To the Point
Is Synthetic Biology about to Make Life in a Laboratory?
A renowned geneticist claims a major advance toward creating life in a laboratory. We look at the possible benefits and drawbacks, as well as ethical and religious questions raised by "synthetic biology." Also, stocks dive on financial and political worries, and South Africa and the World Cup.
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenA renowned geneticist claims a major advance toward creating life in a laboratory. We look at the possible benefits and drawbacks, as well as ethical and religious questions raised by "synthetic biology." Also, Stocks dive on worries about European banks and political tensions in Korea, and South Africa tries to put its own stamp on an international extravaganza, the World Cup.
Banner image: President Barack Obama (R) presents a 2008 National Medal of Science to biologist J. Craig Venter (L) during an East Room ceremony October 7, 2009 at the White House. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesStocks Dive on Worries about European Banks, Korean Political Tensions
There was some good news about US consumer confidence today, but it didn’t matter to Wall Street, which was focused on other issues. That’s according to Kate Gibson, markets reporter for MarketWatch , base in New York City.
Read the story8 minSynthetic Cells: Momentous Breakthrough or Ethical Morass?
In the 1990's, J. Craig Venter beat a team of international scientists in deciphering the human genome. Last week, he announced a breakthrough in creating life in a laboratory , what he called "the first self-replicating species… whose parent is a computer." Has he really created new life or just modified existing life?
Read the story36 minSouth Africa Tries to Africanize the World Cup
In the days of Apartheid, South Africa was barred from soccer tournaments around the world. Now, for the first time, it's about to host the World Cup , and is struggling to put an African stamp on a global event.
Read the story8 min
