13 Feb 2010

Quantum computing is no more an academic speculation [12]. Link to this article

12 Feb 2010

42 variations on ZYMACHI logo. Link to this article

09 Feb 2010

Really amazing CGI animation that shows DNA coiling, replicating, transcripting and translating. It was created by Drew Berry of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. I love it because you hear the hum of molecular activity. Last part, on haemoglobine anaemia, is dramatic.

Next one is on HIV lifecycle, it isn’t as good, but it’s very educative.

In the meanwhile (2009) they discovered another way HIV spreads from cell to cell. Link to this article

08 Feb 2010

In 2006, after the discover of a “tenth planet”, the International Astronomical Union decided to rewiev the concept of planet. According to the resolution, Pluto has been downgraded to the rank of Dwarf Planet, along with Ceres, Eris, Makemake and Haumea. From 200 to 2000 dwarf planets are expected to be found outside Neptune’s orbit. In my story, a dwarf planet threatens Earth [3]. In search for a name, I found “Nestis” (from a fragment of Empedocles), alleged nickname of Persephone, Queen of the Dead, or Iron Queen, according to Odysseus. Link to this article

08 Feb 2010

First source of inspiration is “Fantastic Voyage”, the 1966 film where a submarine crew is shrinked and injected into a human body. I particulary love the scene in wich Pleasence is ingested by the white blood cell. I know that Cameron is planning a remake, maybe after a pair of Avatar clones. Unfortunately I’ve missed the animated sequel (1968) and Joe Dante’s “Innerspace” (1987). For oversized and undersized aliens, check also Voltaire’s “Micromégas”, written in 1752, and “Pictures can’t lie”, by Katherine MacLean (1955). Link to this article

05 Feb 2010

KEGG ATLAS is a graphical interface to the global metabolism map with zooming and navigation capabilities (works with Chrome or Firefox). Link to this article