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Scientists are reporting synthesis of the world's first DNA molecule made almost of entirely artificial parts. The discovery could be used in the fields of gene therapy and other futuristic high-tech advances, such as nano-sized computers. Courtesy of Masahiko Inouye

Chemists in Japan report development of the world's first DNA molecule made almost entirely of artificial parts. The finding could lead to improvements in gene therapy, futuristic nano-sized computers, and other high-tech advances, they say.

May 2, 2008 -- Updated 1352 GMT (2152 HKT)

Scientists creating worldwide database of tree DNA
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Researchers collecting tree DNA for global database
Database will help identify many of the world's existing plant species
A section of the DNA would be used as a barcode
Trees make up 25 percent of all plants, with as many as 100,000 species
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NEW YORK (AP) -- The New York Botanical Garden may be best known for its orchid shows and colorful blossoms, but its researchers are about to lead a global effort to capture DNA from thousands of tree species from around the world.

Researchers will connect genetic material from trees to create a "tree barcode" database.

The Bronx garden is hosting a meeting this week where participants from various countries will lay the groundwork for how the two-year undertaking to catalog some of the Earth's vast biodiversity will proceed.

The project is known as TreeBOL, or tree barcode of life. As in a similar project under way focusing on the world's fish species, participants would gather genetic material from trees around the world.

A section of the DNA would be used as a barcode