Scientists engineer SpudCell, a synthetic system that mimics core life functions

Researchers have created a lab-made chemical system called SpudCell that replicates fundamental life processes such as growth and cell division. The system is not considered fully alive, as it still depends on external components to function. Despite this limitation, SpudCell provides scientists with a simplified model to study and better understand the basic mechanisms of life. The team plans to improve its self-sufficiency over time, with the long-term goal of developing custom biological machines and advancing foundational biology research.