Scientists will create synthetic DNA from scratch

One of the largest medical charities, the Wellcome Trust, has allocated £10 million for the launch of the world's first project aimed at creating parts or even an entire DNA from scratch. It is called the "Synthetic Human Genome," reports BBC.

Such studies are considered controversial due to unforeseen consequences such as the creation of "designer babies" or unpredictable changes in the genomes of future generations.

Wellcome Trust believes that it will be able to treat incurable diseases thanks to new developments. Dr. Julian Sale, participating in the project from the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, stated that this research is the next giant leap in biology.

"We are looking for treatment methods that will improve the lives of people as they age, lead to healthier aging, and reduce the incidence of diseases. We want to use this approach to create disease-resistant cells that can be used to repopulate damaged organs such as the liver, heart, and even the immune system," he noted.

Critics fear that the research will open up opportunities for unscrupulous scientists seeking 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," noted Dr. Pat Thomas.

In the first stage, scientists intend to develop methods for creating increasingly larger fragments of human DNA. Researchers want to reach a point where they can synthetically assemble an entire human chromosome. They contain genes that are responsible for the development, repair, and vitality of humans.

Then chromosomes can be studied and experiments can be conducted to understand how DNA and genes regulate the functioning of the organism.

According to Professor Matthew Hurlza, many diseases arise from the malfunction of genes.

"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 the genetic material that already exists in living systems," he commented.

Work within the project will be limited to test tubes and containers — the creation of synthetic life is not planned. However, the technology will give researchers unprecedented control over human living systems.

The project aims for medical benefit, however, Professor Bill Earnshaw from the University of Edinburgh noted that unscrupulous scientists may 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 anything, I don’t think we’ll be able to stop them," he said.

Thomas is concerned about how the technology will be commercialized by medical companies that will 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 the cost of inaction is. This technology will be developed someday, so by doing this now, we are trying to take as responsible an approach as possible and confront ethical and moral questions earlier," said Dr. Tom Collins, who approved the funding for the initiative.

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

Recall that 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.