Evolution seen in 'synthetic DNA' (BBC)
Researchers have succeeded in mimicking the chemistry of life in synthetic versions of DNA and RNA molecules.
The work shows that DNA and its chemical cousin RNA are not unique in their ability to encode information and to pass it on through heredity.
The work, reported in Science, is promising for future "synthetic biology" and biotechnology efforts.
It also hints at the idea that if life exists elsewhere, it could be bound by evolution but not by similar chemistry.
In fact, one reason to mimic the functions of DNA and RNA - which helps cells to manufacture proteins - is to determine how they came about at the dawn of life on Earth; many scientists believe that RNA arose first but was preceded by a simpler molecule that performed the same function.
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more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-17769529
free abstract/$$$ full paper: http://www.sciencemag.org/content/336/6079/341.abstract
I see Satan's been busy playing with our minds again ....
