Artificial molecule evolves in the lab By NEW SCIENTIST Added:
Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:00:00 UTC UPDATE: Scientists develop first
examples of RNA that replicates itself indefinitely Thanks to
Eric for the link. A new molecule that performs the essential
function of life – self-replication – could shed light on the
origin of all living things. If that wasn't enough, the
laboratory-born ribonucleic acid (RNA) strand evolves in a test
tube to double itself ever more swiftly. "Obviously what we're
trying to do is make a biology," says Gerald Joyce, a biochemist
at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California. He
hopes to imbue his team's molecule with all the fundamental
properties of life: self-replication, evolution, and function.
Click here to continue reading: Stephen Cave - Financial Times
Comments What we really know about our evolutionary past – and
what we don’t - - Ancestors Trail Walk Comments WALK DARWIN’S
TREE OF LIFE ~ 26 AUGUST 2012 - event begins on Saturday 25
August Liat Clark - Wired.co.uk