Team creates 'living' cells made of metal
Scottish scientists say they've taken the first steps towards creating a form of life based on inorganic elements.
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"What we are trying do is create self-replicating, evolving inorganic cells that would essentially be alive," he says. "You could call it inorganic biology."
His team's created inorganic-chemical-cells, or iCHELLS, using large 'polyoxometalates' made of metal atoms linked to oxygen and phosphorus.
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The cells can also store electricity, and could potentially be used in medical applications, for example as sensors or to confine chemical reactions.
More:
http://www.tgdaily.com/general-sciences-features/58538-team-creates-living-cells-made-of-metalSee also:
'Inorganic cells' tests under way
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5hg2ZMyXFUMGKcQ4DJy51m9CZl4Qw?docId=N0344311315850170758AGlasgow University in bid to create 'inorganic life'
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-14880474Scientists claim first step towards creating 'inorganic life'
http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/311636