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Team simulates a living cell that grows and divides
A simulated cell in the early stages of division. Left half shows cytoplasm (blue cubes), mRNA degradation machinery molecules (pink), and sugar transporters (brown). Right half adds the membrane (green) and ribosomes (yellow/red). Graphic by Zane Thornburg, as part of Figure 1 of the paper, “Bringing the genetically minimal cell to life on a computer in 4D.” Journal: Cell. DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2026.02.009 CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — By simulating the life cycle of a minimal bacterial cell —...
Genomics pioneer J. Craig Venter launches Diploid Genomics, Inc. (DGI), ushering in a new era in human genomics
La Jolla, CA—January 22, 2026—Diploid Genomics, Inc. (DGI), an AI-driven advanced genomics analytics company, launches in partnership with Healthier Capital, a leading health-tech venture capital firm, under the leadership of genomics pioneer J. Craig Venter, Ph.D. DGI is developing the next‑generation discovery and diagnostics platform for complex and deadly diseases, making future health outcomes more predictable, measurable, and actionable. DGI plans to employ advanced AI models,...
Scientists engineer microbial teams to transform mixed plastics into valuable products
La Jolla, California—December 11, 2025—Each year, the world produces more than 400 million metric tons of plastic, much of which ends up in landfills, incinerators, or the natural environment. While recycling programs exist, they are often limited in scope and effectiveness, especially when it comes to the most difficult category of waste: mixed plastics. Now, a team of researchers led by Tae Seok Moon at the J. Craig Venter Institute and Moonshot Bio, Inc. has developed pioneering...
Remembering Hamilton O. Smith
Hamilton O. Smith August 31, 1931 – October 25, 2025 It is with profound sorrow that we announce the loss of Hamilton O. Smith, M.D., a scientific giant, compassionate mentor, and beloved by all who had the honor of knowing him. Ham was humble, gentle, and brilliant. He died peacefully at home in Ellicott City, Maryland on October 25, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking contributions to science, and a life rich in love, discovery, and service. Ham had a large and active family...
The passing of Clyde A. Hutchison, III
Clyde A. Hutchison, III November 26, 1938 – September 27, 2025 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Clyde A. Hutchison, III, J. Craig Venter Institute distinguished professor Emeritus. He died this past Saturday peacefully at home with his wife Phifer and son Edward in La Jolla, California. He was 86. Friend and colleague John Glass, JCVI professor and La Jolla campus director, memorialized Clyde’s remarkable life and career in the following note to JCVI...
4th Minimal Cell Workshop
View complete playlist for the workshop on YouTube. Day 1 — September 23, 2024 Time PDT Video Title Presenter Organization PI 5:00 AM Introduction John Glass (jglass@jcvi.org) J. Craig Venter Institute 5:15 AM Acholeplasma laidlawii as a New Platform for Creating Synthetic Cells × Daniel...
Unveiling the secrets of an adaptable, ubiquitous ocean algae
La Jolla, California—September 30, 2025—Phaeocystales, a group of bloom-forming marine algae, are gaining attention for their remarkable ecological roles and global reach. Found in every ocean—from the icy Southern Ocean to temperate and tropical waters—these nanoplankton may live in colonies or drift alone. When blooms form, they can aggregate into massive mats visible from space, covering hundreds of square miles, leading to both helpful and harmful effects. Led by Andrew Allen,...
Science History Institute Acquires Molecular Biology Archive That Includes Rosalind Franklin’s Historic ‘Photo 51’
DNA X-ray Diffraction Image Known as Photo 51 (left) with handwritten annotations by Rosalind Franklin and Aaron Klug on the back (right), ca. 1953. Image: Science History Institute. The Science History Institute is pleased to announce the acquisition of the History of Molecular Biology Collection from the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI). Considered one of the most significant scientific archives ever compiled, it includes the papers of Nobel laureates Aaron Klug and Max...
SynBYSS 2024
This is a past event. Current conference details may be found here. The 1st International SynBYSS Conference will unite in-person a previously online-only group of speakers and audiences, with an explicit goal to invest in the young, diverse, and international future of synthetic biology. As early-career synthetic biology researchers begin their own research, there are few conferences that provide an opportunity for them to express their ideas, network effectively, or collaborate widely....
Reading the blueprint of life
Thirty years ago, new thinking and computational advances enabled DNA sequencing firsts, including the human genome “Moving forward in science is as much unwinding the distorted thinking of the past as it is putting a clearer idea on the table.” —J. Craig Venter (interview with Richard Dawkins) Thirty years ago, a typical home computer CPU had around 3 million transistors. Today, a high-end consumer processor has around 184 billion, a staggering 60,000x increase. While this...