CRIPRier; The 8 Robot Showboat; Reprinting Planes; Nano Electric Synapses; Not Passing Over Rice; Russia Says Peace When There is No Peace; Fidel Blows Kisses and Bows; Saudi King Snubs Obama; and Morality Police Rising

There's a particularly interesting story today on more progress made towards the ability to edit human DNA. Also changing Passover dietary laws, artificial synapses, and a guy touting his wealth with 8 robot helpers in his wake.

Genetics

Breakthrough method means CRISPR just got a lot more relevant to human health theverge

The new method, described today in Nature, is called the "base-editing technique." It relies on the same basic mechanism as the standard CRISPR method, but unlike its predecessor, it doesn’t need to cut both strands of the DNA double-helix to alter the genetic code. Instead, the technique can directly convert a single letter of DNA to another, without deleting and inserting a bunch of random letters in the process. Because of this, the researchers were able to genetically alter human cells and mouse cells to reverse single-letter mutations that are associated with late-onset Alzheimer’s and breast cancer.

Another, somewhat related article: New Genetically Modified CRISPR-Mushroom Bypasses USDA Regulations

Society

Rich Chinese man takes 8 robot helpers on shopping spree asiancorrespondent

The middle-aged tycoon was photographed splurging on some jewelry, escorted by his mechanical personal assistants that carried his designer purchases, as well as his coat, bottled water, and a towel (just in case he broke a sweat from all the shopping).

3D Printing

ISRAELI AIR FORCE KEEPS THEIR OLD PLANES ACTIVE WITH 3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY 3dprint

“A new plane can cost tens of millions of dollars, and the delivery time can take years. We don’t have the money or the time to spend on such projects,” said one senior officer associated with the AMU. “Here in this unit we can turn an old plane into something that is quite capable of competing on the battlefield with new planes, and in fact we can ensure that these planes will remain competitive and mission-worthy for another decade.”

Brain

Scientists create nanoscale electronic synapses for neural networks ibtimes.co.uk

As part of the continued quest to design computers that can process information as quickly as the human mind, Russian scientists have developed a new prototype for electronic synapses that uses hafnium oxide-based memristors built at a nanoscale to emulate certain functions of a real brain synapse.

Passover

Sushi for Passover? With age-old ban lifted, rice is now kosher at seder meal jpost

This year, the Passover menus of many American Jews may feature rice and beans or sushi for the first time, thanks to new rules taking them off the list of foods forbidden during the elaborate meals prepared for the long holiday, which begins on Friday.

What I found fascinating about this article is that this change is removing a dietary law that was an extra-Biblical diatary law in the first place. Reminds me of Jesus' comment to the Pharasises who added to God's law to the Israelites as to actually invalidate God's law for the sake of their traditions (Mark 7:9-13). For a review of what God did say to eat as a reminder of His saving them from the Egyptians, check out Exodus 12:1-51. Let us also not forget the final Passover Lamb, Jesus, whose blood covers those who are found in Him so that the wrath of God will pass over when the final judgement comes. The first Passover was merely a shadow of the final, greater one.

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing! (Rev 5:12)

Syria

Russia ignores Obama's plea for Syria ceasefire, shifts forces to Aleppo foxnews v

In addition, "hundreds" of new Iranian troops have been seen in Syria, according to officials briefed on the latest intelligence in the region.

Cuba

In Farewell, Fidel Castro Urges Party to Fulfill His Vision nytimes

“Soon, I will be 90,” said Mr. Castro, 89...“Our turn comes to us all,” added Mr. Castro, who made his longest public address in years clad in a blue track jacket, “but the ideas of Cuban communism will endure.”

Saudia Arabia

Saudis deliver snub to Obama amid tensions over Iran, Syria washingtontimes

Stepping off of Air Force One at the airport in the Saudi capital, Mr. Obama was greeted not by King Salman but by a lower-ranking royal, Prince Faisal bin Bandar Al Saud, the governor of Riyadh. Ahead of the president’s arrival, Saudi state television showed the king personally greeting senior officials from other Gulf nations arriving at an air base.

Unlike some previous visits, Mr. Obama’s arrival was not shown live on Saudi state television, either.

Also Obama arrives in Saudi Arabia amid tense times between the nations

Morality

Influx of morality police to patrol the streets of Tehran theguardian

Police in Tehran are deploying 7,000 undercover morality agents tasked with a fresh crackdown on women defying strict rules on the wearing of the hijab, among other offences deemed un-Islamic.

They target anything from loose-fitting headscarves, tight overcoats, shortened trousers for women and glamorous hairstyles to necklaces for men. Walking dogs has also been added to the long list of activities that upset the authorities.