‘Beautiful blobs’: synthetic life a step closer as scientists make cells using lab-made DNA
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have successfully created 'SpudCells,' synthetic blobs that use lab-made DNA to grow and replicate. This development marks a significant step toward understanding the fundamental requirements for creating artificial life.
Why it matters
Synthetic biology breakthroughs could eventually lead to the creation of organisms designed to produce medicine, food, and sustainable fuel.
A super-resolution image of SpudCell’s liposomes with an encapsulated genome and active protein expression. Photograph: Orion Venero/Adamala Lab A super-resolution image of SpudCell’s liposomes with an encapsulated genome and active protein expression. Photograph: Orion Venero/Adamala Lab Science ‘Beautiful blobs’: synthetic life a step closer as scientists make cells using lab-made DNA Tiny, quivering spheres designed to feed and multiply raise prospect of artificial organisms to make drugs, food and fuel
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