Lifeboat News: The Blog – Safeguarding Humanity

Scientists Have Observed Epigenetic Memories Being Passed Down for 14 Generations

Posted by Shailesh Prasad in bioengineering, biotech/medical, genetics

Apr 29
2017

The most important set of genetic instructions we all get comes from our DNA, passed down through generations. But the environment we live in can make genetic changes, too.

Researchers have now discovered that these kinds of environmental genetic changes can be passed down for a whopping 14 generations in an animal – the largest span ever observed in a creature, in this case being a dynasty of C. elegans nematodes (roundworms).

To study how long the environment can leave a mark on genetic expression, a team led by scientists from the European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO) in Spain took genetically engineered nematode worms that carry a transgene for a fluorescent protein. When activated, this gene made the worms glow under ultraviolet light.

Mindride Airflow Lets You Take Wing

Posted by Shailesh Prasad in virtual reality

Apr 29
2017

Swoop and soar in this VR simulator.

Amazon Echo Look is a voice-controlled camera for fashion tips

Posted by Shailesh Prasad in information science, robotics/AI

Apr 29
2017

Amazon’s Echo smart speakers just went in an unusual (but potentially very helpful) new direction. Meet Echo Look, an Alexa-powered camera designed around taking your own fashion photos and videos. If you want to show off your daily wardrobe, you just have to ask the Look to take a snapshot — you don’t have to take a selfie in front of a mirror to get a full-length picture. And since it includes a depth-sensing camera, it can blur the background to make shots pop. The real party tricks come when you’re not sure about your outfit, however.

The Look’s Style Check service blends AI algorithms with fashion specialist advice to provide a second opinion. Does that jacket really go with that shirt? The goal is to get you shopping for more clothes on Amazon, of course, but this could save you from having to ask friends for tips. The more feedback you provide, the better Style Check gets at determining what outfits work.

And yes, the Echo Look still behaves like Amazon’s other speakers when you’re not using it, complete with smart home control. It’s really more of a bedroom-oriented Echo than a single-purpose device.