This document discusses synthetic biology and its potential applications. It defines synthetic biology as the technology that programs organisms by manipulating their DNA sequences. The document outlines the history of synthetic biology dating back to the 1950s and its growth with advances in genomics and systems biology. Potential uses of synthetic biology mentioned include producing rare foods, organs for transplantation, customized humans with desired traits, and drugs. The document also references sources of further information on synthetic biology and its ethical implications.