Scientists edge closer to building synthetic life in the lab

Synthetic biologist Kate Adamala of the University of Minnesota unveiled SpudCell, a synthetic cell with 90,000 genetic base pairs that feeds, divides and copies its DNA. It still lacks a full life cycle: it cannot build its own protein-makers or evolve.

• SpudCell uses 90,000 genetic base pairs and a premade enzyme mix
• The cell feeds, divides and copies DNA but cannot evolve
• The paper has not yet been peer-reviewed or published
• Work is backed by NSF and NASA as regulatory scrutiny grows