Summit Post

The Second Cooing: Raising Passenger Pigeons from the Dead

Philip Bethge — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 08:02:47 +0000

The world has been without passenger pigeons since 1914. Now, scientists want to bring them back. Geneticist Ben Novak has embarked on the project and has begun collecting passenger pigeon DNA from natural history museums. His “de-extinction” efforts are not without critics. By Philip Bethge The eye sockets of the slender pigeon are filled with [...]

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The Wizard of Stem Cell Science: Robert Lanza and the Dawning of a New Era of Hope

Philip Bethge — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 17:53:11 +0000

Ethical worries have slowed medical research into applications for stem cells. But scientists like Robert Lanza have developed less controversial ways to derive stem cells from normal body cells rather than embryos and are already launching the first clinical trials. By Philip Bethge Stem cell researcher Robert Lanza hopes to save thousands of lives — [...]

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Interview with Edward O. Wilson on Human Evolution and the Origin of Morals

Philip Bethge — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 19:16:09 +0000

American sociobiologist Edward O. Wilson is championing a controversial new approach for explaining human evolution and the origins of virtue and sin. In an interview, the world-famous ant reseacher explains why he believes the inner struggle is the characteristic trait of human nature. By Philip Bethge and Johann Grolle Edward O. Wilson doesn’t come across [...]

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SPIEGEL Blog: Surrogate Mother (Not Yet) Sought for Neanderthal

Philip Bethge — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 19:34:31 +0000

An interview published last week by SPIEGEL with American genetic scientist George Church has sparked frenetic media speculation about a supposed plan to bring the Neanderthal back from the dead. Church feels his remarks were mistranslated, but it was other media outlets that twisted his words. “Wanted: Surrogate Mother For Neanderthal,” screamed an article in [...]

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Interview with George Church: Can Neanderthals Be Brought Back from the Dead?

Philip Bethge — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 19:20:07 +0000

In a SPIEGEL interview, synthetic biology expert George Church of Harvard University explains how DNA will become the building material of the future — one that can help create virus-resistant human beings and possibly bring back lost species like the Neanderthal. –> Update: The Interview has sparked frenetic media speculation about a supposed plan to [...]

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Preservation in a Petri Dish: Scientists Hope Cloning Will Save Endangered Animals

Philip Bethge — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 22:45:26 +0000

Biotechnicians want to use cloning to save endangered species, but they are having only limited success. Critics say that the push toward a new era of wildlife conservation trivializes extinction and funding would be better spent on preserving animal habitats. By Philip Bethge A number of times each week, Martha Gómez creates new life. Today, [...]

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Microsofts Craig Mundie: “Microsoft can be cool!”

Philip Bethge — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 16:12:03 +0000

In a SPIEGEL interview, Craig Mundie, 63, Chief Research and Strategy Officer at Microsoft, discusses the companies future, the mistakes of the past, computing in the 21st century, the upcoming Windows 8 Software and the Surface tablet. This is an extended version of an interview published at SPIEGEL Online International. SPIEGEL: Microsoft will presents a [...]

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Papua New Guinea’s Royal Trophy: Are Collectors Key to Saving Giant Butterfly?

Philip Bethge — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 17:56:51 +0000

Papua New Guinea is home to the world’s largest butterfly, but oil palm plantations are threatening the rare species’ habitat. Conservationists and local residents alike would like to save the species by lifting a ban on trade in the butterfly and selling it for thousands of dollars to collectors. By Philip Bethge The butterfly’s silhouette [...]

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Michio Kaku: ‘Eternal Life Does Not Violate the Laws of Physics’

Philip Bethge — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 18:09:40 +0000

In his best-selling book “Physics of the Future,” American professor Michio Kaku lays out his vision for the world in 2100. Kaku, the son of Japanese immigrants, spoke to SPIEGEL about a future in which toilets will have health monitoring sensors and contact lenses will be connected to the Internet. SPIEGEL: Professor Kaku, in your [...]

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Rio+20: Don’t Complain, Do Something! It’s Time for Business to Take Lead on Environment

Philip Bethge — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 17:28:41 +0000

Inter-governmental attempts at environmental protection have failed. It is time for environmentalists to recognize that fact and turn to industry. The “Green Economy” has become the new watchword at the Rio summit. But can Starbucks, Shell and Nestlé really save the planet? A Commentary by Philip Bethge It was predictable. The Rio+20 environmental summit looked [...]

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A Future of Self-Surveillance? Tech Pioneers Track Bodily Functions Day and Night

Philip Bethge — Tue, 01 May 2012 16:03:25 +0000

Using smartphone apps and sensors, high tech pioneers are monitoring their own bodily functions such as heart rates, sleep patterns and blood. The ‘self trackers’ dream of a digitalized medicine that will enable people to lead healthier lives by getting around-the-clock updates on what goes on inside their bodies By Philip Bethge Larry Smarr’s large intestine appears to float [...]

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Lear Jets of the Deep: Private Submarines Gain Popularity with Millionaires

Philip Bethge — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 19:03:39 +0000

A new class of private submarines has become the latest plaything for the super rich. They allow would-be adventurers to navigate the wonders of the coral reefs, explore shipwrecks or even to cruise alongside dolphins. The cheapest models start at $1.7 million, but prices can go as high as $80 million – by Philip Bethge Just recently, [...]

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Undeterred by Fukushima: Nuclear Lobby Pushes Ahead with New Reactors

Philip Bethge — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:36:30 +0000

One year after the reactor accident in Fukushima, resistance to nuclear energy is growing around the world. But the atomic industry continues to push for the construction of new reactors, primarily in emerging economies. The German government even wants to support that expansion — despite the fact it has abandoned nuclear power back home. By SPIEGEL Staff. [...]

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Feeding the Dream Business: Inside the World of the Hollywood Paparazzi

Philip Bethge — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:05:25 +0000

Paparazzi have a bad reputation for bending the rules to satisfy the world’s insatiable demand for celebrity photos. But the business is also incredibly lucrative, something that prompted Bill Gates’ Corbis photo agency to buy the world’s top paparazzi shop. Some in the industry are trying to free it from its sleazy image, but upstart [...]

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Antibiotics Prove Powerless as Super-Germs Spread

Philip Bethge — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:47:44 +0000

Antibiotics were once the wonder drug. Now, however, an increasing number of highly resistant — and deadly — bacteria are spreading around the world. The killer bugs often originate in factory farms, where animals are treated whether they are sick or not. By SPIEGEL Staff The pathogens thrive in warm, moist environments. They feel comfortable in [...]

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