It's life, Jim

[Deckard]

Scientists have created the world's first synthetic life form in a landmark experiment that paves the way for designer organisms that are built rather than evolved.


Craig Venter, the US geneticist behind the experiment:

"This is an important step both scientifically and philosophically. It has certainly changed my views of definitions of life and how life works."

Julian Savulescu, professor of practical ethics at Oxford University:

"Venter is creaking open the most profound door in humanity's history, potentially peeking into its destiny. He is not merely copying life artificially ... or modifying it radically by genetic engineering. He is going towards the role of a god: creating artificial life that could never have existed naturally."

Mark Bedau, a philosopher at Reed College in Portland, Oregon:

"a defining moment in the history of biology and biotechnology"

As with several other scientific developments, yes we can choose to view it with great fear, with the sense that our tampering is arrogant and risks sowing the seeds of our ultimate destruction - or we can view it in awe as a towering achievement and a potential saviour for some of mankind's greatest environmental and physiological challenges.

For my part, I think this news is incredibly exciting.