Scientists Create Artificial Form of Life

[sharonstone]

U.S. scientists have created an artificial form of life from synthetic genes. The form they made is a virus, in this case, a man-made version of a real virus that eats bacteria. Although it isn't the first synthetic virus, it was constructed more quickly and is more accurate than any made in previous attempts.
The virus known as Phi-X is a simple, well-studied organism that is harmless to humans. In 1978, it became the first form of life whose genetic code scientists deciphered. That is, they documented the sequence of chemicals that make up its DNA, the material that determines the physical characteristics of every living thing.

http://www.voanews.com/article.cfm?objectID=7654E5C9-5F63-4E16-91C398D5F16AC0DE

[NickB79]

1. Technically

Viruses aren't considered true lifeforms, since they are incapable of reproducing themselves on their own.

[Maple]

2. No they use you

as a medium.

A 'food' supply.

[Frangible]

4. Is reproduction necessary to be "alive"?

Some animal hybrids (sort of like a mule, but the odd mule CAN reproduce) are incapable of reproduction. Does that mean they're not alive?

I can't seem to get any lately, does that mean *I'm* not alive? :P

-Frangible... the UNDEAD DU'ER!

[sujan]

5. wrong

they do reproduce, given a proper medium.

[Frangible]

3. and then there's the age old debate...

Is fire alive?

Which no one in my college biology classes was able to really answer one way or the other :P.

[w4rma]

8. Fire is the chemical reaction of a substance, usually with oxygen,

that produces heat and light.
http://www.physlink.com/Education/AskExperts/ae104.cfm

It is my understanding that chemical reactions aren't alive.

[soothsayer]

15. ok, but aren't we a series of chemical reactions

if ya break us down and look at our pieces?

[ronatchig]

10. love your banner,

The Colour Out of Time seeks GOP nomination! Do you suppose Dumba and sucky Dick are chanting from the necrominocon to get their jollies?
I have always been a Lovecraft fan.

[rustydog]

6. The scientists named their artificial life form...

George...In honor of an artificial president.

[Kinkistyle]

7. Could be a potential "cure" for cancer

Using synthetic viruses, we might be able to one day to excise the "cancer" gene out of a person. How cool is that?

[northzax]

9. good morning smallpox

yeehah, we can bring back polio as well! sweet!

and a virus is generally not considered to be alive. they are kind of in a nether region between living and non-living.

[xchrom]

11. maybe it's good

but it gives me the willies.

[izzie]

12. Yes and we know they are in the White House.

A number have grown in the Deep South.

[DivinBreuvage]

13. How long before it...

throws a little girl in a pond and befriends a blind hermit?

Françoise

[Teaser]

14. Greetings, new lifeform...

Will you be our God?