'Artificial life' breakthrough announced by scientists

[ecstasy]

Scientists in the US have succeeded in developing the first living cell to be controlled entirely by synthetic DNA.
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.
Some also suggest that the potential benefits of the technology have been over-stated.
But the researchers hope eventually to design bacterial cells that will produce medicines and fuels and even absorb greenhouse gases.
The team was led by Dr Craig Venter of the J Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) in Maryland and California.

Craig Venter defends the synthetic living cell.
He and his colleagues had previously made a synthetic bacterial genome, and transplanted the genome of one bacterium into another.
Now, the scientists have put both methods together, to create what they call a "synthetic cell", although only its genome is truly synthetic.
More here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/science_and_environment/10132762.stm

[-:Undertaker:-]

I think some things are very dangerous to mess around with but its hard to draw the line in science.

[Nemo]

I think some things are very dangerous to mess around with but its hard to draw the line in science.
Well aslong as it's helping people or has some kind of use, then i dont see why a line would need to be drawn. Unless you're tlakin bout something like the human centipede, then fair enough.

[-:Undertaker:-]

Well aslong as it's helping people or has some kind of use, then i dont see why a line would need to be drawn. Unless you're tlakin bout something like the human centipede, then fair enough.

The risk is that you can create something that could potentially harm the enviroment or even be deadly to humans - as it would be immune to natural bacteria it would be impossible to stop/prevent spreading. It is very dangerous, comparable to visiting another planet in which alien bacteria could be brought back to Earth and cause havoc.

[Nemo]

The risk is that you can create something that could potentially harm the enviroment or even be deadly to humans - as it would be immune to natural bacteria it would be impossible to stop/prevent spreading. It is very dangerous, comparable to visiting another planet in which alien bacteria could be brought back to Earth and cause havoc.True, but that which can be created can also be destroyed!

[Stephen]

Oh well, atleast we can blame america

[GommeInc]

It's okay for a scientific break-through, but it shouldn't be relied upon or messed around with too much.

[Callum.]

what if they did humans and it turned out that they all had bad traits like serial killers and that. although i don't see why they would do it cus it's a bit pointless.