IT'S ALIVE!

Scientists in the US have succeeded in developing the first living cell to be controlled entirely by synthetic DNA.

The new microbe, dubbed "Synthia" by opponents, contains a DNA sequence designed and built by scientists. Its creator Dr Craig Venter hopes eventually to design and build new bacteria that can perform useful functions - such as producing medicines and fuels or even absorbing greenhouse gases.

But critics say there are dangers posed by synthetic organisms. Dr Helen Wallace from Genewatch UK, an organisation that monitors developments in genetic technologies, said: "If you release new organisms into the environment, you can do more harm than good. We don't know how these organisms will behave in the environment."
'Artificial life' breakthrough announced by scientists

This is truly an amazing development, and the potential is endless - for both good and evil.
We already know that just introducing an existing animal from one area to another where it is unknown can have a devastating effect on the local ecosystem - for example, the Grey Squirrel was introduced to the United Kingdom from the USA in the late 19th or early 20th century. It has spread across the UK and has largely displaced the native Red Squirrel, to the point that the grey squirrel are now considered pests, while the under-threat reds are a protected species.
Now imagine if a synthetic organism was released from the confines of it's laboratory.
This technology needs to be controlled with great care - yes there are great benefits to be realised. But the horror of unleashing it as a terrible new weapon has to be avoided.