Biggest achievements in synthetic biology

[MirceaKitsune]

Today I happened to hear in a bit more detail about synthetic biology and biohacking. It sounds like a fascinating domain, and I already have a lot of questions to wonder about. One of them, which wasn't specified directly in the documentaries and articles I saw, is what are the greatest achievements of this new technology... in terms of modifying or creating new forms of life? What are the most complex living being created / altered by scientists at this day? Were any entineered species created to any extent? Could any animals be given improvements that evolution didn't offer them, for example? Or can the technology be used to improve a human body beyond what one can have by default?

 

I heard about a few palpable results in this area. Such as creating bacteria that can produce gas and oil, which is indeed impressive. But what about larger and more complex forms of life? The best I've seen was a documentary approximately an year ago, about a scientist being able to implement a flourescent gene in a fruitfly making that fly's body glow. I'm interested about more things like this if there are any.

 

To make a relevant thing clear: I do not support or agree with animal cruelty, even if it's for science! I do however agree with harmless experiments if useful... such as creating new species through genetic modification, granted this doesn't involve mutations that cause pain or discomfort or death to the poor creatures. So I hope my wish of seeing achievements in this domain isn't confused with ignorance toward the lives involved.