SpudCell: the Open-Source Synthetic Cell That Feeds, Grows and Divides
TL;DR Summary
Scientists at the University of Minnesota created SpudCell, a manmade, liposome-encased system that can feed, grow, reproduce and compete for nutrients using a 36-gene gene set derived from a virus and E. coli; though not fully alive, it shows key life‑like traits and can evolve in mixed cultures. Researchers aim to add ribosomes and longer-term self-replication, and they've launched Biotic—a nonprofit to foster open collaboration while addressing biosafety.
- This Cell Feeds, Grows and Reproduces. And It’s Manmade. The New York Times
- Scientists say they have built a basic component of life from scratch CNN
- ‘Beautiful blobs’: synthetic life a step closer as scientists make cells using lab-made DNA The Guardian
- Scientists unveil synthetic cells to power low-carbon factories Financial Times
- For the First Time, a Cell Built From Scratch Grows and Divides Quanta Magazine
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