Computer gives birth

Scientists last week created life as “the first self-replicating species… whose parent is a computer.”

The single cell of yeast with a complete set of artificial DNA functions and looks exactly like a natural cell of yeast. The team assembled a set of DNA one million units in length that directly mirrored an actual strand of yeast DNA. They then replaced a regular yeast cell’s DNA with the artificially created DNA.

Spearheaded by Dr. Craig Venter and his team of scientists at the J Craig Venter Institute, the project has far reaching implications in the field of science and ethics. However, this breakthrough could revolutionize not only the medical but also energy industry.

Using the knowledge and controlling the entire genome of the cells, it would be possible to create and engineer a cell that builds an extremely high yielding biofuel, or create a cell that could suck up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Even guzzle oil spills maybe! All it requires is designing an organism for a specific function.)

Synthetic Genomics was founded back in 2005 to commercialize Venter’s work, and has been focusing on a variety of applications for its genetic technology, including creating algae-based biofuel. The startup is claimed to have successfully engineered algae to secrete hydrocarbons similar to intermediary strains in a [oil] refinery.

But like all revolutionary inventions, this one too has ethical implications. What guarantee does one have that these artificial life forms wont turn into Frankensteins? For instance, what if they gobble up all the carbon leaving nothing for plants?!

All that will come later. For now, we can just chew on that bit of DNA – are we fit as creators?