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.

The team, led by Dr Craig Venter of the J Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) in Maryland and California. Dr Venter has previously made a synthetic bacterial genome and successfully transplanted this genome of one bacterium to another.

However the scientists have now been able to put together both methods to create what they call a synthetic cell, although only its genome is truly synthetic. Dr Venter likened the advance 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.

The new bacteria reproduced itself quickly over a billion times and in the process it produced copies that contained and were controlled by the synthetic transplanted DNA. The team of scientists wishes to develop further cells so that they can then perform functions of 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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