Researchers led by Dr. Kate Adamala at the University of Minnesota constructed synthetic cells called SpudCells from chemical compounds and lab-made DNA inside liposomes, achieving a full cycle of growth, replication, and division. The work builds on Craig Venter's 2010 synthetic organism and is described by the lead researcher as a proof of principle rather than a robust functional equivalent to natural cells. All reporting draws from a single left-center source, The Guardian.