The BBC report isn't detailed enough to tell exactly what is going on, but a quick google search shows that this is the result of a project that is still continuing.
e.g. this article from March 2003
http://www.newscientist.com/hottopics/dna/...{Shortened display form of URL, to restore page width to normal - Adminnemooseus}
(While looking for more I found this which deals with another aspect
Artificial cells take shape | Nature)
This message has been edited by Adminnemooseus, 12-10-2004 02:48 PM