Manmade Cell That Feeds, Grows and Reproduces Unveiled

Researchers have engineered a synthetic cell in the laboratory. The cell can feed on supplied nutrients. It is able to grow in size under controlled conditions. It can also reproduce itself without external cells. The achievement marks a milestone in synthetic biology. The cell was built from man‑made components rather than natural organisms. The development was detailed in a New York Times interactive report. Scientists suggest the breakthrough could enable new biotechnological applications.