Only 2 years prior, Celera Genomics Corp. tied government scientists in deciphering the human genome. Interestingly enough, Craig Venter, founder of Celera, partnered up with Hamilton Smith, has again entered into the cutting edge of genetics research. Directionally different from Venter's last goal, and this time funded by a grant from the Energy Department for 3 million, Venter and Smith plan to create a form of life "unlike any known to exist.".
All things going as planned; they hope to create a "single-celled partially manmade organism with the minimum number of genes necessary to sustain life." Firstly, they will take a tiny organism called Mycoplasma genitalium and remove all of its genetic material. Synthesizing a string of artificial genetic material comes next, and finally it will be inserted into a hollowed out cell where it may survive and reproduce. .
I believe this article to wholly relevant to our past class discussion on human genetics. Not only does this article deal with the advancement of technology in the genetics field, it brings back into the spotlight Craig Venter, who recently resigned from Celera Genomics. Continuing in the field of genetics research he now plays a role in the exciting undiscovered territory that could offer an unlimited amount of possibilities in all aspects of our life.
I foresee endless possibilities coming from this advancement. Tentatively we can see results that can benefit us in the way of biological weapon defense. Alternately we would be able to create new and terrible biological weapons. We may be able to create organisms that could clean up oil spills, or even organisms that would digest nuclear waste, even organisms that could be predators of viruses or diseases. Yet also we may fear mutation or alteration of these organisms into new terrors that we would not be prepared to handle. .
Bittersweet wonder would be my honest first emotional response, followed by fear as I see flashbacks of Steven King's "The Stand.
