Self-replicating xenobots from frog cells

[Klyde O'Scope]

The xenobots have been around. The real news here is that they replicate by a previously unknown method.







Lots more.... I'm sensing a possible (likely?) Nobel here.
https://www.npr.org/2021/12/01/1060027395/robots-xenobots-living-self-replicating-copy
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=self-replicating+xenobots

 

[Lindasjackson]

Well that’s interesting!

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

Well that’s interesting!

... and maybe a little controversial? No other known life form reproduces in this manner.

 

[Lindasjackson]

I don’t understand what the purpose is.

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

I don’t understand what the purpose is.

The xenobots are programmable—presumably at the DNA level.

The researchers hope that one day these xenobots — described by the same team in a paper published nearly two years ago — could be programmed to perform useful functions such as finding cancer cells in the human body or trapping harmful microplastics in the ocean.
https://www.npr.org/2021/12/01/1060027395/robots-xenobots-living-self-replicating-copy

There's more in the NPR article, including a section on ethical concerns.

See also: https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=what+is+the+purpose+of+Tufts+xenobots?

 

[Lindasjackson]

I read the article but still don’t understand their purpose

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

Currently, they may be a lab experiment, but that's how science sometimes works—discover/invent something, then figure out what benefit it may be.

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=accidental+discoveries+that+benefit+us

In this case, it's their potential.

The researchers hope that one day these xenobots — described by the same team in a paper published nearly two years ago — could be programmed to perform useful functions such as finding cancer cells in the human body or trapping harmful microplastics in the ocean.
https://www.npr.org/2021/12/01/1060027395/robots-xenobots-living-self-replicating-copy

 

[salty dog]

the matrix

 

[Lindasjackson]

Okay, thanks

 

[bbyoda]

It would be really amazing if they could accurately and safely remove cancer cells and plaque in our hearts and brains. Lots of research and testing but that would help a lot of people and save a lot of lives!