Welcome back
With Biome-Unknown, I want to remind you of the beauty that arises from a world that strives to live in understanding, creation, and a desire to learn and evolve. In uncertain times like these, we can take a lot of inspiration from people that manage to remain in this state of creation, wonder, and optimism.
Another reason I haven't posted recently is because I was writing an essay for a competition. You can check it out here.
Since the topic of the competition was 'Biology and the future of climate', I couldn't resist but build upon the material from my previous newsletter. That post didn't seem to get as much engagement as my other posts, but I consider it my favourite one so far, so definitely check it out if you haven't.
The Biotech Briefing
As a testament to Halloween, I want to talk about spiders.
Specifically I want to discuss the new research in the field of materials and fibers, how they were inspired by spiders, and how they are being redesigned with the help of synthetic biology.
In the grand scheme of material innovation, nature holds time-tested secrets. Among the myriad of natural wonders, spider silk is a marvel known for its exceptional strength and flexibility, outclassing synthetic counterparts like steel and nylon. The potential of integrating spider silk's superior properties in various applications is boundless, yet the technical and scientific hurdles have kept it from commercial realisation.
However, the realm of synthetic biology, through the modern marvel of one of its tools, CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology, is bringing us closer to unlocking this natural wonder.
Scientists, inspired by the mechanical properties of synthetic fibers like nylon and Kevlar, have delved into the mysteries of spider silk. Through this endeavour, they have introduced the ASM-INCBED concept, aiming to unveil the essence of strength and toughness in fibres.
With the power of CRISPR-Cas9, researchers embarked on a venture to modify the genetic code of silkworms, allowing them to produce spider silk.
The results were groundbreaking.
The engineered silkworms successfully spun spider silk fibers, exhibiting a high tensile strength of 1,299 MPa and remarkable toughness of 319 MJ/m^3, significantly outperforming Kevlar's toughness. This milestone not only paves the way for commercialising spider silk but also challenges the traditional belief that tensile strength and toughness in materials are mutually exclusive properties.
The significance of this accomplishment extends beyond the production of spider silk. It represents a harmonious melding of nature's designs with human technological advancements. It also delves deep into the molecular intricacies that govern the mechanical properties of fibers, providing crucial insights that could guide the development of superior synthetic fibers in the future.
The validated theories from this work serve as a robust framework for material scientists. The insights gained offer a roadmap for optimising the mechanical attributes of fibers, potentially leading to the development of super materials capable of transforming various sectors, from construction to aerospace.
It's a testament to the boundless possibilities that await when we unravel nature's codes and re-engineer them to address modern-day challenges.
AI Musings
Language Learning Models such as ChatGPT are helping us become way more efficient at what we are trying to achieve. In fact, we're becoming so efficient with it, that it's forcing us to start reflecting more on what we want to achieve, rather than stress over how to achieve it.
As a result, modern humans will probably become much more intentional about their decisions, and their work. We will be focusing on ensuring that our intentions and actions are not motivated by the wrong kinds of fear, or other emotions that constantly drive us.
To acquaint you with this notion, here are three interactive prompts you can explore with ChatGPT:
Engage in conversation with a Renowned Philosopher:
ChatGPT, having access to a vast array of books by eminent philosophers, can simulate engaging discussions with them. It's like having a conversation with the great minds from all the different eras of history.
Prompt for ChatGPT: 'You are now Socrates. I have a query for you.' - have fun
Seek Recommendations on Books or Music:
ChatGPT excels at providing personalised recommendations. Whether you're seeking a book to navigate through a particular life scenario or a song to resonate with your current mood, ChatGPT can be your go-to.
Example prompt: ‘I am keen on building better habits but find it challenging. Can you recommend a book?’ - ChatGPT can also provide a synopsis of the book to ensure it aligns with your expectations.
If it's music you're after, describe your mood or preferences, and let ChatGPT suggest tunes that might strike the right chord.
Nurture Your Ideas:
Writing is a journey of honing your thoughts and articulating what truly matters to you. Identifying the silver linings and sharing your optimism can be a beacon of hope in challenging times. ChatGPT can be a valuable ally in this endeavour, assisting you in refining your ideas and expressing them eloquently.