Scientists Launch Groundbreaking Initiative to Synthesise DNA from Scratch

One of the largest medical charitable organizations, the Wellcome Trust, has allocated £10 million to launch the first-ever project aimed at constructing parts or even an entire DNA sequence from scratch. The project, named «Human Synthetic Genome,» has been reported by the [BBC](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c6256wpn97ro).

Such research is viewed as contentious due to potential unforeseen consequences, such as the possibility of «designer babies» or unpredictable changes in the genomes of future generations.

The Wellcome Trust believes that these new advancements could lead to treatments for currently incurable diseases. Dr. Julian Sayer, from the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge and a participant in the project, stated that this research represents a monumental leap forward in bioscience.

«We are seeking therapeutic methods that will enhance the quality of life as people age, contribute to healthier aging, and reduce the incidence of disease. Our goal is to use this approach to create disease-resistant cells that could be utilized to regenerate damaged organs such as the liver, heart, or even the immune system,» he commented.

Critics express concern that this research may provide avenues for unethical scientists aiming to create enhanced or modified humans. Dr. Pat Thomas pointed out, «While we like to believe all experts are working for the greater good, science can also be misused and turned against us.»

Initially, researchers plan to devise techniques for creating increasingly larger segments of human DNA. Their aim is to reach a point where they can synthetically assemble a complete human chromosome, which houses the genes responsible for development, repair, and overall human function.

Following this, these chromosomes will be studied and experimented upon to better understand how DNA and genes regulate bodily functions.

Professor Matthew Herkel stressed that many diseases arise from genetic malfunctions. «Creating DNA from scratch allows us to gain insights into the fundamental workings of DNA and test new theories. Currently, we can only achieve this through alterations to existing genetic material in living systems,» he explained.

The project’s efforts will be confined to laboratory settings—there are no plans to create synthetic life. Nonetheless, the technology will provide researchers with unprecedented control over human biological systems.

While the project primarily aims for medical benefits, Professor Bill Earnshaw from the University of Edinburgh warned that unscrupulous scientists might seek to develop biological weapons, enhanced humans, or creatures with human DNA.

«The genie is out of the bottle. We can impose certain restrictions now, but if an organization with access to the necessary technology decides to start synthesizing anything, I doubt we will be able to stop them,» he said.

Thomas is worried about how medical companies will commercialize this technology, particularly in relation to treatments derived from the research findings. «If we manage to create synthetic body parts or even synthetic humans, who will own them? And who will have rights to the data generated from these efforts?» she questioned.

Given the potential risks associated with this technology, the motives behind funding the project are being scrutinized. Dr. Tom Collins, who approved funding for the initiative, noted, «We asked ourselves what the cost of inaction would be. This technology will eventually be developed, so by undertaking this project now, we are striving to approach it as responsibly as possible and to confront ethical and moral dilemmas early on.»

In the past, researchers at the Arc Institute developed the Evo 2 model capable of analyzing genetic codes, forecasting diseases and mutations, and designing new genomes comparable in length to those of simple bacteria.

Additionally, in August 2024, scientists from Johns Hopkins University and North Carolina State University created a functional DNA-based computer, substituting traditional electronics.