The Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network has published its first paper, Comprehensive genomic characterization defines human glioblastoma genes and core pathways. This paper reports several novel mutations in brain cancer and reflects a tremendous effort of a truly cross-discipline and cross-institution consortium. I'll post more on this and other cancer-related efforts soon. In the meantime, you can read the coverage in the press: NIH, Nature, Washington University Medical News, AP, GenomeWeb, and Wired (or choose... Full Post
People in politics should realize that everything they say is recorded. Remember all the things the pundits and Republicans said before Gov. Palin was selected as Sen. McCain's VP pick? The Daily Show does. I said "Who put all those things in your head? Things that make me feel that I'm mad And you're making me feel like I've never been born." She Said, She Said — The Beatles Full Post
Scientists and Engineers for America have posted Sen. Obama's responses to questions they sent him regarding his stance on a variety of science-related issues. Sen. McCain has not responded, but SEA has an analysis of his positions. There is also a chart comparing the two candidates' positions on scientific issues. Below is a summary of the candidates' major differences on these issues. Sen. Obama favors subsidies for alternative fuels and Sen. McCain does not Sen.... Full Post
I've been getting a lot of spam comments on the blog so I added a CAPTCHA to comment posting. Specifically, I have added CAPTCHA's from the reCAPTCHA project which uses CAPTCHA's to help digitize old books. Adding the CAPTCHA's was greatly facilitated by the WordPress reCAPTCHA plugin. So rest assured, every time you post a comment, you are helping to enlarge the freely available intellectual commons. Full Post
Sen. McCain has recently released his technology platform. Sen. Obama has had his technology platform available for while. Sadly, Sen. McCain's proposals seem to favor moneyed, entrenched interests by opposing common sense patent reform and net neutrality. Update: Lawrence Lessig has posted his response to Sen. McCain's technology platform. One warning, it is nearly 17 minutes long. Full Post