dolly
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Scientists clone monkeys for the first time
Ever since cloning produced Dolly the sheep, scientists have copied a slew of mammals ranging from dogs to ponies. Primates, however, have been elusive -- until now. Chinese researchers have successfully cloned a macaque monkey fetus twice, producing sister monkeys Hua Hua and Zhong Zhong using the same basic method used to create Dolly. The team removed the nucleus from monkey eggs and replaced it with DNA from the fetus, implanting the resulting eggs in female monkeys for them to give birth.
Dolly the sheep's clones are healthy, thank you
When Dolly the cloned sheep fell victim to premature aging, lung disease and osteoarthritis, that triggered many fears. Is cloning safe? Would her fellow clones also meet an early end? Apparently, you can relax. A University of Nottingham study shows that four of Dolly's genomic clones (Daisy, Debbie, Denise and Dianna) are healthy, with no conditions that suggest they're aging too quickly. Some showed early signs of osteoarthritis, but that's normal for their advanced age. In short: cloning, if all goes well, is safe.
Double Robotics turns its telepresence robot into a VR rig
There's one big problem with trying to capture virtual reality video while moving... those pesky humans. Even if you have stabilizing gear, the person carrying the camera will still limit what and how you shoot. Double Robotics has a simple answer to that, though: its newly-launched 360 Camera Dolly robot transforms the company's telepresence bot into a remotely controlled, silent VR camera rig. If you want to record a cinematic tracking shot or college campus tour, you don't need any people or noisy equipment on the scene.
Insert Coin: ZIP-Shooter lets you dolly around or track straight (video)
In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line. If you're tired of shaky-vision in your films but don't have Spielbergian budgets, the ZIP-Shooter might be your secret weapon. By manipulating the wheels, you can track your DSLR, iPhone or other video cam in a straight line or around a bend, and use it as a tabletop, low or even worm-vision underslung dolly. With a 20-pound max weight limit, it'll handle most DSLR and lens combos, and you could even squeak on a light Red Scarlet package, while still collapsing it into a camera bag after usage. ZIP-Shooter is underway with $1,203 so far and a goal of $25,000 -- to see if you'd like to pledge $350 to get one, truck past the break and check the video.
CineSkates go mini, still harnessing the power of smooth
You remember CineSkates, right? They're the camera tripod that looks like a Gorillapod that's just discovered the miracle of rollerblading. It's got a little sibling now -- the miniSkates Video Dolly, a rollable mount that works with phones and cameras that weigh up to 1.5 pounds. The minis are available for $150 as a complete set (Gorillapod included) or $95 for just the skates. Check out the smooth video after the break.
Olive: the first feature film 'intentionally' shot on a smartphone (video)
Sure, your smartphone might shoot HD, you might even have a dolly, but most of us know that 30 seconds of accidental filming inside a pocket and a blurry clip from the office party are about the best we can hope for. Not director Hooman Khalili. He made a feature length film using his trusty Nokia N8 and a custom lens, and now plans to show it in movie theaters. The film, called Olive, tells the story of a mute little girl, and the impact she has on the lives of those who meet her. Partly financed by the former Facebook CPO Chris Kelly, this Kickstarter story has the making of a movie itself. Should it raise the required $300k in funding, Khalili hopes it might even get a sniff by the Academy. That's assuming, of course, they've had a recent change of policy. For a sneak peak and a look at the making of, check the video after the break.
