http://www.usatoday.com/news/science/2003-...life-usat_x.htm

'But an important technical bridge towards the creation of such life was crossed Thursday when genomics pioneer Craig Venter announced that his research group created an artificial virus based on a real one in just two weeks' time.

When researchers created a synthetic genome (genetic map) of the virus and implanted it into a cell, the virus became "biologically active," meaning it went to work reproducing itself.'

nice.

As if there aren't enough already, now we're making fake ones.

They'll probably create some super virus that unleashes the next plauge! :o

Who remembers the rumours that HIV was a man made virus?

:bwave:

This is the point where you really have to keep close tabs on what threshold they reach next. With the state of robotics today and the state of genetics, it might be highly possible if not probable within our lifetime, to see a merging of the two, like HAL in 2001 A Space Odyssey, where computers are given the power of thought on our level. That path leads you to a place where computers could theoretically dominate and take over the planet completely one day.

I'll be baaack... (as da guvernator)

Nono, that's EXCELLENT news! Viruses can be used as vectors for implanting DNA in the cell nucleus, and having those cells reproduce themselves. It's a definite breakthrough for science, because viral vectors have been a huge subject for cancer research, as well as a myriad of other genetic diseases. There is a potential for a lot of good to come from it.

I should also add, diseases like diabetes could also potentially be helped or even eradicated should they find a way to harness the virus to help mankind...