Scientists a step closer to creating artificial life: ARIRANG NEWS

ARIRANG NEWS

Published on 29 Apr 2017

인간, 스스로 '창조주' 되나…인공생명체 연구 박차
The creation of artificial life.

A staple of horror and science fiction movies... considered not very well grounded in reality.
But some groundbreaking new research by a team of international scientists could change that perception.

Yu Joonhee..., shes light on their creation. 

Science has taken a big step forward in creating complex, artificial organisms from scratch, thanks to a group of scientists from the "Synthetic Yeast Genome Project". 

Researchers have succeeded in creating five new synthetic yeast chromosomes, the molecular structures that carry DNA, the fundamental building blocks of all living organisms.

The new chromosomes could help answer some fundamental questions about evolution.

They could also be used to develop new cures and vaccines for a range of diseases, among an endless number of other potential applications.

By swapping out an organism's natural genetic material with engineered replacements, this research has effectively paved the way for man-made "designer organisms", tailor-made to carry specific genetic characteristics, leaving some scientists and observers worried about its ethical implications.
The leaders of this project estimate they'll be able to replace all 16 yeast chromosomes with artificial replacements within the next two years.

Yu Joonhee, Arirang News.