Synthetic cells created, your thoughts...

[Kernl Sandrs]

On May 20, 2010, the private J. Craig Venter Institute announced that they have created the first synthetic cell, completely controlled by man-made genetic instructions, which can survive and reproduce itself.

So, right now as I type this, on the Science Channel, some reporter woman and a few other prominent members of the scientific community are participating in this "open forum" discussion about the creation of these synthetic cells. We have created life on a very basic level. What do you all think of this? How will it change the future, among other things?



http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703559004575256470152341984.html

 

[Kernl Sandrs]

Personally, I think we need to slow down. We create artificial cells and we don't even have a proper infrastructure!

Thirty-four percent of America's major roads are in poor or mediocre condition.
Twenty-seven percent of America's bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.

The list goes on, but that's just a sample. We need to stop, set all of our research aside, and start improving the quality of life for ourselves before we even think about colonizing the moon, mars, and beyond. We're in great need of changes, and we're so caught up with our ipods and other luxuries that we're blind to our environment, and the poor condition it's in. Technology needs to do some good for us. Improving education, infrastructure, and the quality of life should be our priorities, not creating artificial life and then debating what to do next.