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Time:2026-07-01T17:57:13Z

Scientists have created the first synthetic cell capable of feeding, growing, and reproducing, marking a major breakthrough in synthetic biology. Venezuela's devastating earthquakes have killed nearly 2,000 people with rescue efforts faltering amid political blame and humanitarian crises. War is increasingly arriving on Russia's doorstep as Ukrainian drones strike Moscow and some Russians turn against Putin.

Synthetic cell created in lab using chemical ingredients

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have used chemical ingredients in a lab to create a synthetic cell that exhibits most hallmarks of life, including the ability to eat, grow, and reproduce. This is the first time scientists have successfully assembled a living cell from scratch. The breakthrough could help answer fundamental questions about how many genes are necessary for minimal life forms. It also opens the door to engineering synthetic cells that natural cells cannot, such as producing novel medicines.

Sources:
Carl ZimmerResearchers have used chemical ingredients in a lab to create a synthetic cell with most of the hallmarks of life. What does that mean? (NYT)
Carl ZimmerScientists are trying to build so-called synthetic cells to better understand life. But the research is messy and complex. (NYT)
Carl ZimmerScientists hope synthetic cells can answer basic questions such as how many genes are necessary for a minimal form of life. (NYT)
Carl ZimmerBut synthetic cells also might someday be engineered to do things that natural cells can’t, like making new kinds of medicine. (NYT)

First man-made cell that feeds, grows, and reproduces

First man-made cell that feeds, grows, and reproducesScientists have announced the creation of the first man-made cell that can feed, grow, and reproduce, a milestone in synthetic biology. CNN reports that researchers have built a cell from scratch for the first time, while the New York Times highlights that this synthetic cell eats, grows, and reproduces like a natural organism. The University of Minnesota team has succeeded in mastering a recipe for life that had eluded scientists until now.

Sources:
Scientists say they have built a cell from scratch for the first time (CNN)
Scientists Create Man-Made Cell That Feeds, Grows and Reproduces (NYT)
Carl ZimmerThe cell that researchers at the University of Minnesota built eats, grows and reproduces. Until now, scientists had never mastered the recipe. (NYT)

Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 1,943

Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 1,943The death toll from Venezuela's powerful earthquakes has risen to 1,943 as rescue operations continue amid chaotic conditions. Venezuelan medics fear infections from quake injuries as the search for untold dead continues. Among the victims were Venezuelans who had been deported from the United States and were killed hours later in the quakes. Reports also surfaced of Venezuelan police officers being arrested over alleged looting following the disasters.

Sources:
Venezuelan medics fear infections from quake injuries as search for untold dead continues (AP News)
Venezuelans deported from the U.S. were killed hours later in powerful quakes (NPR)
Venezuela quake death toll rises to 1,943 (China Daily)
Venezuelan police officers arrested over alleged looting after earthquakes (The Guardian)

Venezuela rescue efforts falter amid humanitarian crisis

Venezuela rescue efforts falter amid humanitarian crisisVenezuela's earthquake rescue efforts are struggling with spotless uniforms and stalled cranes, signaling a deeply flawed response. Survivors continue searching through ruins as attention shifts to the unfolding humanitarian crisis. Personal tragedies emerge, including stories of fathers searching for families lost in the quakes. Many Venezuelans blame the government for the inadequate response a week after the disaster.

Sources:
Spotless uniforms, stalled cranes: Inside Venezuela’s faltering quake rescue effort (AP News)
Venezuelans search more earthquake ruins as attention turns to humanitarian crisis (AP News)
‘When I turned around, nothing was left’: One father's search for family after Venezuela quakes (BBC)
Untold casualties and humanitarian needs: What to know a week from Venezuela's quakes (NPR)
As Venezuelans struggle to find earthquake survivors, many blame the government (NPR)

War arrives on Putin's doorstep as drones hit Moscow

War arrives on Putin's doorstep as drones hit MoscowWar is arriving on Russian President Vladimir Putin's doorstep as Ukrainian drones strike Moscow, bringing conflict to the capital. Some Russians are reportedly turning on Putin amid the escalating attacks, though the political significance remains uncertain. The Five Eyes intelligence alliance has also declassified details about confronting Russia over its plans to attack Ukraine. These developments mark a significant shift in the war's proximity to Russian leadership.

Sources:
Power and paranoia: War arrives on Putin’s doorstep (CBC)
Some Russians are turning on Putin as drones hit Moscow. Does it matter? (CBC)
The day the Five Eyes showed up to confront Russia about its plan to attack Ukraine (CBC)