If you’re into reverse engineering biological systems–in my mind, one of the most fun parts about AI programming–this talk by Drew Endy is absolutely a blast. Also be sure to check out the BioBricks project at openwetware.org or download the actual “bricks” at the MIT Registry of Standard Biological Parts.

The BioBricks are sequences of DNA described in a standardized, open-source format where each sequence represents a single, interchangeable part or “device”. A data sheet is provided for each device that describes what it does and what its tolerances and parameters are, etc., similar to the data sheet for an electronics part. Like an electronic component, devices can be combined together to make more complicated structures. When you’re finished designing your device, the sequenced DNA can be inserted as a plasmid into a suitable host cell and used to make all kinds of cool stuff, like this biological film where the bacteria change color in response to light.

Hello World displayed by light-sensitive, color-changing eColi

Gary Gygax, one of the co-creators of Dungeons and Dragons alongside Dave Arneson, passed away in his home today at age 69. Well-known for his founding contributions to the ever-popular genre of fantasy and role playing games, Gyax wrote, published and was otherwise involved in more than 80 games, related products and books enjoyed by millions of hobbiests worldwide.

When I was in elementary school, my parents didn’t have money for lunch money so I washed dishes in the school cafeteria. Because I had to work the lunch line during the time when I would normally have lunch, I had to stay in during recess to eat. A Korean boy and a few other children were in the same situation. We used to play D&D together while we ate, and we had a lot of fun anyway even though we couldn’t go outside. I kept those friends all the way through high school and beyond. Thanks, Gary, for the good times. We’ll miss you.

Original forum announcement from Troll Lord Games

CNN News summary

Congratulations to Kloonigames, winner of the Seumas McNally Grand Prize at the 10th Annual Independent Games Festival Awards, for their game Crayon Physics Deluxe.

Way to go, guys!

Courtesy XKCD:

I was recently introduced to the delightfully-dystopian SL build of Suffugium. The New World Notes describes it as “Donald Trump meets George Orwell”, and I’d have to agree. It’s dark, oppressive and a lot of fun. There’s plenty to do and explore–to clarify for you cynics, that’s plenty of non-porn things to do–from avoiding the roving police drones to wandering through the twisting sewer maze.

All visitors are requested to give a handscan id. Don’t worry if you miss it; the police droids will find you for an obligatory scan soon enough!

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