DNA Data Storage, Having too much fun, and Some Music

DNA Data Storage

Researchers have released their findings on being able to store data within DNA and retrieving it with 100% accuracy. So we, of course, thought about how we could make organisms with artificial DNA containing computer code, an obvious movie idea. Furthermore, there's a great conspiracy theory here.

"What's that CKSW? What conspiracy? I like conspiracies."

I'm glad you asked. Allow me to elaborate. So if you studied biology intermittently the last 30 or so years, you might believe that nearly 98% of the human genome is non-coding DNA. If you are more up-to-date and not crazy, you probably can justify this running with current hypothesis and say that the ncDNA probably came from past viruses and helps us to fight disease, or probably has an unknown, biological, non-strange purpose. That would be well and good. You could probably sleep pretty soundly at night believe that. I know I will.

Or... The 98% non-coding DNA is data that was implanted in humans thousands of years ago by an advanced society. There is a computer program of sometime hidden in these unused DNA strands probably with plans on intergalactic travel or how to perfectly cook a grilled cheese without burning either side yet perfectly melting the cheese. It is right there! Wake up SHEEPLE!

So there's that.

Having Too Much Fun

So CK and I were wondering about this after a great evening and night among friends and generally good company, "Did I just run out of happy?"

Here's some context. We began the Friday evening with some Anti-jokes. We laughed a lot for a good 1-2 hours. We made really bad beat mixes and blasted them in the living with reckless abandon. We played with a soccer ball around the kitchen. My flatmate joined us among these things, adding to the good times and enjoyable company. We then went to a bar and ended up meeting some decent blokes. Totally cool science-career people. So we had good laughs and conversations about batmans movies and what the longest rivers in the world are and who can draw the best Africa (apparently, SW is the best. Ain't bragging if it is true). Then today (the next day) we hung out with more friends, getting delicious pizza and going to the Yazoo brewery.

Just so many hours of delight!

So around the time we start watching napping around the living room, watching Return of the King, it hits me. I'm out of happy. That was it. I'm tuckered out of fun.

Some Music  (sidenote: Everyone should have spotify)

Alt-J are an up-and-coming band. I have no idea how to describe them. Electronic? Rock? Somewhere in between? Here's my favorite of their album, An Awesome Wave.

I was just introduced to Lianna La Havas recently. She comes with full vocals but backed by an extremely capable band. Shit rocks.