What happens when biology becomes technology? | Christina Agapakis

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"We've been promised a future of chrome — but what if the future is fleshy?" asks biological designer Christina Agapakis. In this awe-inspiring talk, Agapakis details her work in synthetic biology — a multidisciplinary area of research that pokes holes in the line between what's natural and artificial — and shares how breaking down the boundaries between science, society, nature and technology can lead us to imagine different possible futures.

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30 Comments on What happens when biology becomes technology? | Christina Agapakis

  1. Interesting ideas and love the questioning of these boundaries in science. Reminds me of “Beyond Earth” space civ game. But at the end of the day, technology won’t scale at market unless it addresses a demand.

  2. Genetic engineering is a mind blowing amazing technology but also scary and dangerous to the human and animal race , I am very interested in crisper’s genetic technology..

  3. When you marry natural sceince with myth you get human waste, and consuming it wont help humans to grow, but it will help you to make humans as an embodiment of human waste.

  4. “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.” — Ian Malcolm

    The dialogue between science, politics and general public is absolutely essential now more then ever…

  5. “Genetic manipulation is a power, but it is a hazardous power. If it is taken too far, if it is employed against the well-being of society itself, then it becomes a great hazard. It is one of the problems of assuming technological power and control and represents the attempt to establish stability and security without an emphasis on individual freedom.

    In those races who have engaged in this practice to a high degree, even their ruling classes have become like prisoners, surrounded by a vast army of bred individuals whom they must watch constantly, fearing for their own lives and well-being should any abnormalities or other influences enter into these controlled populations.

    That is why the notion of individual freedom and the expressions of individual freedom, such as art, music and other creative expressions, are seen as a threat or a danger to a nation that relies upon collective breeding and upon a vast population of genetically designed individuals. For these notions and expressions might stimulate something in these bred individuals—an interest, a fascination and so forth. Even the simplest expression of individual freedom or pleasure could be seen as a danger to the hierarchy who controls them.

    It is an interesting phenomenon that the more one attempts to exert control, the more vulnerable one becomes. There is no state of absolute control and security. Though it is needed to a certain extent to maintain the stability, the survival and the well-being of a nation and a society, if it is taken to extremes, it produces hazards of its own.”

    From the exceptional book “Life in the Universe” by Marshall Vian Summers. Check out his YT vids. Also it’s free online at NewMessage(dot)org.

    • Fair, but isn’t the whole point of all of this becoming better? I agree that this tool must be used wisely, but if we act with too much restraint nothing will happen

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