---
title: New forms of life
date: "2002-02-27T12:00:00Z"
categories:
  - links
wp_id: 1420
description: I'm highlighting research from Japan where scientists developed new DNA bases, essentially creating synthetic components for life. This breakthrough in molecular biology expands the genetic alphabet beyond the standard four nucleobases.
keywords: [dna, synthetic biology, molecular biology, nucleobases, japan, biotechnology]
---

The Japanese are creating new forms of life. (OK, they just created [new bases](http://economist.com/science/displayStory.cfm?story_id=987697).)