Breakthrough In Artificial Life
May 21st, 2010
US scientists today announced theta they have successfully developed the first synthetic living cell, a world first. The team of scientists and researches claim to have successfully added to a host cell a synthetic bacterium’s genetic software. The end result of this experiment was a host cell that looked and behaved like the impregnated synthetic DNA, which was effectively being dictated.
Critics have spoken out about the dangers of developing synthetic life forms and have heavily criticized the experiment, which has been billed as a scientific breakthrough.
Researchers hope to further develop the breakthrough to eventually create cells that can provide fuels, medicine and even combat and absorb harmful greenhouse effect gasses.
Dr Craig Venter based in Maryland and California and of the J Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) led the scientific research team. Previously, his team of scientists and researchers had successfully developed a synthetic based genome and then transplanted this from one bacterium to another.
The team of scientists has successfully put both of their methods together to create what they are calling a synthetic cell, although in truth the only true synthetic element is the genome. Dr Venter went on to compare the experiment as similar to making new software for the cell.
The team created the synthetic genome by copying an existing bacterial genome and then sequenced its genetic code and then used synthesis machines to chemically construct a like for like copy.
Once the transplant was completed the bacteria went on to replicate itself over a billion times and in doing so it produced copies of itself that controlled the host cell. The team of scientists hopes to further develop their methods in the hope they can develop a cell that can then perform functions of some value.
Dr Venter and his team of scientists are currently already collaborating and working with some pharmaceutical and fuel development companies in a bid to design and develop cell chromosomes for bacteria that could hopeful produce some useful methods of fuel and new vaccines and medicines.
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