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University of Minnesota scientists made a cell with most of the hallmarks of life. 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 breakthrough achievement of University of Minnesota scientists in creating SpudCell, a synthetic cell that completes a full life cycle, has significant implications for the local biomedical and research community. As the first cell of its kind to be created from laboratory chemicals and undergo division into next-generation cells, SpudCell opens up new avenues for research and potential applications in fields such as medicine and biotechnology. This development is likely to bolster the Twin Cities' reputation as a hub for innovative scientific research, attracting further investment and talent to the area. The University of Minnesota's role in this achievement also underscores the institution's commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and its potential to drive economic growth in the region through cutting-edge research and development. As the scientific community continues to explore the possibilities of synthetic cells, Minneapolis residents can take pride in the fact that their city is at the forefront of this exciting and rapidly evolving field.
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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