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4 clusters · 25 sources · 26 days · First seen · Last updated

Categories: TECHNOLOGY

US synthetic cell breakthrough

Entities: AstraZeneca · Mihaela van der Schaar · SpudCell · University of Minnesota · GSK

Overview

In early July 2026, University of Minnesota researchers led by Kate Adamala and Drew Endy announced SpudCell, the first synthetic cell assembled entirely from non‑living chemical components. Enclosed in a lipid vesicle that contains a PURE mixture of proteins, RNA and small molecules, SpudCell can take up nutrients, grow, copy its 90‑kilobase genome and divide for about five generations, though only roughly 30 % of daughter cells retain a complete genome. The team emphasized that, while the system reproduces basic life‑like functions, it does not yet meet full criteria for life—it cannot repair itself, evolve independently, or sustain long‑term stability without external input. Results were presented on 2 July and are being resubmitted for peer review after an initial rejection from *Cell*.

A follow‑up report on 27 July framed the achievement as a reconstruction of fundamental life mechanisms rather than a genetically modified organism, and situated it within the broader “NBIC” convergence of synthetic biology, nanotechnology, information technology and cognitive science. Concurrent advances were noted in Sweden (optical micromachines smaller than a human cell) and the UK (digital‑twin roadmaps for drug discovery), underscoring the interdisciplinary momentum surrounding engineered biological systems.

Timeline

  1. about 7 hours ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    University of Minnesota Engineers First Synthetic Cell Capable of Self‑Replication

    Minnesota scientists built SpudCell, a self‑replicating synthetic cell; Gothenburg engineers made sub‑cellular optical micromachines; Cambridge researchers mapped AI‑driven therapy design with major pharma.

  2. 12 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    Kate Adamala's synthetic “SpudCell” replicates in lab

    Kate Adamala’s team at the University of Minnesota created a synthetic cell, SpudCell, that can feed, grow and divide for a few generations but is not yet considered alive.

  3. 20 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    University of Minnesota builds synthetic cell that completes full life cycle

    University of Minnesota scientists built a fully synthetic cell that feeds, grows, copies its genome, divides and competes, completing a full life cycle without any living components.

  4. 26 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 17 sources
    US researchers create first synthetic cell that can grow and divide

    US scientists led by Kate Adamala have created a synthetic cell, SpudCell, that can feed, grow and divide, marking a milestone in synthetic biology.

Sources

ca.sports.yahoo.com · conteudos.cnnbrasil.com.br · cumbernauld-media.com · diariocol.com.ar · diariodecadiz.es · diariodejerez.es · diariodelcauca.com.co · diariodelsur.com.co · index.hr · ithome.com · larazon.es · malagahoy.es · meteored.cl · moj.powiat.pl · naukawpolsce.pap.pl · News18.com · observatorial.com · organicconsumers.org · sci.news · seudinheiro.com · skopje1.mk · slobodenpecat.mk · smartportal.mk · tele.org · tempo.com