No, SpudCells aren’t alive. But they’re a step toward the first synthetic life

The lab-made cells can grow and divide — with scientists’ help

 In a major advance, scientists have created cells (shown in a microscope image) that can replicate their own DNA and divide. Called SpudCells, they are the first synthetic cells to complete a full cell cycle, the team says. 

Orion Venero/Adamala Lab/Univ. of Minnesota

Kate Adamala has a vision of the future.