The Hill News

One year ago, American scientists passed a new milestone in genetic engineering history. On May 20, 2010, Craig Venter and his colleagues constructed the first fully self-replicating living cell controlled by synthetic DNA.

No, they didn’t “create life” â€" they used an existing living organism. But this breakthrough does hold the promise of helping us address many of this century’s greatest challenges in healthcare, energy, agriculture and the environment. It also raises new questions about ethics and safety.

Soon after the scientific breakthrough, President Obama established a Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues to review the emerging science of synthetic biology in order to maximize its benefits and minimize its risks and analyze its ethical dimensions. Meanwhile, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Select Committee on Global Warming each conducted hearings on the issues raised by this cutting-edge technology.  

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