Body armor could be made from genetically engineered spider silk

Body armor is essential for protecting soldiers, but it’s also heavy, bulky, and uncomfortable to wear. Research and development into genetically engineered spider silk , however, could revolutionize the future of the protective gear. The U.S. Department of Defense awarded Michigan-based Kraig Biocraft Laboratories with a $100,000 grant to study the potential of “Dragon Silk,” a form of spider silk spun by genetically engineered silkworms.

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Body armor could be made from genetically engineered spider silk

Would You Drink Fake Cow’s Milk Made from Genetically Engineered Yeast?

Fake cow’s milk will be hitting the shelves next year. Muufri is a new animal-free milk cooked up by bioengineers from genetically engineered yeast. Unlike soy, rice or almond milk, Muufri was developed to replicate the taste and health benefits of cow’s milk , except it’s completely vegan. Read the rest of Would You Drink Fake Cow’s Milk Made from Genetically Engineered Yeast? Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg Post tags: animal-free milk , dairy-free milk , eco design , fake cow’s milk , green design , muufri , Perumal Gandhi , plant based milk , Ryan Pandya , sustainable design , vegan milk , yeast milk

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Would You Drink Fake Cow’s Milk Made from Genetically Engineered Yeast?

Handmade T2 LED Lamp Combines Natural Materials with Minimalist, Modern Design

Are you looking for a one-of-a-kind desk lamp that appeals to your eco-friendly sensibilities? If so, you won’t want miss out on Ukrainian designer Nick Ponomarenko’s T2 LED lamp , a minimalist and handmade light made from ash wood that’s currently available for pre-order on Kickstarter . Each T2 lamp is equipped with a custom LED board that produces 530 Lux of brightness on just 2 Watts of power. The T2 conveniently plugs into your computer via a custom built wooden USB connector. + T2 Lamp The article above was submitted to us by an Inhabitat reader. Want to see your story on Inhabitat ? Send us a tip by following this link . Remember to follow our instructions carefully to boost your chances of being chosen for publishing! Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg Post tags: “natural materials” , handmade , handmade lamp , kickstarter , lamp , Nick Ponomarenko , reader submitted content , T2 LED lamp , Wood , wooden usb connector

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Handmade T2 LED Lamp Combines Natural Materials with Minimalist, Modern Design

USDA Approves Genetically Modified “Innate Potato”

Last week, the USDA approved a genetically engineered potato, known as the Innate Potato. Created and trademarked by Simplot,  the new potato “has 40% less bruise” than regular potatoes and doesn’t turn brown after it’s cut, thereby reducing food wastage . It’s also lower in the amino acid asparagine, which oxidizes into a suspected human carcinogen when potatoes are cooked at high temperatures, such as when making french fries or potato chips. One of Simplot’s biggest customers is McDonald’s , and the company is already being lobbied by anti-GMO campaigners to not accept Simplot’s new offering, despite its touted benefits. Read the rest of USDA Approves Genetically Modified “Innate Potato” Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg Post tags: acrylamide , asparagine , GE crops , GE potato , genetically engineered , genetically modified foods , GM , GM potato , GMO , GMO crops , mcdonalds , Monsanto , potato , RNA interference , Simplot , usda

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USDA Approves Genetically Modified “Innate Potato”

Bielefeld University Students Produce Batteries Powered by E.Coli Bacteria

Image via iGEM team 2013 A team of ten students at Bielefeld University, Germany have come up with a new source of electricity – the infection-causing bacteria Escherichia coli. Their ground-breaking technology uses the bacteria to convert glucose into energy. The team hopes that the bacteria-powered batteries might prove to be a viable form of renewable energy, and will present their project at this year’s international Genetically Engineered Machine competition (iGEM) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston, USA. Read the rest of Bielefeld University Students Produce Batteries Powered by E.Coli Bacteria Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg Post tags: alternative energy , bacteria power , bacteria powered , Bielefeld University , e.coli , Escherichia coli , green energy , igem , international Genetically Engineered Machine , massachusetts institute of technolog , mfcs , microbial fuel cells , MIT , renewable energy        

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Bielefeld University Students Produce Batteries Powered by E.Coli Bacteria

Rayfish Footwear Pioneers Genetically Engineered Stingray-Leather Sneakers

Think wearing leather is inhumane? Then try this on for size: Thailand-based shoe company  Rayfish Footwear actually breeds live  bespoke stingrays , harvesting them for their leather to make each pair of custom-designed sneakers. Using a process known as ”bio-customization,” the company combines patterns and colors from dozens of ray species, resulting in a transgenic “designer stingray” like no other. Thinking about investing in a pair of custom sneaks? Better save your pennies – pair of Rayfish sneakers starts at a whopping $14,800. READ MORE > Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg Post tags: bio-customization , bioengineering , DNA manipulation , Fashion , footwear , genetically engineered stingrays , Rayfish footwear , Rayfish sneakers , Raymond Ong , stingray leather , stingray sneakers , unethical fashion

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Rayfish Footwear Pioneers Genetically Engineered Stingray-Leather Sneakers

Federal Agency Faces Lawsuit Over GMO Crops in U.S. Wildlife Refuges

“Allowing pesticide-promoting, [genetically engineered] crops degrades these vital ecosystems and is antithetical to the basic purpose of our refuge system.”

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Federal Agency Faces Lawsuit Over GMO Crops in U.S. Wildlife Refuges

Carbon Nanotubes in Environment Affect The Growth of Algae

It’s still difficult to say how carbon nanotubes that make their way into the environment will affect flora and fauna, but some possibilities are already known

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Carbon Nanotubes in Environment Affect The Growth of Algae

10,000 Tar Sands Protesters Expected to Join Hands, Encircle White House

This weekend, Obama’s home will literally be surrounded. Thousands of Americans are expected to join together to call on the president to stop the Keystone XL.

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10,000 Tar Sands Protesters Expected to Join Hands, Encircle White House

How Much Money is Car-Commuting Costing You?

It could be a lot more than you think, especially if you take the long view…

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How Much Money is Car-Commuting Costing You?

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