In the original script to the movie Frankenstein, the doctor cries out in triumph as his monster comes to life:  'Now I know what it feels like to be God!' The line was cut by the censor - and was never in any case part of Mary Shelley's novel - but the notion of scientists 'playing God' had edged itself into public consciousness.   

The concept reappeared most recently following Dr Craig Venter's announcement that he had created artificial life ...