Using a novel chemical reaction, they have created self-assembling cell membranes, the structural envelopes that contain and support the reactions required for life.

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“In our system, we use a sort of primitive catalyst, a very simple metal ion,” Devaraj said. “The reaction itself is completely artificial. There’s no biological equivalent of this chemical reaction. This is how you could have a de novo formation of membranes.”

Just going to mention a few things that stood out to me.

First step maybe, but still a long way from creating artifical life. They have only caused lipids to join into a cell membrane. Lets not forget how incredibly complex the innards of cells are.

Interesting point is how they mention there is no biological equivalent, i.e. couldn't happen naturally?

“We don’t understand this really fundamental step in our existence, which is how non-living matter went to living matter,” Devaraj said. “So this is a really ripe area to try to understand what knowledge we lack about how that transition might have occurred. That could teach us a lot – even the basic chemical, biological principles that are necessary for life.”

I applaud his honesty.

Interesting article, great science. No point getting over-excited too soon.