News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

DNA-graphic-main_article_image.jpg
JFantasy/Wikimedia Commons/GNU Free Documentation License
World News

Biohacker injects himself with DNA sequence based on Bible passage in risky experiment

Ignoring official guidance, Adrien Locatelli used the first eleven chapters of Genesis when creating unknown proteins which he then injected into his legs.

DNA consists of chemicals represented by the letters ACGT. Different combinations of these letters form the coding of all genes.

Mr Locatelli, who comes from Grenoble in eastern France, assigned one of the four letters to every character in the Hebrew Alphabet, in the order of GACT.

He translated Genesis 1:1 to 11:9 but omitted certain verses he felt were "controversial", such as the first five verses of chapter seven when God instructs Noah to build an ark.

In a study posted online, Mr Locatelli said: "Recent studies have reported that it is possible to convert any type of information into DNA for the purpose of storage.

"Since it is possible to convert digital information into DNA, I wondered whether it would be possible to convert a religious text into DNA and to inject it in a living being.'

"It is the first time that someone injects himself [with] macromolecules developed from a text.

"It is very symbolic even if it does not have much interest."

It is understood Mr Locatelli experienced no side-effects other than temporary swelling in his left leg.

Commenting on the story, Isaac Stoner, the founder of a company researching antibiotic resistance described so-called biohackers as "idiots"

Sri Kosuri, a biochemistry professor at the University of California Los Angeles said: "2018 can't end soon enough".

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate