daleks
    Godzilla!

    They're all good, but which one(s) would you pick?

    1. Re:This has a lot of potential by Zontar+The+Mindless · · Score: 1

      Bender!

      --
      Il n'y a pas de Planet B.
    2. Re:This has a lot of potential by Muad'Dave · · Score: 2

      Jaime Sommers

      I had the most massive crush on her as a young teen. Wowzers!

      --
      Tiller's Rule: Never use a word in written form that you've only heard and never read. You will end up looking foolish.
  9. I cannot wait by geekoid · · Score: 1

    to buy my first Gooputer

    --
    The Kruger Dunning explains most post on /. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect