Craig Venter on artificial life

Craig Venter, left, and his research partner, Hamilton Smith, transplanted synthetic DNA into living bacterial cells [EPA]

On this episode of Frost over the World: Craig Venter joins the show to discuss the implications for science and ethics of the creation of artificial life; a look at the crisis building between North and South Korea; and paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius.

This episode aired from Friday, May 28, 2010.

Craig Venter

Craig Venter has created artificial life. Last week, the geneticist announced that he and his research partner, the Nobel Laureate Hamilton Smith, had successfully transplanted synthetic DNA into living bacterial cells.

He joins Sir David from New York to discuss his startling breakthrough and its implications for both science and ethics.

Chun Yung-woo & Richard McGregor

Chun Yung-woo, the South Korean vice minister for foreign affairs and trade, joins Sir David from Seoul to discuss the crisis building between North and South Korea following the sinking of the South Korean warship, Cheonan.

Plus, Financial Times reporter, Richard McGregor, joins Sir David to talk about his new book, The Secret World of China’s Communist Rulers, which investigates the mysterious power behind the scenes of this emerging global superpower.

General Jack Keane

The former vice chief of staff of the US army joins Sir David to talk about the Iraq war and US foreign policy.

Oscar Pistorious

Paralympic athlete, Oscar Pistorius, joins Sir David from the Paralympic World Cup in Manchester. He talks about his recent victory in the 400m and his hopes to compete alongside able-bodied athletes at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.