11–20 of 166 posts
Interesting. So how hard is it to get yeast to make certain substances normally found in lets say plants or fungi? :) All I've heard it's been done before.
A simple protein? Very easy.
A complex alkaloid, the biosynthesis of which involves many steps? Super difficult.
https://news.stanford.edu/2020/09/02/scientists-turn-yeast-c...
> 70% of the world’s population was killed by NEOBOLA-26 but at least they signed the EULA. I’m making fun, but this is one class of knowledge I’m worried about. However, outlawing it doesn’t seem like a solution either.
I mean with enough motivation anyone (assuming they pass a background check) can pursue a degree in biology / genetics, get a job with access to a lab, and do the thing.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unnatural_Selection_(TV_series...
I believe they cover the-odin.com as well.
tl;dr: Lots good, but lots scary.
At LOKI, we believe the future is going to be dominated by nature protection and consumer behaviour reengineering will be a big part of that.
Interesting. So how hard is it to get yeast to make certain substances normally found in lets say plants or fungi? :) All I've heard it's been done before.
I believe it is extremely dependent on what compound you are talking about, and how complicated the biosynthesis of that compound is. A simple protein? Very easy. A complex alkaloid, the biosynthesis of which involves many steps? Super difficult.
You would probably use E.Coli anyway unless you have to use yeast because of some posttranslational modifications.
> 70% of the world’s population was killed by NEOBOLA-26 but at least they signed the EULA. I’m making fun, but this is one class of knowledge I’m worried about. However, outlawing it doesn’t seem like a solution either.
I mean if you're worried about bioterrorism, I'm sure there are plenty of ways and means to do so outside of convenient packages like this for someone with enough motivation. I mean with enough motivation anyone (assuming they pass a background check) can pursue a degree in biology / genetics, get a job with access to a lab, and do the thing.
Just like people building their own nuclear bombs hasn't been a major worry.
The real issue is the CIA, FSB, etc. doing it deliberately.
> 70% of the world’s population was killed by NEOBOLA-26 but at least they signed the EULA. I’m making fun, but this is one class of knowledge I’m worried about. However, outlawing it doesn’t seem like a solution either.
I mean if you're worried about bioterrorism, I'm sure there are plenty of ways and means to do so outside of convenient packages like this for someone with enough motivation. I mean with enough motivation anyone (assuming they pass a background check) can pursue a degree in biology / genetics, get a job with access to a lab, and do the thing.
Really cool project, just worth mentioning that in some western countries ordering this stuff could lead to serious consequences and troubles with law. I live in Germany and would be afraid to get some of it.
Nevermind all the chemicals, just shipping the plant itself internationally for that kit might be impossible.
It's a shame, the EU is so technologically backward and anti-science.