This Cell Feeds, Grows and Reproduces. and It's Manmade
a day ago
- #artificial life
- #synthetic biology
- #scientific research
- A research team at the University of Minnesota has created synthetic cells named SpudCells that can feed, grow, reproduce, and compete for food.
- SpudCells are not fully alive but exhibit many life-like functions, representing a major step towards understanding and engineering life from chemicals.
- The cells were built from about a hundred proteins, viral and E. coli genes, and membrane components, forming bubbles that perform chemical reactions akin to natural cells.
- SpudCells can evolve rudimentarily, as shown when mutant versions outcompeted original cells for food over five generations.
- Key limitations include an inability to produce ribosomes internally, requiring external supply and limiting functionality to about 5–10 generations.
- Researchers have founded a nonprofit organization, Biotic, to foster open-source collaboration, aiming to enhance SpudCells and explore applications like medicine and carbon capture.
- Ethical considerations are being addressed proactively to prevent misuse, such as in weapon development, through community-driven safeguards.