Personally my main interests are in genetics and cell biology. I would like to see more attention focused on anti-aging, genetic engineering, stem cells and treatment of genetic diseases. What about you, what do you think is important?
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This may be a bit selfish, since I work/study this area, but we need more systems biology and bioinformatics. The latter gives us tools to analyse the huge amounts of data we obtain with the new whole-genome sequencing methods, both for the actual sequence as well as the epigenetic data. It would be unthinkable to do any research these days without tools like BLAST and HAMMER to help you find sequences, or the many databases for protein motives and whatnot. Mapping this data is vital for further research, acting as a multiplier in how efficient research can be done. The first is important for multiple reasons. The first is that it gives us search images to use for research. It has been shown time and time again that on the network scales, our intuition just doesn't work (Tragedy of the Commons, AIDS medicines: kill white blood cells and the virus levels drop, many more). We therefore need models, both mathematical (ODEs, PDEs, MAPs) as well as computer models (CA, Agent-based, Flux-balance analysis, etc) to help us out. And I don't mean simply making models of existing systems and saying: "look, it works". These models help us find flaws in our current theories (models helped us show that there's no way that the Lac operon would evolve to be a bistable switch), show possible solutions for missing parts of networks and help establish baseline expectations (feed forward loops). Furthermore can systems biology becomes invaluable to us in this time where we become more aware of the apparent fragility of our environment, and can help us find possible solutions for collapsed systems, as well as precursors to such cataclysmic events, allowing us to prevent them (Marten Scheffer has done some research on this, I think).
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We have laboured long to build a heaven, only to find it populated with horrors.
While I'd like more research on biology, it's a branch of science that tangles more with ethics than any other. Our society need to mature a bit faster than it currently is. A sudden advancement of biotechnology is going to be result in a knee-jerk reaction that will cause progress to be held back decades. Hell, we can't even get something as simple as GMOs passed without some form of protest going on. And don't even mention tinkering with humans.
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"Sometimes, the situation is outracing a threat, sometimes it's ignoring it, and sometimes it involves sideboarding in 4x Hope//Pray." --Doug Linn
Alternative energy.
Some sort of game-changing technology in EE that completely renders transistors obsolete while still being very cheap.
Some sort of technology that makes food virtually abundant.
I honestly don't think we should do anymore research into anti-aging stuff at this point; seems counterproductive. We just have more old people and fewer young people now.
The first answer I thought about was psychologically related, because the research in this field as a whole really needs more experimental repetition. However, a quick read through this thread already has me agreeing that the research that would benefit mankind much more would be the use of alternative energy.
ADHD, depression, anorexia, bullemia, and other mental illnesses (or "mental illnesses," with sarcastic scare quotes) for which the only way of diagnosing is by analysing the person's behavior.
--"ADHD isn't a real disorder."
-"Yes it is, it's caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain."
--"Oh, so did you get diagnosed by having those chemicals analysed?"
-"No, my parents and school teachers talked to a docter and answered some questions."
Anyone who thinks these things aren't overdiagnosed is kidding themselves.
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ADHD, depression, anorexia, bullemia, and other mental illnesses (or "mental illnesses," with sarcastic scare quotes) for which the only way of diagnosing is by analysing the person's behavior.
--"ADHD isn't a real disorder."
-"Yes it is, it's caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain."
--"Oh, so did you get diagnosed by having those chemicals analysed?"
-"No, my parents and school teachers talked to a docter and answered some questions."
Anyone who thinks these things aren't overdiagnosed is kidding themselves.
Unfortunately, it's gotten to the point where anyone who feels that ADHD is overdiagnosed is considered insensitive.
I do believe that there is ADHD, but I don't believe it's as prevalent as it is being described at this point. I believe that the best treatment for ADHD is a balance of healthy lifestyle, therapy (to correct behaviors and thought patterns .. as ADHD often exists with Depression, Anxiety, and a host of other Psych problems), and SHORT-TERM Stimulant use. Unfortunately, most patients (and parents) are only interested in the quick fix, which often ends up with the patient taking Adderall (or an equivalent stimulant) for a long, long time.
Granted, the kids will do well in school while on Adderall. Let's not get into the issue of unfair advantage - it is well known that those without ADHD diagnosis will see improvements in their grades when they use Adderall. I have personally witnessed this happening with peers in college.
Also, unfortunately, there are few long term studies regarding long-term use of stimulants. Theoretically, I predict that the following would happen. Since Amphetamine-class stimulants cause Dopamine release (as opposed to Cocaine, which prevents reabsorpion), I believe that the the constant stimulation of DA will lead to quicker burn out of Dopaminergic neurons. This means the Basal Ganglia will have an increased Ach : DA balance, thus leading to Parkinsonian symptoms showing up earlier than expected (think Michael J Fox). Again, I haven't found definitive proof of this. Anyone interested in taking this project? =)
Rant over.
EDIT:
9909, I'd really appreciate any input regarding my theory if you could spare a moment. Thanks!
Research money for:
- colonizing mars. - Humans living on another planet yes.
- Thorium reactors. - more abundant than uranium, self contained reaction, can use radioactive waste as part of fuel.
- Robot slaves. - Obvious
- Quantum Communication - Instantaneous communication anywhere via entangled pairs.
- Carbon fiber indefinite length fabrication techniques. - Vital for a space elevator.
- Telomere repair which isn't cancerous. - Telomeres are a large factor as why we age, we also know that cancerous cells produce a hormone that regenerates their telomeres indefinitely.
- Telomere repair which isn't cancerous. - Telomeres are a large factor as why we age, we also know that cancerous cells produce a hormone that regenerates their telomeres indefinitely.
That's not really how it works. Firstly: not all tumour cells overproduce telomerase. Furthermore: telomerase is not necessarily a sign of cancer; it has a genuine function in cells. Thirdly: it's not really a hormone, but that may be nitpicking.
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We have laboured long to build a heaven, only to find it populated with horrors.
Personally my main interests are in genetics and cell biology. I would like to see more attention focused on anti-aging, genetic engineering, stem cells and treatment of genetic diseases. What about you, what do you think is important?
I'd like to see some more focus on alternate energy sources and nanotech. Kick our dependance on limited resources and open all sorts of doors with atomic-scale construction.
- Telomere repair which isn't cancerous. - Telomeres are a large factor as why we age, we also know that cancerous cells produce a hormone that regenerates their telomeres indefinitely.
That's not really how it works. Firstly: not all tumour cells overproduce telomerase. Furthermore: telomerase is not necessarily a sign of cancer; it has a genuine function in cells. Thirdly: it's not really a hormone, but that may be nitpicking.
Yeah telomerase is an enzyme, not a hormone. I would like more research into this because living forever would be awesome.
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- Telomere repair which isn't cancerous. - Telomeres are a large factor as why we age, we also know that cancerous cells produce a hormone that regenerates their telomeres indefinitely.
That's not really how it works. Firstly: not all tumour cells overproduce telomerase. Furthermore: telomerase is not necessarily a sign of cancer; it has a genuine function in cells. Thirdly: it's not really a hormone, but that may be nitpicking.
Yeah telomerase is an enzyme, not a hormone. I would like more research into this because living forever would be awesome.
Not to rain on your parade, but even with this, you would not live forever. Biological immortality, while nice, is not the same as living forever. Look at trees, for example. If left alone, they could see the end of the earth they're standing on. However, while they do not really age, they still get infected with all sorts of parasites and diseases, get eaten by herbivore, starved by poor summers, their reserves drained by harsh winters before they're chopped down to be made into toilet paper.
As your expected age increases, so does the probability of you being in all kinds of accidents (car/plane crasher, gas explosion), getting any kind of deadly disease and just getting the general short end of the proverbial stick.
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We have laboured long to build a heaven, only to find it populated with horrors.
- Telomere repair which isn't cancerous. - Telomeres are a large factor as why we age, we also know that cancerous cells produce a hormone that regenerates their telomeres indefinitely.
That's not really how it works. Firstly: not all tumour cells overproduce telomerase. Furthermore: telomerase is not necessarily a sign of cancer; it has a genuine function in cells. Thirdly: it's not really a hormone, but that may be nitpicking.
Yeah telomerase is an enzyme, not a hormone. I would like more research into this because living forever would be awesome.
Not to rain on your parade, but even with this, you would not live forever. Biological immortality, while nice, is not the same as living forever. Look at trees, for example. If left alone, they could see the end of the earth they're standing on. However, while they do not really age, they still get infected with all sorts of parasites and diseases, get eaten by herbivore, starved by poor summers, their reserves drained by harsh winters before they're chopped down to be made into toilet paper.
As your expected age increases, so does the probability of you being in all kinds of accidents (car/plane crasher, gas explosion), getting any kind of deadly disease and just getting the general short end of the proverbial stick.
Yes I know that biological immortality doesn't mean that you will actually live forever. However infections and diseases are all mostly treatable anyway and dying of starvation isn't really likely to happen here in Canada. Now granted car accidents are a very real possibility but you do your best to drive well. Biological immortality is not a reality now but that's why I want more research and I might just do it myself when I graduate.
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Yeah, alternative energy sources is the to-go answer. It can save us from the biggest crisis ever and improve/unlock new technologies a long the way.
Economic cycles is a topic that needs a definitive answer as well and that answer will only be reached with more investment on data gathering and more people on that research agenda. As soon as a definitive answer can be drown, the tech can't be adopted by most country's government and mankind can move on to the next stage, which is more global financial-economic cooperation and less warfare and knee jerking.
- Telomere repair which isn't cancerous. - Telomeres are a large factor as why we age, we also know that cancerous cells produce a hormone that regenerates their telomeres indefinitely.
That's not really how it works. Firstly: not all tumour cells overproduce telomerase. Furthermore: telomerase is not necessarily a sign of cancer; it has a genuine function in cells. Thirdly: it's not really a hormone, but that may be nitpicking.
Yeah telomerase is an enzyme, not a hormone. I would like more research into this because living forever would be awesome.
It would also be completely unsustainable. There is not enough food, living space, employment, fuel, water, or countless other things to support a population where the old never died.
Specifically a permanent Lunar base. One with enough people that should a global apocalypse happen here on Earth the Human race would not go extinct and someday repopulate.
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They can take our Mall, but they can never take our FREEDOM!
I find it ironic that people are saying anti aging when we dont take care of our elderly now (speaking America here). We dont need more older people in society. We need a balance.
Alternative fuel sources is the correct answer here. Breaking to dependence on oil and oil based fuel systems would be the way to go.
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I want mr fusion, dammit.
While I'd like more research on biology, it's a branch of science that tangles more with ethics than any other. Our society need to mature a bit faster than it currently is. A sudden advancement of biotechnology is going to be result in a knee-jerk reaction that will cause progress to be held back decades. Hell, we can't even get something as simple as GMOs passed without some form of protest going on. And don't even mention tinkering with humans.
"Sometimes, the situation is outracing a threat, sometimes it's ignoring it, and sometimes it involves sideboarding in 4x Hope//Pray." --Doug Linn
Some sort of game-changing technology in EE that completely renders transistors obsolete while still being very cheap.
Some sort of technology that makes food virtually abundant.
I honestly don't think we should do anymore research into anti-aging stuff at this point; seems counterproductive. We just have more old people and fewer young people now.
I want there to be more research in Psychiatry - specifically the stuff that happens in the brain in common diseases like Depression and ADHD.
--"ADHD isn't a real disorder."
-"Yes it is, it's caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain."
--"Oh, so did you get diagnosed by having those chemicals analysed?"
-"No, my parents and school teachers talked to a docter and answered some questions."
Anyone who thinks these things aren't overdiagnosed is kidding themselves.
Modern: U M'Olk; B Goodstuff
There are other things, but I don't really care about them quite as much, even if neither neuroscience nor psychiatry are specifically my work.
Unfortunately, it's gotten to the point where anyone who feels that ADHD is overdiagnosed is considered insensitive.
I do believe that there is ADHD, but I don't believe it's as prevalent as it is being described at this point. I believe that the best treatment for ADHD is a balance of healthy lifestyle, therapy (to correct behaviors and thought patterns .. as ADHD often exists with Depression, Anxiety, and a host of other Psych problems), and SHORT-TERM Stimulant use. Unfortunately, most patients (and parents) are only interested in the quick fix, which often ends up with the patient taking Adderall (or an equivalent stimulant) for a long, long time.
Granted, the kids will do well in school while on Adderall. Let's not get into the issue of unfair advantage - it is well known that those without ADHD diagnosis will see improvements in their grades when they use Adderall. I have personally witnessed this happening with peers in college.
Also, unfortunately, there are few long term studies regarding long-term use of stimulants. Theoretically, I predict that the following would happen. Since Amphetamine-class stimulants cause Dopamine release (as opposed to Cocaine, which prevents reabsorpion), I believe that the the constant stimulation of DA will lead to quicker burn out of Dopaminergic neurons. This means the Basal Ganglia will have an increased Ach : DA balance, thus leading to Parkinsonian symptoms showing up earlier than expected (think Michael J Fox). Again, I haven't found definitive proof of this. Anyone interested in taking this project? =)
Rant over.
EDIT:
9909, I'd really appreciate any input regarding my theory if you could spare a moment. Thanks!
Are you talking about those who have a Dr. Brennan view of psychiatry? (The woman from the TV show Bones)
- colonizing mars. - Humans living on another planet yes.
- Thorium reactors. - more abundant than uranium, self contained reaction, can use radioactive waste as part of fuel.
- Robot slaves. - Obvious
- Quantum Communication - Instantaneous communication anywhere via entangled pairs.
- Carbon fiber indefinite length fabrication techniques. - Vital for a space elevator.
- Telomere repair which isn't cancerous. - Telomeres are a large factor as why we age, we also know that cancerous cells produce a hormone that regenerates their telomeres indefinitely.
That's not really how it works. Firstly: not all tumour cells overproduce telomerase. Furthermore: telomerase is not necessarily a sign of cancer; it has a genuine function in cells. Thirdly: it's not really a hormone, but that may be nitpicking.
I agree with this.
Storm Crow is strictly worse than Seacoast Drake.
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Annul is really good in EDH
Yeah telomerase is an enzyme, not a hormone. I would like more research into this because living forever would be awesome.
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Not to rain on your parade, but even with this, you would not live forever. Biological immortality, while nice, is not the same as living forever. Look at trees, for example. If left alone, they could see the end of the earth they're standing on. However, while they do not really age, they still get infected with all sorts of parasites and diseases, get eaten by herbivore, starved by poor summers, their reserves drained by harsh winters before they're chopped down to be made into toilet paper.
As your expected age increases, so does the probability of you being in all kinds of accidents (car/plane crasher, gas explosion), getting any kind of deadly disease and just getting the general short end of the proverbial stick.
Yes I know that biological immortality doesn't mean that you will actually live forever. However infections and diseases are all mostly treatable anyway and dying of starvation isn't really likely to happen here in Canada. Now granted car accidents are a very real possibility but you do your best to drive well. Biological immortality is not a reality now but that's why I want more research and I might just do it myself when I graduate.
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BBB MBC
WUR Control
WWW Prison
RRR Goblins
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UBG B/U/G Control
UWU StoneBlade
UW Miracle Control
Economic cycles is a topic that needs a definitive answer as well and that answer will only be reached with more investment on data gathering and more people on that research agenda. As soon as a definitive answer can be drown, the tech can't be adopted by most country's government and mankind can move on to the next stage, which is more global financial-economic cooperation and less warfare and knee jerking.
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It would also be completely unsustainable. There is not enough food, living space, employment, fuel, water, or countless other things to support a population where the old never died.
Edit: Also http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1TcDHrkQYg
Storm Crow is strictly worse than Seacoast Drake.
Specifically a permanent Lunar base. One with enough people that should a global apocalypse happen here on Earth the Human race would not go extinct and someday repopulate.
Vintage
Alternative fuel sources is the correct answer here. Breaking to dependence on oil and oil based fuel systems would be the way to go.