Could synthetic biology help to solve some of our most pressing problems? Craig Venter sees a cell stripped of its DNA as a hardware platform that can run other software. DNA manufactured in the lab can be inserted into the cell, which can then be rebooted to perform other functions. The new program -- and therefore the cell itself -- can be optimized for a particular role. Venter says his team is currently working on synthetic life forms that will turn carbon dioxide into energy, helping to address the global climate change crisis. His modest goal is to replace the petrochemical industry.

By mapping the genomes of diverse species, Venter says, we can see how the DNA code works, and select and combine snippets of code that perform desired functions. The synthetic cell could include useful characteristics borrowed from multiple species.

This is clearly a wildcard that could change everything -- full at the same time of promise and potential peril.

There are many unanswered questions. Can we prevent synthetic cells from escaping and multiplying in the wild? And, while Craig Venter's motives may be well-intentioned, what about black hat scientists who could apply these techniques to more nefarious ends? This is extraordinary science that takes us down the path to an unknown future.