Scientist runner-up: Craig Venter
The maverick scientist, who was among the first to sequence the human genome, made headlines earlier this year when he announced that he and a team of researchers from the J. Craig Venter Institute in San Diego had successfully been the first to create life in the lab: a fully reproductive microbe brought to life by synthetic DNA. Though some describe his efforts as Frankensteinian, President Obama said Venter's announcement raised genuine concerns. The long-term implications sound promising: algae-derived bio fuels powering cars, tumor-seeking microbial missiles, even oil-eating bugs. The technology pushes the limits, a bit like Venter. --J.P.M.
NEXT: Smartest Executive: Todd Bradley
Last updated July 09 2010: 1:19 PM ET
Reid Hoffman: Better lucky than smart
