this post was submitted on 11 Jul 2023
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Synthetic Cells Stripped of Nearly All Their Genes Still Thrive Under Evolution (singularityhub.com)
submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by wave_walnut@kbin.social to c/science@kbin.social
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Stripped down to a skeletal genetic blueprint, the artificial cells were dealt a losing hand for survival—yet they thrived.

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[–] a-man-from-earth@kbin.social 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Interesting! Tho the link is erroneously labeled as Japanese.

[–] wave_walnut@kbin.social 3 points 1 year ago

Thank you! I fixed it.

[–] Treczoks@kbin.social 3 points 1 year ago

493 genes. Wow. I wonder how for those genes have been analyzed to see what they actually do in detail. And by understanding this, the set can possibly reduced further.

One key thing here would be to remove the ability to synthesize a vital ingredient of the cell, and only provide it externally. This way, as soon as the organism leaves the pretri dish or vat that supplies this ingredient, it will be rendered harmless.