2 years ago
Scientists have created a living organism. What are the benefits and risks ?
Saw this news today: Scientists create a living organism
Excerpt:
“Scientists have turned inanimate chemicals into a living organism in an experiment that raises profound questions about the essence of life.
Craig Venter, the US genomics pioneer, announced on Thursday that scientists at his laboratories in Maryland and California had succeeded in their 15-year project to make the world’s first “synthetic cells” – bacteria called Mycoplasma mycoides.”
“The bacteria’s genes were all constructed in the laboratory “from four bottles of chemicals on a chemical synthesizer, starting with information on a computer,” he said.”
Abstract of the research article
more detailed info
This may be the beginning of synthetic biology, synthetic genomics.
What are the benefits and risks ?
Should mankind go ahead with this technology ?
any insights ?
Thanks.
Excerpt:
“Scientists have turned inanimate chemicals into a living organism in an experiment that raises profound questions about the essence of life.
Craig Venter, the US genomics pioneer, announced on Thursday that scientists at his laboratories in Maryland and California had succeeded in their 15-year project to make the world’s first “synthetic cells” – bacteria called Mycoplasma mycoides.”
“The bacteria’s genes were all constructed in the laboratory “from four bottles of chemicals on a chemical synthesizer, starting with information on a computer,” he said.”
Abstract of the research article
more detailed info
This may be the beginning of synthetic biology, synthetic genomics.
What are the benefits and risks ?
Should mankind go ahead with this technology ?
any insights ?
Thanks.
Separate topics with commas, or by pressing return. Use the delete or backspace key to edit or remove existing topics.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$1 Answer
"They then transferred the completed genome into the shell of another bacterium M capricolum whose own DNA had been removed."
They synthesized DNA... Not the whole organism. Which I thought was the case. They cranked out some DNA and inserted it into a functional Bacterium body. (it appears). Which I think is pretty scarry enough. since we barely know the first thing about DNA and its expression. We don't won't to BSoD the biosphere.
They synthesized DNA... Not the whole organism. Which I thought was the case. They cranked out some DNA and inserted it into a functional Bacterium body. (it appears). Which I think is pretty scarry enough. since we barely know the first thing about DNA and its expression. We don't won't to BSoD the biosphere.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$Report Abuse
