


A new project aims to synthesise a human chromosome
The tools developed along the way could revolutionise medicine
WHEN THE first draft of the DNA sequence that makes up the human genome was unveiled in 2000, America’s president at the time, Bill Clinton, announced that humankind was “learning the language with which God created life”. His assessment was a little quick off the mark. For one thing, the full sequence would not be completed until 2022. For another, whereas scientists can use sequencing tools to read DNA, and CRISPR technology to make small edits, actually writing the genomic language has proved trickier.
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Synthetic proteins are being built with the help of AI models
They could treat diseases, test drugs and boost crop yields

How sea slugs give themselves superpowers
Their slimy shenanigans might have applications for humans, too

Is being bilingual good for your brain?
Perhaps. Learning languages offers other, more concrete benefits
Distrust in public-health institutions is not just an American problem
Across the rich world politics is driving scepticism
Scientists have created healthy, fertile mice with two fathers
Bipaternal human children, though, are still far away
Killer whales appear to craft their own tools
One group uses kelp stalks as exfoliating brushes