First Artificial Cell Ushers in Era of Synthetic Biology
Scientists--led by Craig Venter--have created the first man-made or synthetic cell.
The accomplishment is considered by many industry participants and observers to be a landmark event that represents a demarcation point in biology and genetic engineering.
The one-celled organism was essentially created from computer code.
According to the Wall Street Journal:
Already several companies are seeking to take advantage of the new field, called synthetic biology, which combines chemistry, computer science, molecular biology, genetics and cell biology to breed industrial life forms that can secrete fuels, vaccines or other saleable products.
Source: Wall Street Journal
