A groundbreaking scientific breakthrough

And what lies ahead.

Pritesh Pathak

Mar 26, 2026

According to this recent news:

“Scientists have created something called “Zombie cells”, using synthetic biology.”

As a person who has a deep understanding of science, allow me to explain this in two parts.

1. What was achieved until now?

Scientists took bacteria and destroyed their DNA using a chemical. The cell structure remained intact, but it could not reproduce or function as a living organism

Then they inserted a complete genome from another species. That new DNA took over the cell machinery. The cell began to grow and divide again

The result was a functioning living cell built from non-living biological parts.

Apparently, these engineered microbes could have huge applications in life-saving drugs, sustainable fuels and eco-friendly materials.

2. Where do we go next from here?

The next phase of this entirely predictable scientific trajectory involves the newly created bacteria being cultured in a petri dish. The petri dish is placed inside a state-of-the-art laboratory.

The chief scientist is brilliant and overworked.

One day, in the near future, he says so his research assistant, “Bob, monitor the samples. I’m stepping out for lunch.”

Bob, whose primary qualification is that he once spelled “mitochondria” correctly, nods.

Bob then receives a call from his wife who tells him he shouldn’t be late for their daughter’s birthday tonight. Bob, boldly proclaims that ‘come what may, he will be there.’ Bad call.

And as he says that, his elbow nudges the petri dish. It falls off the table and shatters.

Now, in a universe where normal citizens like us exist, this would be a good place to ask for help.

But Bob does what any scientist with a Phd in biotechnology would do. He decides to clean it up himself. With a tissue in hand he tries to scrape the mess into a dustpan when a piece of glass cuts his fingertips.

This is where we apply the scientific principle of zooming into the cut and entering the POV of Bob’s bloodstream.

A crimson highway is invaded by the tiny bacteria. They merge and they rewrite and they improvise.

When the chief scientist return he asks, “Bob, did you take the readings?”

Silence.

“Bob? Why are you standing weirdly still in the corner of the room?”

“Bob? Why are you walking slowly towards me?”

That’s when Bob’s pupils dilate and turn white.

And then we hear a loud scream in the room.

Which brings us to the most important scientific conclusion of all.

If you are going to pursue groundbreaking research and want to become a scientist, you must first complete a foundational curriculum.

In the first semester to being a scientist, you must watch: