J. Craig Venter keeps riding the cusp of each new wave in
biology. When researchers started analyzing genes, he launched
the Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR), decoding the genome
of a bacterium for the first time in 1992. When the government
announced its plan to map the human genome, he claimed he would
do it first—and then he delivered results in 2001, years ahead
of schedule. Armed with a deep understanding of how DNA works,
Venter is now moving on to an even more extraordinary project.
Starting with the stunning genetic diversity that exists in the
wild, he is aiming to build custom-designed organisms that could
produce clean energy, help feed the planet, and treat cancer.
Venter has already transferred the genome of one species into
the cell body of another. This past year he reached a major
milestone, using the machinery of yeast to manufacture a genome
from scratch. When he combines the steps—perhaps next year—he
will have crafted a truly synthetic organism. Senior editor
Pamela Weintraub discusse