Biologist denies ‘playing God’

AN American biologist who breathed life into a bacterium using genes assembled in the laboratory defended himself against accusations he was “playing God”.

The creation of the “synthetic cell”, described as a landmark by experts, is a 15-year dream come true for maverick genetics entrepreneur Dr Craig Venter.

It has major implications for genomics, including the manufacture of artificial organisms designed for specific tasks such as making vaccines or cleaning up pollution.