Related to The Frontiers of Chemistry
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Making Use of Uncertainty: How Quantum Physics is Revolutionising Our Lives
On the microscopic scale the universe behaves in a weird and wonderful way quite contrary to our everyday experience. Objects can be in two places at the same time, cats can be both alive and dead, particles can tunnel through barriers, and randomness governs everything.
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Synthetic Biology - A Brave New World?
Imagine a world in which we could make fuels or pharmaceuticals in the same way we ferment malt to make beer. A world in which materials as strong as steel are made without industrial waste, or artificial viruses can be used to administer anti-cancer drugs without the usual side-effects of chemotherapy. Synthetic biology promises new technologies that could change our lives through the design and construction of new biological parts and devices, and the redesign of existing, natural biological organisms for new purposes.
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Personalised Medicine
In 2001 President Bill Clinton stood on the front lawn of the White House flanked by Francis Collins and Craig Venter. That day he announced the completion of the draft human genome, the first ever map of human genetic variation. At the time grandiose pronouncements were made about the coming genomic revolution concerning new cures for diseases and the eradication of cancer. Ten years on many have failed to be impressed by the impact of this scientific milestone, including equal sensationalising from the British media on this decade anniversary.
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Origins of Life on Earth
Dr Terrence Kee discusses the possibility that life could have first traveled to Earth on an asteroid.