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Scientists working with J. Craig Venter have successfully created a completely artificial life form for the first time in human history. Today is truly a milestone in biotechnology, unrivaled since the Human Genome Project was completed in 2003.
BBC News - 'Artificial life' breakthrough announced by scientists
BBC News - 'Artificial life' breakthrough announced by scientists
Scientists in the US have succeeded in developing the first synthetic living cell.
The researchers constructed a bacterium's "genetic software" and transplanted it into a host cell.
The resulting microbe then looked and behaved like the species "dictated" by the synthetic DNA.
The advance, published in Science, has been hailed as a scientific landmark, but critics say there are dangers posed by synthetic organisms.
Dr Craig Venter says yeast, chemicals, and computers were used by scientists
The researchers hope eventually to design bacterial cells that will produce medicines and fuels and even absorb greenhouse gases.