Post by Marco Mirijello

A small structure assembled from lipids, DNA and enzymes can acquire resources, grow, copy its genome and divide. When researchers introduced a more efficient genetic variant, it prevailed over the original population after five generations. A basic form of selection had appeared within a system assembled from non-living components. It is called SpudCell. It was presented earlier this month by researchers at the University of Minnesota. It is not autonomous life. SpudCell depends on bacterial ribosomes, external supplies and carefully controlled laboratory conditions. Its limitations reveal how thin — and perhaps how gradual — the boundary between chemistry and biology may be. In the latest issue of Inside Healthcare, I examine what has actually been achieved, what is still missing and why this research could soon matter to medicine. When Chemistry Becomes Life.