Closed meeting about creating a synthetic human genome

[Plazma Inferno!]

Scientists are now contemplating the fabrication of a human genome, meaning they would use chemicals to manufacture all the DNA contained in human chromosomes.
The prospect is spurring both intrigue and concern in the life sciences community because it might be possible, such as through cloning, to use a synthetic genome to create human beings without biological parents.
While the project is still in the idea phase, and also involves efforts to improve DNA synthesis in general, it was discussed at a closed-door meeting on Tuesday, May 10th at Harvard Medical School in Boston. The nearly 150 scientists, lawyers, and business leaders met to discuss the creation of a synthetic human genome. Journalists were not permitted to attend the event. Attendees were also told not to contact the news media or to post on Twitter during the meeting.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/14/science/synthetic-human-genome.html?_r=0
http://futurism.com/harvard-scientists-hold-secret-meeting-aimed-creating-synthetic-human-genome/

 

[Plazma Inferno!]

After secret Harvard meeting, scientists announce plans for synthetic human genomes

Three weeks ago, 130 scientists, entrepreneurs and policy leaders held an invitation-only, closed-door meeting at Harvard University to discuss an ambitious plan to create synthetic human genomes. Now, after a flurry of criticism over the secrecy of the effort, the participants have published their idea, declaring that they're launching a project to radically reduce the cost of synthesizing genomes -- a potentially revolutionary development in biotechnology that could enable technicians to grow human organs for transplantation.
The announcement, published Thursday in the journal Science, is the latest sign that biotechnology is going through a rapidly advancing but ethically fraught period. Scientists have been honing their techniques for manipulating the complex molecules that serve as the code for all life on the planet, and this same issue of the journal Science reports a breakthrough in editing RNA, a molecule that is the close cousin of DNA.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...h-proposal-to-create-synthetic-human-genomes/