Several companies are already seeking to take advantage of the new field, called synthetic biology, which combines chemistry, computer science, molecular biology, genetics and cell biology to breed industrial life forms that can secrete fuels, vaccines or other commercial products.

WSJ: Scientists Create First Synthetic Cell

In research published in tomorrow's issue of Cell, scientists at Salt Lake City-based Myriad Genetics (nasdaq: MYGN - news - people ) and the University of Utah identify exactly which protein the virus appropriates in this microscopic hijacking.

FORBES: Myriad Genetics On HIV Drug Trail