‘Beautiful blobs’: can scientists build life from scratch?

‘Beautiful blobs’: can scientists build life from scratch?

July 2, 2026 · 17 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the creation of lab-made life forms and their implications for science.

Researchers claim they are closer to creating life from nothing after building tiny, quivering blobs that use lab-made DNA to feed, grow and multiply in a dish. To find out how significant this step is, and where scientists hope it will lead, Madeleine Finlay hears from co-host Ian Sample and from Kate Adamala, professor of genetics at the University of Minnesota. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

People in this episode

Host: Madeleine Finlay

Guest: Kate Adamala

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Organizations: University of Minnesota

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