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The article presents an interview with chemist and University of Glasgow Regius Chair of Chemistry Lee Cronin who discusses various topics including the construction of chemical brains and his desire to create artificial life by developing chemical systems that process information. Cronin's claim that the human brain can not be simulated on a computer is examined, along with physical neural networks and human consciousness.

Niftier ways to manipulate molecules are bringing us advances on fronts from sucking greenhouse gases from the air to inventing infinitely recyclable materials and even creating artificial life. Katharine Sanderson reveals seven of the most exciting innovations [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers outlook for the possible development of new life forms on planet Earth in the next 60 years. Topics discussed include the capacity of geneticists to modify living organisms, the possibility of using chemical ingredients in engineering replication or production of synthetic life, and the perceived benefits of allowing artificial life to evolve in an environment similar to natural life.

The article focuses on research into artificial cell-like structures (protocells) that will kill off other protocell populations and its use in demonstrating protocell evolution and artificial life. It states predator protocells were positively charged droplets containing an enzyme which degrades enzymes while prey protocells were protein capsules encircling DNA. It comments how the cells displayed behavior seen in living beings and speculates how it could be confused for extraterrestrial life.

The article presents information on efforts of scientists to create artificial life. Scientists have developed a system that works on the fact that oil and water do not mix. The components of each individual Bug in the system are contained by a droplet of fatty acids, suspended in a watery solution enclosed by a test tube. Instead of DNA the Bug has short stretches of peptide nucleic acid (PNA). PNA is made of two intertwining strands containing the genetic "letters" A, T, C and G. The strands have a peptide backbone which does not carry an electrical charge, so will dissolve in fat.

The article discusses the 2013 announcement by geneticist Craig Venter that he, Clyde Hutchison, and Hamilton Smith have developed a synthetic genome for a self-replicating cell using computer simulation in order to engineer an oil-producing photosynthetic algae.

The article reports on developments in the field of artificial life. A study conducted by Benjamin Beckman and colleagues at Michigan State University, which caused digital organisms to evolve sleep-like behavior, is discussed. Another study, by Paul Vogt of Tilburg University, caused digital organisms to evolve a compositional language from a proto-language.

Presents a letter to the editor on issues related to artificial life.

Reports the growth of virtual creatures from artificial embryos in a computer simulation. Physical features of the creature; Use of simulated chemicals to control the embryo genes; Implication of the experiment for artificial evolution to create intelligent life from scratch.

Focuses on the halting of research developing a single-cell artificial life form by Craig Venter of Celera Genomics and The Institute for Genomic Research in Rockville, Maryland. Their concern for the application of such biotechnology in bioterrorism; The successful sequencing of entire genomes and the theoretical possibility of creating new ones; Comments by Venter and others; Announcement of United States President Bill Clinton of a $1.4 billion program to combat chemical and bioterrorism.