Talking Synthetic Biology — Launch of Synthetic Biology Dialogue Report
Redesigning ribosomes — Nature paper by the Chin lab
25 May 2010
Landmark paper published by the J. Craig Venter Institute
Another year, another flurry of press coverage detailing Venter’s latest exploits. In his group’s most recent paper, published online by Science on 20 May 2010, they describe the chemical synthesis of a (slightly modified) Mycoplasma mycoides genome (1.08 Mbp) and its transplantation into a Mycoplasma capricolum recipient cell. The progeny cells have the same phenotype as Mycoplasma mycoides and are able to replicate. This is the first example of the complete synthesis and transplantation of a fully functional genome into a cellular ‘chassis,’ and marks an important proof-of-concept for the field of synthetic biology.
In their press conference, Venter described the achievement thus: "This is the first self-replicating species that we’ve had on the planet whose parent is a computer." Press coverage in the ensuing 24 hours was extensive, with opinions about this work touching on a huge spectrum of hopes and fears — hailed by some as a breakthrough on par with splitting the atom, and decried by others as bringing us one step closer to Prince Charles' apocalyptic vision of 'grey goo' taking over the planet.
A number of SynBioStandards Network members have commented on this topic — follow the links below to read what they have to say!
Video clip for BBC Newsnight, featuring Richard Kitney (broadcast on 20 May 2010)
Gos Micklem commenting on Venter’s breakthrough, on the BBC News website
Joyce Tait’s thoughts for the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
Jane Calvert and Emma Frow’s blog post for the Innogen website
