The University of Minnesota announced in a July 1 research brief that its researchers have created what they're calling the world's first-ever synthetic cell, according to the Minnesota Daily.
The cell, dubbed SpudCell, is described as the first artificial cell able to feed itself, grow and carry out a complete life cycle — functions previously seen only in living cells. Per the university, SpudCell is built entirely from non-living chemical components rather than parts harvested from existing organisms.
That distinction matters in synthetic biology: rather than modifying an existing cell's genome, researchers are assembling something that behaves like life from scratch. The university's announcement frames SpudCell as a milestone for the field, though further details on the research team and methodology have not yet been published beyond the July 1 brief.
The Minnesota Daily's report is the first public account of the project. Check back as more details on the researchers behind SpudCell and what comes next for the project become available.