'Milestone': Scientists claim to build synthetic cell, raising concerns in step toward artificial life

Scientists at the University of Minnesota claim to have built the most life-like synthetic cell, SpudCell, assembled entirely from nonliving components capable of growth, DNA replication, division, and passing traits to offspring. The synthetic cells require lab-controlled nutrients and external components to survive and have not undergone peer review, with researchers acknowledging limitations like 30% genome inheritance after five generations.