Could one of you fine folk explain the significance of Venter's recent announcement http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2007/oct/06/genetics.climatechange
They didn't build a genome from raw non-biological molecules. They used biological systems as building blocks. Does this work qualify as a truly major step? Also, Venter's somewhat garbled Wikipedia entry http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Venter#Mycoplasma_laboratorium suggests that he is "Singularity aware." He appeared at a talk with Kurzweil http://www.milkeninstitute.org/events/events.taf?EvID=456&EventID=GC05&cat=allconf&function=show&level1=program&level2=agenda. Can we surmise that many leading scientists who are not in AI and who are not known as Transhumanists in fact believe in the likelihood of a Singularity. If so, how do we draw them out from mere scientific belief to helping bring a positive Singularity? Joshua ----- This list is sponsored by AGIRI: http://www.agiri.org/email To unsubscribe or change your options, please go to: http://v2.listbox.com/member/?member_id=4007604&id_secret=50909305-524c37
