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In a development that seems likely to stir a firestorm of controversy, researchers said Thursday that they have used genes made in the lab to create a synthetic species of bacteria.
"We're here to announce the first synthetic cell," said J. Craig Venter, head of the self-named J. Craig Venter Institute in Rockville, Md., and leader of one of the teams that decoded the human genome.
He told reporters that the new species -- dubbed Mycoplasma mycoides JCVI-syn1.0 -- is similar to one found in nature, except that the chromosome that controls each cell was created from scratch. The research is reported in the May 20 issue of the journal Science.
The new species, Venter said, started with researchers digitizing the genetic code for the new species on computers, then assembling the nucleotides using "four bottles of chemicals" into sections of DNA. The DNA sections were assembled in yeast cells to form a synthetic chromosome, which was then transferred to a related species of bacteria, M. capricolum
Late in March, the researchers told reporters, the modified cells began replicating and formed a "blue colony" of the new species.
"This is the first self-replicating species that we've had on the planet whose parent is a computer," Venter said.
Indeed, he and his colleagues consistently used computer language to describe the work. The new chromosome is like an operating system, they said, and it reprograms the M. capricolum cells to become M. mycoides.
A team of scientists at Oxford University have printed — yes, printed — what could be the predecessors to usable synthetic human tissue.
The researchers released a paper called A Tissue-Like Material, announcing that they created their own version of a 3D printer, saying the current ones on the market couldn’t print what they were after, according to PhsyOrg. And what were they after? A protein sack of water that can mold itself into different shapes and perform similar functions to human cells. After developing the printer, the team was able to print out a series of droplets that formed a network of human-like cells that could act like nerves and send electrical signals across the network.
Cobaltic1978
We certainly struggle with sunlight as well, having to wear shades or putting our hands over our brow to see in sunlight direction. I have always found this odd, as if we truly evolved on Earth, then surely our brow would be protruding?
No it doesn't. Science does not address the matter since it is not a testable hypothesis.
I know it is very difficult to accept God as Creator. It goes against current 'scientific notions'.
Who says life was created artificially?
Humans have not been able to create life artificially.
2012newstart
One may say "God did it" for us and others, or you may think of the fact that God doesn't actually have hands to do it because he is Spirit, but has to send someone to do it in his name? We are temporarily banned from space yet we are a chosen race. God chose us the bad and stupid ones to show his strength.
GargIndia
Humans have not been able to create life artificially. Even an Amoeba has not been created from its raw materials (elements). So humans are in NO position to challenge God as creator.
choos
GargIndia
Humans have not been able to create life artificially. Even an Amoeba has not been created from its raw materials (elements). So humans are in NO position to challenge God as creator.
does this include clones?? or IVF babies?
Phage
Who says life was created artificially?
SisyphusRide
I think what the poster means is our origins... it does seem and I have heard it in may documentaries not even related to theism or evolution.
they use one main example that we're not built for this environment like other animals are, that we are not born on our feet and following our parent in the wild... that we require years of nurture before we are able to fend on our own.
there has been no proof that in the past during our journey to modern humans that anything or at any time things have been different.
cave babies weren't born on their feet with a spear in their hand...
choos
SisyphusRide
I think what the poster means is our origins... it does seem and I have heard it in may documentaries not even related to theism or evolution.
they use one main example that we're not built for this environment like other animals are, that we are not born on our feet and following our parent in the wild... that we require years of nurture before we are able to fend on our own.
there has been no proof that in the past during our journey to modern humans that anything or at any time things have been different.
cave babies weren't born on their feet with a spear in their hand...
thats weird.. many newborn animals have trouble standing.. newborn birds cant even fly.. they have never had technology to help them raise their young whereas we have..
in a certain respect human dependency on technology has made us "lazy"
but having said that, humans have been one of the most outstanding endurance runners in the entire animal kingdom.. but since we are not born running its proof that we were placed here? doesnt make much sense..
SisyphusRide
these animals and birds you mention learn before winter, or they do not survive.
this has never been the case for the human mammal.
I'll see if I can turn up a video clip on it... I'm not too knowledgeable on the subject, I just mentioned it.
Phage
reply to post by GargIndia
I know it is very difficult to accept God as Creator. It goes against current 'scientific notions'.
Phage + No it doesn't. Science does not address the matter since it is not a testable hypothesis.
GargIndia+ Humans have not been able to create life artificially.
Phage + Who says life was created artificially?
To the matter of the OP: Anyone who thinks that evolution leads to perfection does not understand evolution. Sunburn and back pain does not prevent one from reproducing.
Oh...I don't have a bad back.edit on 11/17/2013 by Phage because: (no reason given)
Craig Venter and team make a historic announcement: they've created the first fully functioning, reproducing cell controlled by synthetic DNA. He explains how they did it and why the achievement marks the beginning of a new era for science.
In 2001, Craig Venter made headlines for sequencing the human genome. In 2003, he started mapping the ocean's biodiversity. And now he's created the first synthetic lifeforms -- microorganisms that can produce alternative fuels.
Researchers Say They Created a ‘Synthetic Cell’
By NICHOLAS WADE
Published: May 20, 2010
choos
SisyphusRide
these animals and birds you mention learn before winter, or they do not survive.
this has never been the case for the human mammal.
I'll see if I can turn up a video clip on it... I'm not too knowledgeable on the subject, I just mentioned it.
i get that, but my point was that they are kind of forced to..
whereas we humans do not force our newborn children to run or let them die, we merely encourage them to stand or walk and this has been happening for a very long time..
it is not life or death for our children if they do not learn to run before winter arrives, technology has given us the means to not prioritise that.
Wolfenz
WE are The Gods Now well lol kinda sorta