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University of Minnesota scientists made a cell with most of the hallmarks of fife. Here’s what to know.
By Star Tribune
· July 1, 2026
· 1 min read
Although it’s not the first synthetic cell ever created, SpudCell is the first to complete a full life cycle — from birth to division into next-generation cells — after having been created from the “bottom up” using laboratory chemicals
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The creation of SpudCell by University of Minnesota scientists marks a significant breakthrough in synthetic biology, with potential implications for the local biomedical and biotechnology industries. As the first synthetic cell to complete a full life cycle, SpudCell demonstrates the capabilities of Twin Cities researchers in this field. The university's achievement could attract additional funding and talent to the area, further solidifying the region's reputation as a hub for innovative scientific research. Local businesses and institutions may also explore potential applications of this technology, such as the development of new medicines or therapies. The success of SpudCell could have a ripple effect, inspiring collaborations between the university and local companies, and driving economic growth in the Minneapolis -St. Paul area. As this technology continues to evolve, it will be worth watching how the University of Minnesota and other local organizations leverage this breakthrough to drive progress in the life sciences.
About this story
Original reporting by Star Tribune . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Star Tribune . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: Star Tribune ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Although it’s not the first synthetic cell ever created, SpudCell is the first to complete a full life cycle — from birth to division into next-generation cells — after having been created from the “bottom up” using laboratory chemicals
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by Star Tribune and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Star Tribune. To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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