Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

All the living matter on or in the earth, the oceans and seas, and the atmosphere. The area of the planet in which life is found to occur. Literally, the part of the earth that supports life; more broadly, a large community of life-forms sharing a similar environment, such as a rain forest or prairie…

Microorganisms which, either by themselves or in conjunction with a support/substrate system (e.g., inert granules) effect the extraction (e.g., from ore) and/or concentration of desired (precious) metals or organic compounds by means of selective retention of those entities. Retention of organic compounds (e.g., gasoline) may be for the purpose of cleaning polluted soil.  

A biomimetic, man-made fiber produced by: A. sequencing the “dragline silk” protein that is produced by the orb-weaving spider; B. synthesizing genes to code for the “dragline silk” protein (components); C. expressing those genes in a suitable host (i.e., yeast, bacteria) to cause production of the protein(s); D. dissolving the protein in a solvent, and…

Electronic sensors that are able to detect and measure the presence of biomolecules such as sugars or DNA segments. Currently created by: (a) Fusing organic matter (e.g., enzymes, antibodies, receptors, or nucleic acids) to tiny electrodes; yielding devices that convert natural chemical reactions into electric current to measure blood levels of certain chemicals (e.g., glucose…

Chemically based devices that are able to detect and/or measure the presence of certain molecules (e.g., DNA, antigens, pesticides, etc.). These devices are currently created in the following forms: A two-part diagnostic test that can detect the presence of trace amounts of specific chemicals (e.g., pesticides). The (chemical) biosensor consists of an immobilized enzyme (to…

Plant seeds produced via genetic engineering of existing plants.  

The use of microorganisms (including bacteria, fungi, and algae) in the recovery of (collecting of) various metals and/or organic compounds from ores or garbage (other matrices).  

A high molecular weight organic compound found in nature, whose structure can be represented by a repeated small unit [i.e., monomer (links)]. Common biopolymers include cellulose (long-chain sugars found in most plants and the main constituent of dried woods, jute, flax, hemp, cotton, etc.) and proteins in general and specifically collagen and gelatin. A polymer…

An area of scientific study in which physical principles, physical methods, and physical instrumentation are used to study living systems or systems related to life. It overlaps with biophysical chemistry, which is more specialized in scope since it is concerned with the physical study of chemically isolated substances found in living organisms. Science that applies…

An inter-science discipline for constructing artificial systems that resemble or have the characteristics of living systems. The process of applying knowledge of biological systems to mechanical and electronic devices. Study of the applicability of machines and devices to resolving medical problems, as in the replacement of natural parts (e.g., the bionic arm). The utilization of information…