Yesterday the researchers at the Craig Venter Institute announced something extraordinary -- a bacteria cell that was in part designed using a computer without using any pieces of natural DNA. If you happen to have an at-home DNA sequencer and get some of these cells, the designers inserted various watermarks in their new life form as well as an email address to contact - sort of bacterial easter eggs or dog tags.
Venter is frequently sited as a leading researcher in synthetic bio-fuels, was a leader of the human genome project and his Institute operate the Global Ocean Sampling Expedition.
