Scientists Replay Movie Encoded in DNA
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“For the first time, a primitive movie has been encoded in – and then played back from – DNA in living cells. Scientists funded by the National Institutes of Health say it is a major step toward a ‘molecular recorder’ that may someday make it possible to get read-outs, for example, of the changing internal states of neurons as they develop.” NIMH
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UK Church Encourages Worshipers to Send Prayers by Text Message
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“A church in Britain has started a text-a-prayer service, allowing members to at least send their prayers to the church’s mobile phone if they are unable to attend services.” CPost
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The Subtle Conditioning of Social Media
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“… in the digital playground that is Facebook, our inputs are binary. We either completely like something or we don’t; we either completely share something or we don’t.”
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How smart phones and social media are changing religion
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“Many Christians are turning to apps and memes to express their faith instead of churches – and it’s raising intriguing questions about the future of the world’s largest religion.” BBC News
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How to Determine the Impact of Technology on Our Daily Lives
Many brilliant and creative people have worked over the last few decades to develop digital technology. As with many inventions, the conception and the consequences were years apart, and what was imagined as the possible uses of technology was probably very different from the reality.
So, now we have this amazing variety of tools at our disposal. Nearly every house has a computer, and there seems to be a smartphone in every hand. I have more technology in my purse than NASA had to get men on the moon.
As with anything, there are extremes of attitude about technology. Some take it for granted and don’t think it is important to consider whether or not tech has a positive or negative impact; it’s part of our lives, no big deal. Others are suspicious and fearful, prophesying The End of Civilization As We Know It with every iteration.
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Clickbait & Fake News: A Teachable Moment
Christians. Purveyors of truth, protectors of principle, stewards of integrity … until we pass on a fake news story or get hooked by clickbait.
We want to be good examples to our children and students so we can teach them biblical principles of honesty and integrity (Proverbs 12:17, Colossians 3:9), but it’s far too easy in today’s world to react to and share a story before we think it through.
And then with one click, we can spread a lie to a few thousand of our closest friends.
Addressing this issue is a lesson a family can learn together. Here are some useful tips and activities to help you discern truth and avoid passing on gossip and lies.
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Tiny implants can replace keys, store business cards and medical data—and eventually a lot more
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Wall Street Journal: When Information Storage Gets Under Your Skin
… it won’t be long before the implants will allow them to make payments in cafes or shops, the way smart cards are used.
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New Emoji Bible Recalls Age-Old Translation Debate
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“It’s a King James Version (KJV) with 10 to 15 percent of the text swapped for emojis; about one or two symbols appear in each verse.” CT
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