Tag Archives: synthetic

Scientists Create Synthetic Cells Capable of Nourishment, Growth, Division, and Evolution

Posted on by
Reply

Biologists at the University of Minnesota have achieved a groundbreaking feat in bioengineering by creating synthetic cells from non-living chemical components. These innovative synthetic cells, known as spud cells, can complete a full life cycle—absorbing nutrients, growing, replicating genetic material, dividing into daughter cells, and passing beneficial mutations to future generations.

Cell cycle of a synthetic cell with a 90 kbp genome undergoing selective replication. Image credit: Gaut et al., doi: 10.64898/2026.07.01.735724.

“DNA is the programming of all living things,” stated Dr. Katarzyna Adamara, the corresponding author.

The human genome contains about 3 billion base pairs. Interestingly, biologists estimate that the genome of a living cell can be as small as 113,000 base pairs. In contrast, the genome of SpudCell is even smaller, measuring 90,000 base pairs.

Unlike natural cells that have inherited mechanisms developed over billions of years, these synthetic cells are constructed from scratch using well-defined chemical components. They utilize a fatty membrane in the form of liposomes, a minimal protein synthesis system, and a genome distributed across seven to eight plasmids.

The designed genome encodes everything a cell needs to feed itself, replicate its DNA, grow, and divide.

To nourish these synthetic cells, they merge with small “feeder” liposomes that provide lipids, enzymes, and essential small molecules. This fusion is facilitated by a modified bacterial pore protein produced by the synthetic cell, which bears a chemical tag that binds to a corresponding tag on the feeder liposome, resulting in fusion and the transfer of fresh raw materials. Researchers compare this process to a predator intentionally attracting prey.

Through repeated nourishment, these cells utilize enzymes obtained from viral bacteria to replicate their DNA and divide mechanically into “daughter” cells. By tracking chemical markers integrated into each round of feeder liposomes, the researchers monitored a lineage of cells over five generations. Despite lacking a cytoskeleton or systems for sorting DNA—which natural cells depend on—approximately 30% of the surviving daughter cells retained complete copies of their seven-part genome.

The scientists then tested the concept of Darwinian selection within this simplified system. They engineered a version of the feeding protein with a stronger genetic promoter, enhancing the efficiency of fusion with feeder liposomes.

When mixing stronger and weaker cell variants to observe competition over five generations, the faster-growing cells gradually increased their population share, rising from equal distribution to as high as 61% in one experiment. When feeder liposomes became scarce, mimicking limited resource availability, the advantage of fast-growing cells grew even more pronounced, as they eventually outnumbered slower ones by more than two to one.

“This is probably the most thrilling project I’ve ever worked on,” expressed Dr. Adamara. “We have chemically recreated what was previously achievable only through biological processes: the full behavior of living cells.”

“This evidence shows that fundamental life functions, such as growth and reproduction, do not require any mystical or complex systems.”

Moreover, the authors developed division machinery independent of the cell’s skeleton, leveraging proteins that cluster on the surface to pull membranes apart. They demonstrated that this genetically encoded division could also confer a feeding advantage, allowing faster-growing cells to produce more offspring.

“This study is merely the beginning,” Dr. Adamara remarked. “We have demonstrated that it is feasible to manipulate essential cellular functions.”

“An international collaboration is vital to fully harness the potential of this technology and ensure its robustness and practicality.”

These findings were detailed in a study, published as a preprint on July 2nd on BioRxiv.org.

_____

Nathaniel J. Gaut et al. 2026. A chemically defined synthetic cell capable of growth and reproduction. BioRxiv, doi: 10.64898/2026.07.01.735724

Source: www.sci.news

Unlocking Life’s Greatest Mysteries: The Promising Potential of Synthetic Biology

Posted on by
Reply

Synthetic SpudCell Exhibits Life-like Properties

Orion Venero, Adamala Institute

Living organisms consist of non-living components, which carries profound implications for our understanding of life. This suggests that there is no mystical essence that grants life, but rather, life can potentially be synthesized from the ground up, a feat we are rapidly approaching.

Artificial life has long been a cornerstone of synthetic biology. In 2010, researchers at the J. Craig Venter Institute in California synthesized a fragmented bacterial genome, integrating it into a host cell devoid of its DNA. These resulting organisms demonstrated the ability to grow and reproduce with a minimal gene count of just 473. However, a significant portion of these genes still remains enigmatic regarding their functions and necessity. Consequently, moving beyond the modification of existing cells to creating microorganisms from scratch has become vital.

Currently, scientists at the University of Missouri are embarking on this ambitious project. Dubbed “Spud Cells”—an homage to both Sputnik and their potato-like appearance—these cells are constructed from merely 36 genes. When provided with the essential building blocks for life, they self-assemble into cell-like structures and synthesize proteins.

“ SpudCell represents a significant advance in the creation of artificial life “

However, it’s important to note that SpudCell can only produce proteins because it relies on supplied ribosomes, which are crucial for protein synthesis. They lack the ability to metabolize nutrients, generate energy, or accurately divide and reproduce. Thus, while non-living, SpudCell marks a substantial leap towards artificial life replication. If natural cells are likened to advanced jetliners, then SpudCells are akin to the delicate wooden and cotton prototypes of the Wright brothers.

Better iterations of synthetic cells are on the horizon, promising revolutionary applications. The ambition is that these synthetic organisms could one day replace materials conventionally sourced from fossil fuels, such as plastics, fuels, and fertilizers—a pressing need given current environmental challenges. Continuous research into the fundamental workings of living organisms is essential, as it will uncover what life requires and how it can emerge from inanimate matter. Solving this ultimate puzzle could render synthetic biology exceptionally beneficial.

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

As Synthetic Music Gains Popularity, AI Dominates Billboard and Spotify Charts

Posted on by
Reply

This week, three songs generated by artificial intelligence have reached the top of music charts, securing spots at the pinnacle of both Spotify and Billboard rankings.

Walk My Walk made waves with Breaking Rust’s “Livin’ on Borrowed Time” leading the U.S. “Viral 50” chart, which highlights the “most viral songs” daily on Spotify. The anti-immigrant anthem “We Say No, No, No to an Asylum Center” by JW “Broken Veteran” also soared to the top of Spotify’s global viral chart during this timeframe. Additionally, “Breaking Rust” landed in the top five globally.

The lyrics of “Walk My Walk” include the line, “If you don’t like the way I talk, you can kick a rock,” directly addressing critics of AI-generated music.

Shortly after climbing the charts, the Dutch song vanished from Spotify and YouTube, along with all other tracks by Broken Veteran. Spotify told Dutch outlet NU.nl that it had not removed the music and that the rights holder was responsible. Broken Veteran expressed confusion over the disappearance, stating he is investigating and hopes for a resolution soon.

Opting to remain unnamed, Broken Veteran shared with the Guardian via email that he views AI as “just another tool for expression,” especially for individuals like himself who have important messages but lack formal musical training. He emphasized that the technology has “democratized music production” and clarified that his song critiques government policies, not immigrants.

For three weeks, “Walk My Walk” has led Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales chart, which tracks downloads and digital purchases. This chart is considered minor compared to Billboard’s broader metrics like “Hot Country Songs” and “Top Country Albums.” Breaking Rust has yet to respond to media inquiries.

AI-Generated Music’s Growing Presence

These three tracks exemplify the surge of AI-generated music flooding streaming services. A recent study by Deezer reveals that roughly 50,000 AI-generated songs are uploaded daily, representing 34% of all music submissions.

“Walk My Walk” and “We Say No, No, No to an Asylum Center” are not the first AI tracks to gain popularity. Earlier in the summer, an AI-produced song by a group named Velvet Sundown achieved over 1 million streams on Spotify, which one of its members later referred to as “art quackery.”

Ed Newton Rex, a musician and founder of a nonprofit aiming to ensure fair data training for generative AI companies, notes that the high volume of AI-generated songs available online is a significant factor behind the emergence of AI hits.

“This reflects a trend of rapidly growing interest in AI music, driven primarily by the volume of content,” he explained. “Daily, we see 50,000 new songs competing with human artists, marking the rise of a new, highly scalable competitor built through exploitation.”

AI music quality has noticeably improved since its early days. In a survey conducted as part of the study, Deezer found that 97% of the 9,000 participants from eight countries could not differentiate between AI-generated music and human-created compositions.

“This is undeniable. It’s now fairly safe to say that the top-tier AI music is indistinguishable from human-composed tracks,” Newton-Rex stated.

Skip past newsletter promotions

Emerging Distribution Models for AI-Generated Music

The success of AI-generated tracks on Spotify transcends mere quality. Much like various domains within the AI economy, numerous tools and platforms facilitate the distribution of AI music, along with user sub-communities eager to share strategies for navigating the system.

Jack Righteous, a blogger focused on AI content creation, has highlighted how his followers can generate a “passive income stream” through a music distribution service called DistroKid, which allocates royalty fees to creators whenever an AI track is streamed on platforms like YouTube, Spotify, or TikTok.

DistroKid is part of a wider ecosystem of online music distribution services, including Amuse, Landr, and CD Baby, all helping creators publish their music on major platforms like YouTube and Spotify. These services have varying policies regarding AI-generated content, with blogs like noting that DistroKid is “more forgiving.” This includes some hits from Breaking Rust such as “Livin’ on Borrowed Time” and “Resilient,” which appear to be distributed by DistroKid.

“In essence, most AI music you encounter isn’t being handled by a legitimate label. It’s crafted by individuals in their personal spaces and uploaded to distribution platforms,” said Chris Dalla Riva, author of “Unknown Territory,” which delves into the data behind music virality.

When approached for comments, Spotify cited their policy regarding AI-generated tracks.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Researchers develop chicken nuggets cultured in the biggest laboratory ever, complete with synthetic veins

Posted on by
Reply

A significant breakthrough has been made in the field of cultured meat, with scientists successfully growing nugget-sized chicken using a new method that enables the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to artificial tissues.

In the past, lab-produced tissues were limited to cell spheres less than a millimeter thick, making it challenging to replicate the texture of real muscle. However, a team of Japanese researchers has now managed to grow a chicken measuring 2.7 inches wide and 0.7 inches thick using a new lab tool, marking a major step forward in this technology. Biotechnology trends.

The development of bioreactors that mimic the circulation system has played a crucial role in this breakthrough, with 50 hollow fibers distributing nutrients and oxygen into the meat to allow cells to grow in a specific direction.

This lab-grown chicken, although not made from food-grade ingredients and not yet tasted by scientists, showcases the potential of this technology for various applications beyond food production.

As the technology advances, challenges such as replicating the texture and flavor of traditional meat and improving oxygen delivery for larger pieces still need to be addressed. Automation of the process and the use of food-grade ingredients are crucial steps towards making lab-grown meat commercially viable.

Consumer attitudes towards cultured meat vary, with some expressing concerns about its safety and perceived unnaturalness. Despite these challenges, cultured meat is already available in some markets and holds promise for a more sustainable future.

The future of cultured meat holds potential for significant advancements in food production, regenerative medicine, drug testing, and biohybrid robotics, paving the way for a more sustainable and innovative future.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Synthetic Pork-based Blood Coagulant Now Achievable

Posted on by
Reply

Heparin prevents blood clotting and is used in many surgeries

Luca Medical / Alamy

Currently, an anticoagulant called heparin is widely used. Collected from the intestines of 1 trillion pigs a yearThis means there is a risk of infection as well as accidental or intentional contamination. Now, methods of creating it synthetically have the potential to eliminate most of these risks.

“We think it could be sold within the next four to five years, maybe even less,” he says. Jonathan Dordick At New York’s Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the team developed a process to make heparin from scratch.

The drug was discovered in 1916 and has been used to prevent blood clotting since the 1930s. It is used to treat a wide range of conditions, as well as during kidney dialysis and various surgeries.

A major advantage of heparin is that it can be safely administered in large doses. “It’s very difficult to take an excessive dose,” Dordik says. And if someone takes too much, another drug can reverse the effect.

In contrast, other anticoagulants, such as warfarin, can be fatal if given in excess, and there is no antidote, which is why warfarin is used as a rat poison, he says.

A major disadvantage of heparin is that, unlike most drugs, heparin is not a single small molecule but a diverse mixture of large chains of sugars. “Heparin doesn’t have a specific size or a specific structure,” Dordik says. Heparin is derived from pigs because complex sugars are difficult to produce.

Ideally, animal-based medicines would be sourced from small herds that are isolated to prevent viral transmission. But extracting the 100 tons of heparin used around the world each year requires processing so many pig intestines that the only way to obtain enough intestines is through regular pig farming. It is to collect them from the field. Most heparin comes from China because heparin is the largest pork. producer.

As a result, the early stages of heparin production are unregulated as pharmaceutical manufacturing standards are not applicable to regular farms. There is a risk of accidental contamination or the deliberate addition of counterfeit heparin analogs to increase profits. In the worst case in 2008, about 800 people in the United States suffered side effects and at least 81 died. This risk remains, Dordik says. “That’s always possible.”

Despite all precautions, products of animal origin also carry the risk of contracting diseases caused by viruses and pathogens called prions. However, Dordik said there is no known case of this happening with heparin.

Dependence on pigs also causes shortages when pig farms are hit by conditions such as swine fever. Some people object to the use of pig-derived products for ethical or religious reasons.

Therefore, although synthetic heparin should have many advantages, its production has proven to be extremely difficult. The first task is to create a branched sugar chain that will serve as the backbone. The four enzymes then make various additional modifications to the chain, which must be done in a precise order.

After years of research, Dordik’s team has now licensed the process they developed to a pharmaceutical company to scale up for commercial production. One of the things that took him the most time was isolating and manufacturing the enzymes involved, Dordik says.

Since first producing a few micrograms 20 years ago, the team says they have successfully scaled up production a million times. Kuberan Balagulnathan He was involved in this early study but is no longer part of the team. “The next major challenge will be to increase the scale another million times, from grams to metric tons,” he says.

Balagurunathan believes this is achievable with sufficient investment. “We hope that synthetic heparin will replace heparin in animals in the same way that recombinant insulin replaces bovine and porcine insulin.”

but Jiang Liu A professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill isn’t so sure. “It remains to be seen whether this process can be translated to synthesis on the scale of thousands of kilograms.”

Many other companies are working on making synthetic heparin, but commercial confidentiality makes it difficult to gauge their progress, Balagulnathan said.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com