It took 23 scientists more than ten years and $40M to create what one scientist called "a defining moment in biology". Taking four bottles of chemicals and a computer, the scientists have synthesized DNA, incorporated into a bacteria cell, and turned "life" into a software process.
The groups research includes funding from Exxon-Mobile for the building of algae that would capture carbon dioxide and produce fuels, but other applications include lifeforms that could clean water and manufacture vaccines 99% faster than current methods.
The bacteria in the experiments reproduce naturally but behave exactly the way their newly constructed genes direct, said noted human genome biologist J. Craig Venter, who has led a team of 23 scientists on the project for more than a decade. (Link)
The development is not without controversy. What the scientists have done is, in essence, created new species.
Julian Savulescu, professor of practical ethics at Oxford University, said: "Venter is creaking open the most profound door in humanity's history, potentially peeking into its destiny. He is not merely copying life artificially ... or modifying it radically by genetic engineering. He is going towards the role of a god: creating artificial life that could never have existed naturally." (Link)
"This kind of biology makes it possible, in the wrong hands, to create deadly pathogens, and in the future it will call for strong regulations," said Magnus, who was a member of a panel that Venter created more than 10 years ago to oversee his artificial gene work and advise him on any ethical issues that might arise. (Link)
J. Craig Venter is most famous for racing the government sponsored Human Genone Project and patenting more than 300 genes. It's not clear, at this point, what Mr. Venter intends to do with those patents.
The article should have been titled as Synthia & Apollo and their Synthetic Life.
Synthetic/Synthia/Cynthia
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Synthia
Cynthia or "Synthia" was originally an epithet of the Greek goddess of the moon, Artemis, who was sometimes called "Cynthia" because, according to legend, the goddess was born on Mount Cynthus. Known also as a master of animals. Parallel Greek goddess to Roman goddess Diana. Daughter of Leto and twin sister of Apollo.
Synthia & Apollyon are one in the same... The hermaphrodite beast of the book of Revelations as seen as Apollyon and the 'scarlet whore' named as Hel...
All you have to do is study the Apollo/Athena, whom is Synthia/Artemis, angle in every story/issue/matter, and you will find the source of the evil. Because the beast named as Apollo/Athena is at the core of EVERY evil ever seen down through ALL the eons and ages... That evil can be seen when the connected names are completed... They touch every evil ever known...
Posted by: knowledge is power | May 23, 2010 at 02:07 AM