mmap_min_addr already set to 4096 there... Plus I don't really see what all the fuss is about: how does this make an affected desktop OS any more vulnerable?

When placing this microbe in a real world system such as a fuel cell connected to a sceptic tank, it seems logical that part of this system should include the same kind of stimulus (in this case the 400 milivolt the article speaks of) than in the lab tests, in order to keep the microbe 'stimulated' to produce a higher electrical output. Otoh, I don't know much on the subject and could be full of you-know-what. It just sounds logical to include this type of regressive evolution inhibitor. Also, these people are a lot smarter than me and have probably given this some thought :).

... is this even on /.?

I had imagined it... taller?

I don't use it frequently, and I'm an uber novice at electronics, but a couple of months back I was looking for a decent simulation app as well, and out of all the ones I tried (most of them referred to above), KTechLab came out as the best option for me. Just my two cents.

From the wikipedia link: "Using a 300 MW power generator, this would take about two months to reach full speed." Just so I get this straight, that's 300 million Watts, for 2 months non-stop pushing that thing? In order to slingshot something in LEO? Somehow I am not convinced about the whole concept :/.

Actually working from the bottom of the ocean perspective isn't that bad an idea to do both earthbound science and the preparation of space exploration a favor. You'd find hundreds of unknown lifeforms at the bottom of the ocean, the conditions there are harsh like an ET environment (no air, pressure challenges, isolation to name a few). You'd have to be forced to engineer solutions to new and interesting problems. NASA should definitely start thinking about using deep seafloor bases. They could use it as a marketing pitch even.