theverge.com
Researchers in California have for the first time created an organism whose genetic code comprises six letters, instead of four. This means that the bacterium, described in a study published in Nature today, is the first life form to contain artificial genetic building blocks.
When biologists talk about the letters in the DNA alphabet, they are actually talking about nucleotides: molecules that bind together to make up the DNA double helix. Normally, these molecules are made up of four letters: A,T, C and G. But scientists at the Scripps Research Institute have managed to add a single pair of artificial “X” and “Y” nucleotides to the genetic code of an E. Coli strain, reports The New York Times. And thus far, the bacteria appear to be reproducing normally and passing on the new X-Y pair to their offspring.
biologists will be able to “write new words.”
Floyd Romesberg, a chemist at Scripps who led the study, told the New York Times that adding letters to the genetic code will allow researchers to “write more words and tell more stories.” But creating “new words” — new life forms and never before seen proteins — is bound to ruffle a few feathers. Jim Thomas, a spokesperson for a Canadian advocacy organization called the ETC Group, told the New York Times that ”the arrival of this unprecedented ‘alien’ life form could in time have far-reaching ethical, legal, and regulatory implications.”
For now, however, the researchers are still trying to figure out how long the bacteria can survive, and if it might be possible to produce a strain with more than one X-Y pair. In addition, the researchers haven’t been able to show that the bacteria can use the DNA to produce novel proteins, so the experiment won’t lead to new vaccines and drugs just yet. Finally, should the strain escape into the environment, it probably wouldn’t survive for very long, Romesberg said, because it needs to feed on synthetic molecules to replicate — molecules that only the scientists can supply. This means that it could never infect other organisms in its current form, because it would most likely die. In fact, the only way it could survive “in the wild” is if it reverted back to the traditional four-letter DNA alphabet.
Source:
http://www.ascensionearth2012.org/2014/05/transhumanism-watch-scientists-create.html
Please Help Support BeforeitsNews by trying our Natural Health Products below!
Order by Phone at 888-809-8385 or online at https://mitocopper.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomic.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomics.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Humic & Fulvic Trace Minerals Complex - Nature's most important supplement! Vivid Dreams again!
HNEX HydroNano EXtracellular Water - Improve immune system health and reduce inflammation.
Ultimate Clinical Potency Curcumin - Natural pain relief, reduce inflammation and so much more.
MitoCopper - Bioavailable Copper destroys pathogens and gives you more energy. (See Blood Video)
Oxy Powder - Natural Colon Cleanser! Cleans out toxic buildup with oxygen!
Nascent Iodine - Promotes detoxification, mental focus and thyroid health.
Smart Meter Cover - Reduces Smart Meter radiation by 96%! (See Video).
