Sex for procreative purposes may yet go the way of Demolition Man, if scientists have their way. The Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues has released a statement announcing their belief that creating synthetic life through the manipulation of DNA "is capable of significant but limited achievements posing limited risks.

"Future developments may raise further objections, but the Commission found no reason to endorse additional federal regulations or a moratorium on work in this field at this time."

The decision comes in response to the J. Craig Venter Institute announcing in May that it's created self-replicating bacteria controlled by a synthetic genome. To lead researcher Craig Venter's assertion that he's created the "first synthetic cell," the commission says the institute has not yet created life since they only synthesized a genome in an already existing cell.

Commission Chair Amy Gutman says the commission "chose a middle course to maximize public benefits while also safeguarding against risks. Prudent vigilance suggests that federal oversight is needed and can be exercised in a way that is consistent with scientific progress."

Obviously, the PCSBI has seen Jurassic Park, and A.I. Artificial Intelligence. If you need us, we'll be underground.

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