Faux DNA creates promise and peril

Washington -- U.S. academics and chemical manufacturers are ready to cross the barrier from biological to artificial life at the microbial level through artificial DNA.

The new technology holds new promise for everything from new medicines to alternative synthetics, bio-fuels and new bio-terrorism agents, The Washington Post reported Monday.

"I see a cell as a chassis and power supply for the artificial systems we are putting together," said Tom Knight of MIT.

Knight and his colleagues created "BioBricks" that allow researchers to assemble genetic codes from basic artificial building blocks.

LS9 Inc. of California used the technology to induce E. coli bacteria to create a fuel alternative and DuPont used synthetic genetics to create high-tech fabrics, the Post said.

The new technology also allows scientists to create pathogens whose synthetic nature escapes natural immune responses, but scientists note the unique lab conditions mean they would not survive in nature.

Andrew Light, an environmental ethicist at the University of Washington in Seattle, said, "It could be that synthetic biology is going to be like cellphones: so overwhelming and ubiquitous that no one notices it anymore. Or it could be like abortion -- the kind of deep disagreement that will not go away."

Copyright 2007 by United Press International.