I’d think we could probably engineer similarly insanely capable biotech if we were completely reckless, committed a serious fraction of our resources and people, and had infinite Earths to ruin in the process.

I’m not sure how GMO’s are handled, but I’m guessing it’s a quite restrictive on the engineering side and somewhat cautious in implementation.

We are likely a few hundred years away from actually synthesizing a close equivalent and if we do, this one most likely is THE molecule for planet Earth. Other molecules may be suited for other stars and other atmospheres, but clearly chlorophyll won the race of the most efficient simplest molecule to best utilize the resources of our planet.

actually we have solar panels and electrolysis of water, which produces hydrogen, which you can perceive to be H2, which is H-(CH2)0-H, so it’s the simplest (zeroth) hydrocarbon if you will. Not quite glucose, but it’s something.

btw i give H2 the name zen-ane (where zen means zero and -ane means it’s an alcane).

Shrooms fo life yo

That’s not saying much, since we have only observed roughly 0.0000001% of our galaxy’s planets. For all we know there are more planets with trees than without.

A setting I’m working on includes engineered plants for construction. Think a tree that can be shaped like a vine, a grow light box strapped to the leader node, the light box changes angles to get the plant to change direction of new growth, forming the main supports to have the floors built on. They’ve also got effectively artificial mycelium cultivated over entire planets that form internet connections and backup power grid, with fruiting bodies that provide solar energy to the system

“Leviathan” by Scott Westerfeld ?

The cotton plant, hemp and flax do grow fabric for clothes, and willow bark contains the active ingredient of Aspirin.
Flowers (Fabaceae) can even pick up nitrogen from the air and deposit it into the ground where it acts as fertilizer.

Children of time had a lot of this. One factions technology is mostly based on natural processes. Their most complicated computer systems are ant based if I remember well. Great book.

The Simpsons were the real sci-fi all along with Tomacco

Like a factory game but you have to modify plants and animal’s with crispr

Replace oxygen with dilithium and introduce a primitive species that safeguards it at conflict with the rolls die cardassians. Throw in some beastie boys for good measure.

That’s fucking great

Edit this reminds me of years ago, I was very bored working my security job on a plaza, I wrote a log entry is this kind of way. Normal public plaza with metal patio furniture and umbrellas… like an alien landscape

I found the noir one

I closed my eyes as I walked down the ramp, trying to shed the stress that’s been building. Routine etched into my body, I’m at one with the world. The curb arrives a step too soon and my whole body clenches, my eyes snap open. I noticed a Cadillac turning around, it’s diesel engine revving. I slowed and watched. He edges backwards and forwards too many times. The smell of gas overpowered the almost ever present mildew and moisture. My attention turned to the door. I raised my key to the lock, the resistance familiar and the clicking cathartic. An empty hallway, and another door. A satisfying click. A room. I turn the lights off. The other hallway is as lifeless as the first. I check each door, locked. One washroom clear, the next, spotless. I leave through the door I entered, diesel lingering in the air. I kept my eyes open for the walk up the ramp. I passed two women in a hushed conversation, a quick glance at my uniform and I’m quickly forgotten. The fleeting attention stirs me, a reminder of my solitude. I turn the corner, a gust of icy wind bites into my face and polyurethane coated Kevlar gloves. They aren’t right for the weather, being made to handle plate glass and sheet steel. Perfect for grabbing a blade, function over comfort. My eyes scan the lot, probing each corner. Empty. I reach where I began, my least favorite part. Crouching down, vulnerable, a bittersweet click unlocks this door, the latch along the bottom. Exposed to dirt, rain, slush, the lock drags me down to it’s level, every day, twice every hour. I’m exposed, just the same as it. The door opens and I straighten, nobody nearby. My gloves slip off and are thrown to the table, I’ve lost control to habit and routine. The cap comes off the pen and the tip presses to paper. “2134h. Patrolled, no issues.”

I heard that every five years oak trees produce WAY more acorns so that even if squirrels get them all every year, the fifth year they won’t be able to.

I come from outer space: Your grass is too dry, lacks life and squishiness. Your rocks are sharp and uneven and stupidly confusing. Your sea is too deep, too empty (damn scary) and it lacks nutrients. What even is the point of running marathons? Cultural quirk to want to move that fast. The Trees are nice though, gotta leave you that.

At least Florida has trees, though.

For now

Farf-etched

Fixed, thanks

R&D life cycle… hundreds of millions of years.

The manufacturer takes a really long time to respond to new feature requests, and most of the support tickets are still open.

This time of year the flowers and birds are quite active.