'Milestone': Scientists claim to build synthetic cell, raising concerns in step toward artificial life
The synthetic cells cannot survive outside laboratory conditions, require externally supplied nutrients and specialized components and rely on ribosomes purified from E. coli bacteria. After five generations, researchers found that only about 30% of daughter cells inherited the complete synthetic genome.SCIENTISTS UNVEIL 'LIVING BANDAGE' THAT COULD DRAMATICALLY SPEED WOUND HEALING A file illustration shows a DNA strand and a stylized cell. Greg Wehner is a reporter for Fox News Digital covering U.S. news and crime, with a focus on breaking developments, law enforcement, public safety and major stories shaping communities across the country.
- ▪The synthetic cells cannot survive outside laboratory conditions, require externally supplied nutrients and specialized components and rely on ribosomes purified from E. coli bacteria.
- ▪After five generations, researchers found that only about 30% of daughter cells inherited the complete synthetic genome.SCIENTISTS UNVEIL 'LIVING BANDAGE' THAT COULD DRAMATICALLY SPEED WOUND HEALING A file illustration shows a DNA strand an
- ▪Greg Wehner is a reporter for Fox News Digital covering U.S. news and crime, with a focus on breaking developments, law enforcement, public safety and major stories shaping communities across the country.
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Minnesota 'Milestone': Scientists claim to build synthetic cell, raising concerns in step toward artificial life The University of Minnesota's lab-built system was assembled entirely from nonliving components By Greg Wehner Fox News Published July 2, 2026 8:33pm EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for July 1 Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on FoxNews.com. Scientists at the University of Minnesota say they have built the most life-like synthetic cell yet, creating a laboratory-made system assembled entirely from nonliving components that can grow, replicate its genetic material, divide and even pass beneficial traits to future generations.
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