HackingTheUniverse

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Evolution can take place in a shorter time span than scientists previously thought, according to a study of lizards that were transplanted into a new environment, then left alone for thirty-six years. Could a similar process be accomplished in a laboratory environment designed to stimulate specific evolutionary adaptations?
Rapid Evolution Driven by Invasion into New Habitats [...]

Scaffolds made of biodegradable materials have been used to help regrow body tissues from a few “seed” cells that are placed in the scaffold. As the cells reproduce, the scaffold degrades and eventually the new tissue displaces the scaffold. Now scientists are using rapid prototyping techniques to make more precise scaffolds in three [...]

We can already repair and even augment our bodies with both artificial and transplanted body components. (see Rebuilding Our Bodies) Science and technology are rapidly pushing forward to a point where it will become possible for our bodies to be *mostly* artificial instead of organic.  The articles below offer some of the blueprints for how [...]

It is becoming possible to genetically engineer viruses to accomplish some kind of healing or rebuilding or even contstruction-like task.
A Virus That Rebuilds Damaged Nerves
Viruses that mimic supportive nerve tissue may someday help regenerate injured spinal cords. While other tissue-engineering materials must be synthesized and shaped in the lab, genetically engineered viruses have the advantage [...]

We now have the ability to rebuild our bodies; at least in a limited sense, but that limitation is shrinking rapidly.
Prosthetic Replacements
Artificial replacement limbs and dentures have been used for thousands of years.
Roman Capua Leg - [wikipedia.org]
Prosthetic replacements have dramatically improved their functionality and their human-like appearance with increases in technological capability. And [...]

The purpose of the Human Genome Project was to determine the complete sequence of 3 billion DNA sub-units, identify all human genes and make the information available.
Human Genome Project Information - [ornl.gov]
Completed in 2003, the Human Genome Project (HGP) was a 13-year project coordinated by the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Institutes of [...]

This Scientific American article discusses the idea of creating artificial self replicating genetic material that could be better than DNA.
Triple Helix: Designing a New Molecule of Life
Peptide nucleic acid, a synthetic hybrid of protein and DNA, could form the basis of a new class of drugs—and of artificial life unlike anything found in nature
Key Concepts

A [...]

Discovery - G9a Gene Triggers Differentiation Of Embryonic Cells
At a very early stage of human development, all cells of the embryo are identical, but unlike adult cells are very flexible and carry within them the potential to become any tissue type, whether it be muscle, skin, liver or brain.
This cell differentiation process begins at [...]