Yesterday Craig Venter announced he had created a bacterial genome from scratch (news story: Researchers start up cell with synthetic genome). Nature rounded up eight thinkers to comment on the import of this work, published in Science.
You can read their thoughts at Sizing up the ‘synthetic cell’. Here are some other reactions from around the world.
“Venter is creaking open the most profound door in humanity’s history. This is a step towards . . . creation of living beings with capacities and natures that could never have naturally evolved.”
Julian Savulescu, ethics professor at Oxford University (FT).
“This is creating whole new living things from inanimate parts. I think we’re going to see a metaphysical earthquake.”
Art Caplan, of the University of Pennsylvania team, considers the ethical implications in the Philadelphia Inquirer (Caplan also appears in Nature).
“This paper is an important advance. I don’t think it’s really a major breakthrough like some have claimed. What it is not is the creation of synthetic life. … What it is is for the first time a bacterial cell has been made which is controlled entirely by DNA that has been made in a test tube.”
Biologist Sir Paul Nurse talks to BBC Radio 4 about the work.
“Imagine, say, allying synthetic biology with the genome of Neanderthal man that was described earlier this year. There is much excitement at the idea of comparing this with the DNA of modern humans, in the hope of finding the essential differences between the two. How much more exciting, instead, to create a Neanderthal and ask him. And if that seems too morally fraught, may we interest you in a mammoth?”
Everyone referenced Frankenstein. The Economist sees Jurassic Park as relevant too.
“Venter has secured a deal with the oil giant ExxonMobil to create algae that can absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into fuel — an innovation he believes could be worth more than a trillion dollars.”
The Guardian follows the money.
“It is a controversial feat that will certainly rile fundamentalists from all religions. But all the screams will not stop the monumental feat 20 scientists have accomplished. We are in a different world.”
Yobie Benjamin, of the SF Chronicle, brings religion into it.
Best headlines
IT LIVES! – Daily Mirror
Scientist accused of playing God after creating artificial life by making designer microbe from scratch – but could it wipe out humanity? – Daily Mail
Has Venter made us gods? – The Guardian
‘Maverick Frankenstein scientist’ Dr Craig Venter creates ‘artificial life’ – Metro