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Dec 13, 2018
New techniques better determine how ancient viral DNA influences human genes
Posted by Xavier Rosseel in categories: biotech/medical, genetics
For decades after the discovery of DNA, researchers mostly thought of genetics in terms of genes, the pieces or sequences of DNA that encode instructions for building proteins in cells. Then scientists discovered that genes make up just 2 percent of our DNA and that most genetic complexity stems from the vast non-gene code, which influences when genes are turned on or off. Further, half of that non-gene code was found to come from insertions of viral DNA. Consequently, say the authors, genetic variation, and the potential for disease-causing mistakes, occurs in transposons as well as in genes.
New laboratory techniques can identify which of our genes are influenced by DNA snippets that are left behind in our genetic code by viruses, a new study finds.
Dec 13, 2018
Branson’s Virgin reaches edge of space
Posted by Victoria Generao in categories: space, transportation
The latest test flight by Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic successfully rocketed to the edge of space and back.
The firm’s SpaceShipTwo passenger rocket ship reached a height of 82.7km, beyond the altitude at which US agencies have awarded astronaut wings.
It marked the plane’s fourth test flight and followed earlier setbacks in the firm’s space programme.
Dec 13, 2018
What Is Cloud Computing (Computing As A Utility)
Posted by Ankur Bargotra in category: computing
This video is the tenth in a multi-part series discussing computing. In this video, we’ll be discussing what cloud computing is and the fundamental change it brings in how we view and think about computing.
[0:27–2:19] Starting off we’ll discuss, the revolution the cloud computing paradigm, computing as a utility, brings to the field of computing, and similar transformations seen when electricity became a utility.
[2:19–5:24] Following that we’ll discuss, what exactly cloud computing is and the types of cloud computing: Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS), Platform As A Service (PaaS) and Software As A Service (SaaS) further extending to serverless architecture, Functions As A Service (FaaS).
Dec 13, 2018
BTC plunge: Why I don’t worry
Posted by Philip Raymond in categories: bitcoin, cryptocurrencies
Join me for a quick review of the spikes & dips in the Bitcoin exchange rate. This time, it’s all about one very simple chart. [continue below graphic]…
The chart below shows a history of BTC price spikes, dips and recovery. Click to enlarge, then start at the top—and move down.
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- Consider the percent-pullback after each spike (red label)
- Think about the stellar rebound after each drop (green label)
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The table at right illustrates why I do not get too worked up over the plunge in the BTC exchange rate. There are no fundamental flaws in Bitcoin math or mechanisms, the market need for benefits conveyed by Bitcoin is terrific, and popular arguments against Bitcoin are severely flawed. Skeptics and Critics typically say this:
Dec 13, 2018
Mars InSight Lander Seen in First Images from Space
Posted by Michael Lance in category: space
Dec 13, 2018
“When we send astronauts to the surface of the Moon in the next decade, it will be in a sustainable fashion,” says NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine
Posted by Michael Lance in categories: space, sustainability
“When we send astronauts to the surface of the Moon in the next decade, it will be in a sustainable fashion,” says NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstinee. Learn how we’ll expand partnerships with industry and other nations to explore the Moon and advance our exploration missions to even farther destinations, such as Mars: https://go.nasa.gov/2GeqhZL
NASA’s “JunoCam” has captured photos of huge, “endless storms” on our Solar System’s largest planet. 😍🌌.
Dec 13, 2018
Brightest comet of the year will zoom near Earth next week
Posted by Michael Lance in category: space
It’ll be 7.2 million miles away, but that still might be close enough to see with the naked eye — here’s when to catch it.