Scientists to Create Synthetic DNA from Scratch

One of the largest medical charities, the Wellcome Trust, has allocated £10 million to launch the world’s first project aimed at creating parts or even entire DNA from scratch. The initiative, named the “Human Synthetic Genome,” is reported by BBC.

Such research is considered controversial due to unforeseen consequences, such as the creation of “designer babies” or unpredictable changes in the genome of future generations.

Wellcome Trust believes that these new developments could lead to cures for incurable diseases. Dr. Julian Sale from the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, who is involved in the project, stated that this research represents the next giant leap in biology.

“We are seeking treatments that will improve people’s lives as they age, leading to healthier aging and a reduction in diseases. We want to use this approach to create disease-resistant cells that can be used to populate damaged organs like the liver, heart, and even the immune system,” he noted.

Critics fear that the research could open opportunities for unscrupulous scientists aiming to create enhanced or modified humans.

“We like to think that all experts work for the good, but science can be used for harm and for waging war,” pointed out Dr. Pat Thomas.

Initially, scientists intend to develop methods for creating increasingly larger fragments of human DNA. Researchers aim to reach a point where they can synthetically assemble an entire human chromosome. These contain genes responsible for human development, repair, and functioning.

Subsequently, chromosomes can be studied and experimented upon to understand how DNA and genes regulate the body’s functions.

According to Professor Matthew Hurles, many diseases arise from improper gene function.

“Creating DNA from scratch allows us to understand how DNA actually functions and to test new theories. Currently, we can only do this by making changes to genetic material that already exists in living systems,” he commented.

The project’s work will be confined to test tubes and dishes—creating synthetic life is not planned. Nevertheless, the technology will provide researchers with unprecedented control over human living systems.

The project aims for medical benefits, yet Professor Bill Earnshaw from the University of Edinburgh noted that unscrupulous scientists might attempt to create biological weapons, enhanced humans, or beings with human DNA.

“The genie is out of the bottle. We can impose a number of restrictions now, but if an organization with access to the appropriate equipment decides to start synthesizing something, I don’t think we can stop them,” he said.

Thomas is concerned about how the technology will be commercialized by medical companies that develop treatments based on the research results.

“If we manage to create synthetic body parts or even synthetic people, who will they belong to? And who will own the data obtained from these developments?” she pointed out.

Given the potential risks of using the technology, the question arises regarding the reasons for funding the project.

“We asked ourselves, what is the cost of inaction? Someday this technology will be developed, so by doing it now, we are trying to apply the most responsible approach possible and face ethical and moral questions earlier,” said Dr. Tom Collins, who authorized the funding of the initiative.

Earlier, researchers at Arc Institute developed the Evo 2 model, capable of analyzing genetic code, predicting diseases and mutations, and designing new genomes as long as those of simple bacteria.

Back in August 2024, scientists from Johns Hopkins University and the University of North Carolina created a functional computer based on DNA instead of traditional electronics.