Synthetic biology represents a revolutionary approach to genetic engineering, as highlighted by Harvard Medical Center researcher George Church. Researchers have successfully synthesized a polio virus and are advancing towards creating complex organisms with practical applications. Notably, scientists in Israel have engineered DNA to function as the world's smallest computer, while J. Craig Venter aims to develop novel organisms capable of producing alternative fuels like hydrogen and ethanol. The discussion also explores the potential for designing life forms with non-standard chirality, raising questions about the existence of alternative life forms in the universe.
PREREQUISITESResearchers, biotechnologists, and anyone interested in the future of genetic engineering and synthetic life forms.
http://www.livescience.com/othernews/ap_050819_make_life.html..."Synthetic biology is genetic engineering rethought,'' said Harvard Medical Center researcher George Church, a leader in the field. "It challenges the notion of what's natural and what's synthetic.''
Already, synthetic biologists have created a polio virus and another smaller virus by stitching together individual genes purchased from biotechnology companies.
Now, researchers are getting closer to creating more complex living things with actual utility.
In Israel, scientists have created the world's smallest computer by engineering DNA to carry out mathematical functions.
J. Craig Venter, the entrepreneurial scientist who mapped the human genome, announced last month that he intends to string together genes to create from scratch novel organisms that can produce alternative fuels such as hydrogen and ethanol. [continued]