Scientists from the J Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) in Maryland and California succeeded in developing the first living cell to be controlled entirely by synthetic DNA, in other words, they have created the first synthetic cell. (JVCI also created the first synthetic virus back in 2003.)

The researchers copied an existing bacterial genome, sequenced its genetic code and then used “synthesis machines” to chemically construct a copy. The researchers hope to eventually design bacterial cells that will produce medicines and fuels and even absorb greenhouse gases.

In fact, the company already has a $600 million contract with Exxon Mobil Corp. to design algae that can capture carbon dioxide and make fuel, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Environmental groups have already issued a statement asking the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration “to fully regulate all synthetic biology experiments and products”.

Of course, no one yet knows how these organisms will behave in the environment. As Dr Helen Wallace from Genewatch UK (an organization that monitors developments in genetic technologies) told BBC News, “By releasing them into areas of pollution, [with the aim of cleaning it up], you’re actually releasing a new kind of pollution”.