First living organism with artificial DNA base pairs

In November 2017, an entirely new form of E. coli was created at the Scripps Research Institute in California, USA, that contained two entirely synthetic DNA base pairs that can create previously unknown proteins. The two new synthetic "X" and "Y" bases integrate into the natural DNA of E. coli. These tiny amino acids are distinct from our own "A-T" (adenine – thymine) and "G-C" (guanine – cytosine) pairs, which are the amino acids that combine and form the basis for all genetic information in the natural world. The scientists hope that this breakthrough will pave the way for longer-lasting, more effective drugs for treating human illnesses. The ability to make hardier proteins that the human body cannot easily break down could dramatically increase the effectiveness of some drugs.