Want to read Slashdot from your mobile device? Point it at m.slashdot.org and keep reading!

 



Forgot your password?
typodupeerror
×

Comment Encode it into DNA (Score 1) 495

One AT/TA pair for 0, CG/GC for 1.
Chop into suitably sized chains with primers indicating directory structure.

Advantages - Can be easily read and replicated and stored either in vitro (cryo) on in vivo via inserts.
Disadvantages - Time consuming to run searches, writing new data involves multiple single-point mutations.

Comment Re:Excuse me, (Score 1) 169

It's actually quite a geeky activity. Although being unfit makes decompression sickness more likely, it's not an activity that requires much in the way of physical prowess. There's maths in those dive tables, or if you prefer gadgets there's dive computers. Not that there's not plenty of gadgetry involved in the breathing apparatus side of things.

Then you have such fun things like Open Source dive computers, deco planning software such as V-planner and some maths & physics involved in gas mix calculations, partial pressures and surface-air-consumption rates.

The technology side of diving is amazing. OLED touch-screen computers, integrated HUD masks, wireless gauges, closed-circuit rebreathers, underwater electric vehicles and all sorts of cool gadgetry. If you still want more, there's also underwater photography and video gear.

It's really an ideal sport for geeks. There's not much physical activity needed, a massive amount of shiny tech toys to play with and you don't need to bother with pointless small-talk underwater.

Comment Re:Too deep... (Score 5, Informative) 169

The recreational limit is 130 feet. So you won't be able to look at the very bottom of the hull.

Unless you're trained by an agency that includes deeper and more adventurous diving. BSAC, for example, will certify experienced divers down to 55m on air. Decompression stops are introduced (although briefly) to entry-level divers and deco planning is an essential part of training.

To put the depth in context, one of most popular wrecks, the SS President Coolidge sits at about 70m but there are dives available for all abilities. 45m seems about right for a wreck of this size and I look forward to diving it in a few years time.

Comment Re:Ethanol is just stupid (Score 4, Funny) 894

Dunno.. But you might do better to extract and burn the grease. Porcine liposuction will be the next big thing.

There is a massive environmental downside to this. The exhaust fumes will smell of frying bacon and as a result, city centers will be awash with drool.

Media

Submission + - YouTube UK blocks premium videos

Rule II writes: "The UK Performing Right Society meets YouTube for a game of hard ball. The PRS demanded an increase in royalty fees from YouTube. YouTube responded by blocking premium videos in the UK. Read the full story from Aunty Beeb itself. While we do recognise the usual business ritual — a PRS official "shocked" at this drastic move, YouTube "sad being forced to do this" but negotiations do continue — strikingly missing information is the amount of money involved."
Sci-Fi

Submission + - The Prisoner's Patrick McGoohan Dead at 80 (sfgate.com)

I_want_information writes: "The creator and star of the BBC's surreal television series The Prisoner has died in Los Angeles at the age of 80. It had been hoped that he could have put in a cameo appearance in AMC's remake of the series but apparently he was not well enough to travel to Namibia where it was being filmed.

He will be missed.

If you missed the 1967 incarnation (or just want to revisit The Village), all 17 original episodes can be viewed online in full-screen mode here."

Sci-Fi

Submission + - Patrick McGoohan dead at 80 (yahoo.com)

KiltedKnight writes: From the article:

Patrick McGoohan, the Emmy-winning actor who created and starred in the cult classic television show "The Prisoner," has died. He was 80.

McGoohan died Tuesday in Los Angeles after a short illness, his son-in-law, film producer Cleve Landsberg, said.


Sci-Fi

Submission + - Patrick McGoohan dead at 80

sgladfelter writes: Sad news for fans of the British Sci-Fi classic, the Prisoner. Patrick McGoohan, who played the role of the prisoner in this iconic series, died at the age of 80. From the story, "McGoohan died peacefully Tuesday in St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica after a short illness, said Cleve Landsberg, McGoohan's son-in-law." Link to the article. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/herocomplex/2009/01/twilight-patric.html

Let's all take a moment to honor the life of this actor and writer.
The Courts

Submission + - RIAA Hearing Next Week To Be Televised (blogspot.com)

NewYorkCountryLawyer writes: "One commentator labels it 'another fly in the RIAA's ointment'. In SONY BMG Music v. Tenenbaum, the Boston, Massachusetts, RIAA case in which the defendant is represented by Harvard law professor Charles Nesson and a group of his students, the Judge has ruled that the hearing scheduled for January 22nd will be televised over the internet. The hearing will relate to Mr. Tenenbaum's counterclaims against the record companies and against the RIAA. In her 11-page opinion (PDF), District Judge Nancy Gertner labeled as 'curious' the record companies' opposition to televising the proceedings, since their professed reason for bringing the cases is deterrence, 'a strategy [which] effectively relies on the publicity arising from this litigation'."
Transportation

Submission + - Flying Car Expedition to Timbuktu Hits Snag (physorg.com)

Luminary Crush writes: "The British-built Sky Car, which was to set out on an expedition from London to Timbuktu today, hit a minor snag with some paperwork at Britain's Civilian Aircraft Authority (CAA) and are not allowed to take to the skies in the UK. It appears the the Skycar, which runs on biofuel and will traverse the distance from London to Timbuktu on both land and in the air did not yet receive their certificate from the British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMAA). They will be able to fly in other countries, however."

Slashdot Top Deals

He has not acquired a fortune; the fortune has acquired him. -- Bion

Working...