Oh, I definitely think we need a bacterium with nonstandard DNA running around in the open. /:=)

According to the article...

...create an organism that must execute at least one synthetic nonbiological operation in order to complete its life cycle. The person or group that verifiably creates such an organism with an emphasis on the safety of the researchers, public, and environment, ...will win the A-PRIZE.

So if my nonbiological synthetic life form goes on a single cell microscopic rampage, wiping out all life as we know it - I don't get the prize??

Supernature.... (gotta love Cerrone')



Once upon a time
Science opened up the door
We would feed the hungry fields
Till they couldn't eat no more

But the potions that we made
Touched the creatures down below
And they grow up in a way
That we'd never seen before

Supernature, supernature
Supernature, supernature</i>

They were angry with the man
Cause changed their way of life
And they take their sweet revenge
As they trample through the night

For hundred miles or more
You could hear the people cry
But there is nothing you can do
Even God is on their side
(God is on, God is on, God is on their side)

<i>Supernature, supernature
Supernature, supernature</i>

Cars will break the light
Come flowing in the air
The creature will decide
Who goes where

How can I explain
Things are different today
Darkness all around
No one makes a sound
Such a sad affair
No one seems to care

<i>Supernature, supernature
Supernature, supernature</i>

Better watch out
There's no way to stop it now
You can't escape
It's too late
Look what you've done
There's no place that you can run
The monster's made
We must pay

Maybe nature has a plan
To control the ways of man
He must start from scratch again
Many battles must he win
Till he earns his place on earth
Like the other creatures do
Will there be a happy end
Now that all depends on you

Uh-oh, It's difficult enough to keep politicians from making bad knee-jerk legislation about technology as it is. Just imagine the waves of crappy legislation that would pour through governments world wide when/if an artificial life form is created.