Growing Energy ? Juan Enriquez, TED Video Nov 2007

In summary, Juan Enriquez is a futurist who focuses on the impact of genomics and other life sciences on various aspects of society. He highlights the concept of cells as hardware, genes as software, and life as interchangeable code. He also mentions the work of Hamilton Smith, a Nobel Prize winner for discovering type II restriction enzymes, and how biology relates to energy. This presentation may be thought-provoking for young students and engineers considering their career paths.
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rhody
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Futurist: Juan Enriquez:
who, quoting his TED http://www.ted.com/speakers/juan_enriquez.html" :

"thinks and writes about the profound changes that genomics and other life sciences will cause in business, technology, politics and society."

iqftk5.jpg


http://www.ted.com/talks/juan_enriquez_wants_to_grow_energy.html"
Highlights:

12:15 defines cell as hardware, genes as software, "life" as code is interchangeable
13:00 Hamilton Smith: Nobel Prize: 1978 for discovering type II restriction enzymes
14:00 biology as energy

Before posting I did a search and this topic appears to be virgin, with the exception of two references to Hamilton Smith from other posts.

This presentation may give young students/young engineers something to think about when making career choices...

Enjoy: Rhody...
 
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right on!
 

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I find Juan Enriquez's talk on "Growing Energy" to be thought-provoking and insightful. He brings up the idea that biology is essentially a form of energy and that we can harness this energy to create new sources of power. This concept challenges traditional views of energy production and opens up the possibility for innovative solutions to our current energy crisis.

Enriquez's comparison of cells to hardware and genes to software is an interesting way to think about the complexity of life and how it can be manipulated. The discovery of type II restriction enzymes by Hamilton Smith is a prime example of how understanding the code of life can lead to revolutionary advancements.

I also appreciate Enriquez's emphasis on the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in solving global issues. The integration of biology, technology, and other fields will be crucial in developing sustainable energy sources for the future.

Overall, I believe that Enriquez's talk serves as a reminder for scientists to think outside the box and to consider the potential of biology in addressing the world's energy needs. It also highlights the potential for young students and engineers to make a significant impact in this field. I encourage others to watch this TED talk and explore the exciting possibilities of growing energy.
 

What is "Growing Energy"?

"Growing Energy" refers to the concept of using biological systems, such as plants and bacteria, to produce renewable energy sources. This can include using photosynthesis to create biofuels or harnessing the energy produced by microbes to generate electricity. The idea is to mimic and utilize the natural processes of living organisms to create sustainable sources of energy.

How does "Growing Energy" differ from traditional methods of energy production?

Traditional methods of energy production, such as burning fossil fuels, rely on finite resources and generate harmful emissions. "Growing Energy" utilizes renewable resources and produces little to no harmful byproducts. Additionally, it can be more decentralized and localized, reducing the need for large-scale infrastructure and transportation.

What are the potential benefits of "Growing Energy"?

The potential benefits of "Growing Energy" include reducing dependence on non-renewable resources, mitigating the negative effects of climate change, and promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. It also has the potential to create new industries and job opportunities in the field of biotechnology.

What are some challenges or limitations of "Growing Energy"?

One challenge of "Growing Energy" is scaling up production to meet the demands of a growing population. Another is the potential competition for land and resources, as some "Growing Energy" methods may require large areas of land for growing crops or cultivating microbes. Additionally, there may be technological and economic barriers to implementing these methods on a large scale.

What advancements have been made in the field of "Growing Energy"?

There have been significant advancements in "Growing Energy" in recent years, including the development of more efficient and cost-effective methods of producing biofuels and harnessing microbial energy. There is ongoing research and experimentation in this field, and it is constantly evolving as new technologies and techniques are discovered.

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