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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Science
Ian Sample Science editor

‘Beautiful blobs’: synthetic life a step closer as scientists make cells using lab-made DNA

Two translucent bubbles with iridescent rainbow reflections float against a dark blurred background
A super-resolution image of SpudCell’s liposomes with an encapsulated genome and active protein expression. Photograph: Orion Venero/Adamala Lab

Researchers claim they are closer to creating life from scratch after building tiny, quivering blobs that use lab-made DNA to feed, grow and multiply in a dish.

The synthetic cells were made from chemical compounds and are believed to be the first to demonstrate the complete cell cycle of growth, genetic replication and splitting to produce the next generation.

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