This document provides an overview of synthetic biology and aims to open a debate on its potentials and challenges. Synthetic biology involves constructing living organisms to perform tasks like engineers build machines. It combines disciplines like genetics, engineering and computer science. While it offers possibilities like new energy and medicine, its risks are still unclear as it is an emerging field. The document discusses the need for responsible research and oversight, public input, and international cooperation given synthetic biology's global scope and impacts. It presents different views on funding priorities and regulation in Denmark. Overall, the document seeks to impart knowledge on synthetic biology while discussing its social and ethical implications in an inclusive debate.
A look at future directions for biology. Personalized genomics is a key step in moving towards individualized medicine and preventative interventions. The traditional trial and error approach of molecular biology is being replaced by the direct design of synthetic biology. Synthetically developed energy solutions could have a substantial impact on natural resource demand.
Synthetic biology is a field that aims to design and engineer biological organisms and systems for useful purposes. It involves modifying organisms to have new abilities by redesigning their DNA. Some key goals of synthetic biology include producing medicines, manufacturing chemicals, and solving environmental problems in eco-friendly ways. It differs from genetic engineering in aiming to make more extensive and predictable changes at a larger scale, such as designing whole new genomes. Synthetic biologists use techniques like DNA synthesis and standardization to achieve their goals. Recent advances include using synthetic biology to sense environmental conditions, produce chemicals, and even create artificial enzymes not found in nature.
Synthetic biology is an area of science that engineers organisms to have new abilities by redesigning them for useful purposes in areas like medicine, manufacturing, and agriculture. It focuses on creating technologies to design and build biological organisms that can do things like break down toxic chemicals. However, some worry that synthetic organisms could escape and harm the environment or be used for biological weapons, so regulation is urged. Researchers have already fully synthesized viral genomes and redesigned bacteria like E. coli by editing its DNA codons.
Synthetic biology is an emerging scientific field that combines engineering and biology to design and construct novel biological systems or redesign existing natural biological systems. The document provides a brief history of synthetic biology from 1960 to 2013, highlighting key developments such as the first synthetic genetic circuits in 2000-2003 and the engineering of metabolic pathways. It also discusses topics such as standard biological parts, modeling and design techniques, applications in health, energy and environment, as well as potential risks that need consideration with the further development of the field.
Synthetic biology is the design and construction of novel artificial biological pathways, organisms, or devices. This document discusses synthetic biology tools and applications in pathway engineering, with a focus on plants. It provides examples of introducing the artemisinin biosynthesis pathway into tobacco using a combinatorial supertransformation approach, and engineering yeast to produce the sesquiterpene α-santalene. While synthetic biology has potential applications in health, environment and energy, it also faces risks that must be addressed including unintentional release of modified organisms and dual-use concerns.
SYNTHETIC CELLS
An artificial cell or minimal cell or synthetic cell is an engineered particle that mimics one or many functions of a biological cell.
Artificial cells are biological or polymeric membranes which enclose biologically active materials.
A "living" artificial cell has been defined as a completely synthetically made cell that can capture energy, maintain ion gradients, contain macromolecules as well as store information and have the ability to mutate.
DEFINITION
EXAMPLE
SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
Synthetic biology is a multidisciplinary area of research that seeks to create new biological parts, devices, and systems, or to redesign systems that are already found in nature.
Due to more powerful genetic engineering capabilities and decreased DNA synthesis and sequencing costs, the field of synthetic biology is rapidly growing
HISTORY
BOTTOM-UP APPROACH FOR CONSTRUCTING SYNTHETIC CELLS
A bottom-up approach is commonly used to design and construct genetic circuits by piecing together functional modules that are capable of reprogramming cells with novel behavior.
CELL ENCAPSULATION METHOD
Cell microencapsulation technology involves immobilization of the cells within a polymeric semi-permeable membrane that permits the bidirectional diffusion of molecules such as the influx of oxygen, nutrients, growth factors etc. essential for cell metabolism and the outward diffusion of waste products and therapeutic proteins.
TECHNIQUES USED FOR THE PREPARATION OF EMULSION
1- high pressure homogenization
2- microfluidization
3- drop method
4- emulsion method
MEMBRANES OF SYNTHETIC CELLS
THE MINIMAL CELL
A minimal cell is one whose genome only encodes the minimal set of genes necessary for the cell to survive.
THE SYNTHETIC BLOOD CELLS
Synthetic red blood cells mimic natural ones, and have new abilities
APPLICATIONS OF SYNTHETIC CELLS
1- DRUG RELEASE AND DELIEVERY
2- GENE THERAPY
3- ENZYME THERAPY
4- HEMOPERFUSION
5- OTHER APPLICATIONS
FUTURE OF SYNTHETIC CELLS AND BIOLOGY
ACHIEVEMENTS
HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES
ETHICS AND CONTROVERSIES
REFERENCES
THANK YOU
Synthetic biology is the designing of new biological systems or the modification of the existing ones that do not occur naturally. Synthetic or artificial cells organisms with minimal genomes have uses in molecular medicine, vaccines, environmental chemistry and bio-sensors. Creation of synthetic cells involve in-vitro synthesis of unitary DNA fragments of one-kilo base pairs (1kb). These unitary fragments are ligated to make ten kilo base pair (10kb) fragments, followed by tethering 10 fragments to form one hundred kilo base pair (100kb) fragments. Each step involves transformation and sequencing procedures in E. coli host cells. Ultimately, eleven of these hundred kilo base pair fragments are joined to create a “Synthetic Genome” which is maintained in yeast cells, as maximum limit of DNA transplant acceptance of E. coli is 100kb. By this approach, synthetic chromosomes can be maintained, manipulated and transplanted to an acceptor organism to create a synthetic cell. Applications of the technology include semi-synthetic approach of Artemisinic acid, which can be used to chemically synthesize anti-malarial drug Atremisinin and its therapeutically important derivatives. Second application of synthetic biology is production of meningitis vaccine against poorly immunogenic Neisseria meningitidis serogroup-B, by preparing synthetic vesicles. Third application includes disease mechanism identification of a rare-primary immunodeficiency disease “Agamaglobinemia” using reconstruction of mutant B-cell receptor components in synthetic membranes to validate a point mutation. Fourth application include environmental fixation of carbon di-oxide to produce methane by using minimal genome containing synthetic cells of Metahnococcous sp. Fifth application is production of novel biosensors which can be toggled ON and OFF using “Visible Light” as modulator. These “Gene switches” are also able to operate in mammalian cells. With potential applications and wide research domains, synthetic biology is also under ethical and religious criticism. Future of this new dimension of biological science requires scrutiny from regulatory authorities, and monetary input from funding agencies.
A look at future directions for biology. Personalized genomics is a key step in moving towards individualized medicine and preventative interventions. The traditional trial and error approach of molecular biology is being replaced by the direct design of synthetic biology. Synthetically developed energy solutions could have a substantial impact on natural resource demand.
Synthetic biology is a field that aims to design and engineer biological organisms and systems for useful purposes. It involves modifying organisms to have new abilities by redesigning their DNA. Some key goals of synthetic biology include producing medicines, manufacturing chemicals, and solving environmental problems in eco-friendly ways. It differs from genetic engineering in aiming to make more extensive and predictable changes at a larger scale, such as designing whole new genomes. Synthetic biologists use techniques like DNA synthesis and standardization to achieve their goals. Recent advances include using synthetic biology to sense environmental conditions, produce chemicals, and even create artificial enzymes not found in nature.
Synthetic biology is an area of science that engineers organisms to have new abilities by redesigning them for useful purposes in areas like medicine, manufacturing, and agriculture. It focuses on creating technologies to design and build biological organisms that can do things like break down toxic chemicals. However, some worry that synthetic organisms could escape and harm the environment or be used for biological weapons, so regulation is urged. Researchers have already fully synthesized viral genomes and redesigned bacteria like E. coli by editing its DNA codons.
Synthetic biology is an emerging scientific field that combines engineering and biology to design and construct novel biological systems or redesign existing natural biological systems. The document provides a brief history of synthetic biology from 1960 to 2013, highlighting key developments such as the first synthetic genetic circuits in 2000-2003 and the engineering of metabolic pathways. It also discusses topics such as standard biological parts, modeling and design techniques, applications in health, energy and environment, as well as potential risks that need consideration with the further development of the field.
Synthetic biology is the design and construction of novel artificial biological pathways, organisms, or devices. This document discusses synthetic biology tools and applications in pathway engineering, with a focus on plants. It provides examples of introducing the artemisinin biosynthesis pathway into tobacco using a combinatorial supertransformation approach, and engineering yeast to produce the sesquiterpene α-santalene. While synthetic biology has potential applications in health, environment and energy, it also faces risks that must be addressed including unintentional release of modified organisms and dual-use concerns.
SYNTHETIC CELLS
An artificial cell or minimal cell or synthetic cell is an engineered particle that mimics one or many functions of a biological cell.
Artificial cells are biological or polymeric membranes which enclose biologically active materials.
A "living" artificial cell has been defined as a completely synthetically made cell that can capture energy, maintain ion gradients, contain macromolecules as well as store information and have the ability to mutate.
DEFINITION
EXAMPLE
SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
Synthetic biology is a multidisciplinary area of research that seeks to create new biological parts, devices, and systems, or to redesign systems that are already found in nature.
Due to more powerful genetic engineering capabilities and decreased DNA synthesis and sequencing costs, the field of synthetic biology is rapidly growing
HISTORY
BOTTOM-UP APPROACH FOR CONSTRUCTING SYNTHETIC CELLS
A bottom-up approach is commonly used to design and construct genetic circuits by piecing together functional modules that are capable of reprogramming cells with novel behavior.
CELL ENCAPSULATION METHOD
Cell microencapsulation technology involves immobilization of the cells within a polymeric semi-permeable membrane that permits the bidirectional diffusion of molecules such as the influx of oxygen, nutrients, growth factors etc. essential for cell metabolism and the outward diffusion of waste products and therapeutic proteins.
TECHNIQUES USED FOR THE PREPARATION OF EMULSION
1- high pressure homogenization
2- microfluidization
3- drop method
4- emulsion method
MEMBRANES OF SYNTHETIC CELLS
THE MINIMAL CELL
A minimal cell is one whose genome only encodes the minimal set of genes necessary for the cell to survive.
THE SYNTHETIC BLOOD CELLS
Synthetic red blood cells mimic natural ones, and have new abilities
APPLICATIONS OF SYNTHETIC CELLS
1- DRUG RELEASE AND DELIEVERY
2- GENE THERAPY
3- ENZYME THERAPY
4- HEMOPERFUSION
5- OTHER APPLICATIONS
FUTURE OF SYNTHETIC CELLS AND BIOLOGY
ACHIEVEMENTS
HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES
ETHICS AND CONTROVERSIES
REFERENCES
THANK YOU
Synthetic biology is the designing of new biological systems or the modification of the existing ones that do not occur naturally. Synthetic or artificial cells organisms with minimal genomes have uses in molecular medicine, vaccines, environmental chemistry and bio-sensors. Creation of synthetic cells involve in-vitro synthesis of unitary DNA fragments of one-kilo base pairs (1kb). These unitary fragments are ligated to make ten kilo base pair (10kb) fragments, followed by tethering 10 fragments to form one hundred kilo base pair (100kb) fragments. Each step involves transformation and sequencing procedures in E. coli host cells. Ultimately, eleven of these hundred kilo base pair fragments are joined to create a “Synthetic Genome” which is maintained in yeast cells, as maximum limit of DNA transplant acceptance of E. coli is 100kb. By this approach, synthetic chromosomes can be maintained, manipulated and transplanted to an acceptor organism to create a synthetic cell. Applications of the technology include semi-synthetic approach of Artemisinic acid, which can be used to chemically synthesize anti-malarial drug Atremisinin and its therapeutically important derivatives. Second application of synthetic biology is production of meningitis vaccine against poorly immunogenic Neisseria meningitidis serogroup-B, by preparing synthetic vesicles. Third application includes disease mechanism identification of a rare-primary immunodeficiency disease “Agamaglobinemia” using reconstruction of mutant B-cell receptor components in synthetic membranes to validate a point mutation. Fourth application include environmental fixation of carbon di-oxide to produce methane by using minimal genome containing synthetic cells of Metahnococcous sp. Fifth application is production of novel biosensors which can be toggled ON and OFF using “Visible Light” as modulator. These “Gene switches” are also able to operate in mammalian cells. With potential applications and wide research domains, synthetic biology is also under ethical and religious criticism. Future of this new dimension of biological science requires scrutiny from regulatory authorities, and monetary input from funding agencies.
SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY: Putting engineering into biology | Presented by Pranjali ...pranjali bhadane
This document provides an overview of synthetic biology. It defines synthetic biology as designing and constructing new biological parts, devices, and systems, such as genes and cells. The key principles of synthetic biology are abstraction, modularity, standardization, and design/modeling. Case studies describe engineering maize plants to produce higher levels of carotenoids to combat vitamin A deficiency and using transgenic corn to deliver carotenoids to chickens to reduce the impacts of coccidiosis. While synthetic biology has potential applications, it also carries risks such as the accidental release of harmful organisms.
Synthetic Biology & Global Health - Claire MarrisSTEPS Centre
The document summarizes the development of synthetic biology and efforts to synthesize bacterial genomes. It describes how researchers at the JCVI synthesized the Mycoplasma genitalium genome starting in pieces of 5-7 kilobases that were joined together, and how they later synthesized the larger 1.08 megabase Mycoplasma mycoides genome and transplanted it into a recipient cell to create a new self-replicating cell controlled by the synthetic chromosome. This was the first self-replicating species on Earth whose parent was a computer. The work demonstrated that genomes can be designed, chemically synthesized, and used to produce new cells controlled only by the synthetic genome.
Synthetic biology builds on nanotechnology and biotechnology by adding information technology to model and modify biological systems at the genetic level. It aims to program cells by reengineering genomes and integrating biology with nanotechnology. Researchers can model gene networks, validate circuits, and alter genes to design new cellular functions. The next frontier is bringing such innovations to higher organisms using stem cells. The overall goal is to understand and reprogram biology as an information processing system at the molecular scale.
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.
OBC | Synthetic biology announcing the coming technological revolutionOut of The Box Seminar
Roman Jerala, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Synthetic biology announcing the coming technological revolution
http://obc2012.outofthebox.si/
The document discusses synthetic biology, which is defined as an emerging discipline that uses engineering principles to design and assemble biological components for useful purposes. It provides several definitions and descriptions of synthetic biology from various sources, including designing biological modules, systems, and machines. It also discusses genetic engineering and common circuit diagram symbols used in synthetic biology. Several papers on synthetic biology experiments and projects are referenced.
Synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary branch of biology and engineering. The subject combines disciplines from within these domains, such as biotechnology, genetic engineering, molecular biology, molecular engineering, systems biology, biophysics, electrical engineering, computer engineering, control engineering and evolutionary biology. Synthetic biology applies these disciplines to build artificial biological systems for research, engineering, and medical applications
Introduction to Synthetic Genome
SYNTHETIC GENOMICS Study of Invitro chemical synthesis of genetic material i.e., DNA in the form of oligonucleotides, genes, or genomes with Computational techniques for its design. SYNTHETIC GENOME Artificially synthesised genome (invitro)
Synthetic biology aims to manufacture biology digitally through techniques like DNA synthesis and genetic engineering. This allows designing and constructing new biological parts, devices and systems for useful purposes. Some key points discussed are:
1) Synthetic biology is advancing manufacturing through precision biology and digital farming using techniques like genome reading, DNA synthesis and robotic genome construction.
2) It is enabling new industrial routes for compounds like through biosynthetic production, and disrupting existing industries like agriculture, chemicals and pharma.
3) Long term implications discussed include the potential for synthetic biology techniques to replace natural production systems and enable more intensive and extractive farming systems globally.
Synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary field that applies engineering principles to design and construct new biological systems. It has enabled the design of novel organisms through DNA synthesis and assembly. Key technologies like DNA sequencing and synthesis have accelerated progress in synthetic biology. The field utilizes standard biological parts and computational tools to rationally design and model new systems. Promising applications include production of fuels, drugs and materials. However, synthetic biology also raises social and ethical challenges regarding biosafety, biosecurity and naturalness that warrant careful consideration and oversight.
This document discusses genetic modification of bacteria through synthetic biology. It provides examples of how genetically modified bacteria are currently used to produce insulin and vaccines. The document also outlines potential future applications of synthetic biology, such as using genetically modified microbes to create new materials like self-repairing running shoes made from synthetic biomaterials.
Synthetic Biology: Bringing Engineering Back Into Genetic EngineeringSachin Rawat
Genetic Engineering lacks a few elements of Engineering. Here is what those are and how Synthetic Biology (or Genetic Engineering v2.0) would account for those.
The document discusses synthetic biology and its potential applications. It explains foundational concepts like DNA, mRNA and proteins. It describes how DNA parts can be standardized and assembled to program bacteria. Examples are given of applications like biochemical sensors, genetic oscillators, and biological computation. The document conveys that synthetic biology makes biotechnology more accessible and could impact areas like healthcare, energy and education. It promotes synthetic biology as an exciting field that enables problem-based learning.
The document discusses future trends in synthetic biology. It begins by defining synthetic biology as the application of engineering principles to biology to redesign biological systems. Some potential future trends discussed include using synthetic biology for regenerative medicine like producing personalized stem cells, making xenotransplantation a reality through CRISPR-edited pigs, and 3D bioprinting of tissues and organs. Other trends include using nanobots and RNA/DNA vaccines to treat diseases, synthesizing human chromosomes, and developing edible vaccines. While synthetic biology holds promise, risks also exist and regulations are needed to ensure safety and ethical development.
James J. Collins
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Dept of Biomedical Engineering & Center of Synthetic Biology
Boston University
Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering
Harvard University
This document introduces several researchers and summarizes their work. It provides brief biographies of Omar Akbari, Nichole Daringer, Rachel Dudek, Kei Fujiwara, Amar Ghodasara, George Khoury, and Joshua Leonard. It summarizes each of their current positions, education, non-scientific interests, and research focus. The research focuses include developing genetic control technologies for reducing mosquito-borne diseases, engineering cell-based biosensors, developing biosensor platforms in mammalian cells, constructing replicative artificial cells, controlling gene expression in prokaryotes, protein engineering and designing inhibitors, and integrating synthetic biology with systems biology.
Bioinformatics combines computer science, statistics, mathematics and engineering to analyze and interpret biological data. It uses computers to gather, store, analyze and integrate biological and genetic information. Bioinformatics has applications in medicine, microbial genomics, agriculture, and other fields. It allows for drug discovery, personalized medicine, preventive medicine, and gene therapy through analyzing DNA, RNA, protein sequences, structures, and interactions.
The document discusses the viability of creating a purely synthetic organism that displays all seven characteristics of biological life: reproduction, energy use, cell composition, growth, adaptation, complex cellular structure, and response to stimuli. It provides examples of how each characteristic could theoretically be achieved in a synthetic being through various technological means, such as using photodiodes to collect solar energy, silicon-based structures to mimic cellular composition, amino acid chains to enable adaptation, and sensors to allow response to stimuli. The document argues that if a synthetic organism could be created that exhibits all seven traits through artificial rather than biological means, it could be considered a living being despite being purely synthetic in origin.
Synthetic biology aims to design living systems and could transform architecture by allowing self-assembling and self-repairing buildings. However, this raises design challenges such as ensuring equilibrium and safety, integrating artificial systems with natural environments, and addressing cultural and ethical concerns regarding the relationship between nature and technology.
SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY: Putting engineering into biology | Presented by Pranjali ...pranjali bhadane
This document provides an overview of synthetic biology. It defines synthetic biology as designing and constructing new biological parts, devices, and systems, such as genes and cells. The key principles of synthetic biology are abstraction, modularity, standardization, and design/modeling. Case studies describe engineering maize plants to produce higher levels of carotenoids to combat vitamin A deficiency and using transgenic corn to deliver carotenoids to chickens to reduce the impacts of coccidiosis. While synthetic biology has potential applications, it also carries risks such as the accidental release of harmful organisms.
Synthetic Biology & Global Health - Claire MarrisSTEPS Centre
The document summarizes the development of synthetic biology and efforts to synthesize bacterial genomes. It describes how researchers at the JCVI synthesized the Mycoplasma genitalium genome starting in pieces of 5-7 kilobases that were joined together, and how they later synthesized the larger 1.08 megabase Mycoplasma mycoides genome and transplanted it into a recipient cell to create a new self-replicating cell controlled by the synthetic chromosome. This was the first self-replicating species on Earth whose parent was a computer. The work demonstrated that genomes can be designed, chemically synthesized, and used to produce new cells controlled only by the synthetic genome.
Synthetic biology builds on nanotechnology and biotechnology by adding information technology to model and modify biological systems at the genetic level. It aims to program cells by reengineering genomes and integrating biology with nanotechnology. Researchers can model gene networks, validate circuits, and alter genes to design new cellular functions. The next frontier is bringing such innovations to higher organisms using stem cells. The overall goal is to understand and reprogram biology as an information processing system at the molecular scale.
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.
OBC | Synthetic biology announcing the coming technological revolutionOut of The Box Seminar
Roman Jerala, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Synthetic biology announcing the coming technological revolution
http://obc2012.outofthebox.si/
The document discusses synthetic biology, which is defined as an emerging discipline that uses engineering principles to design and assemble biological components for useful purposes. It provides several definitions and descriptions of synthetic biology from various sources, including designing biological modules, systems, and machines. It also discusses genetic engineering and common circuit diagram symbols used in synthetic biology. Several papers on synthetic biology experiments and projects are referenced.
Synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary branch of biology and engineering. The subject combines disciplines from within these domains, such as biotechnology, genetic engineering, molecular biology, molecular engineering, systems biology, biophysics, electrical engineering, computer engineering, control engineering and evolutionary biology. Synthetic biology applies these disciplines to build artificial biological systems for research, engineering, and medical applications
Introduction to Synthetic Genome
SYNTHETIC GENOMICS Study of Invitro chemical synthesis of genetic material i.e., DNA in the form of oligonucleotides, genes, or genomes with Computational techniques for its design. SYNTHETIC GENOME Artificially synthesised genome (invitro)
Synthetic biology aims to manufacture biology digitally through techniques like DNA synthesis and genetic engineering. This allows designing and constructing new biological parts, devices and systems for useful purposes. Some key points discussed are:
1) Synthetic biology is advancing manufacturing through precision biology and digital farming using techniques like genome reading, DNA synthesis and robotic genome construction.
2) It is enabling new industrial routes for compounds like through biosynthetic production, and disrupting existing industries like agriculture, chemicals and pharma.
3) Long term implications discussed include the potential for synthetic biology techniques to replace natural production systems and enable more intensive and extractive farming systems globally.
Synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary field that applies engineering principles to design and construct new biological systems. It has enabled the design of novel organisms through DNA synthesis and assembly. Key technologies like DNA sequencing and synthesis have accelerated progress in synthetic biology. The field utilizes standard biological parts and computational tools to rationally design and model new systems. Promising applications include production of fuels, drugs and materials. However, synthetic biology also raises social and ethical challenges regarding biosafety, biosecurity and naturalness that warrant careful consideration and oversight.
This document discusses genetic modification of bacteria through synthetic biology. It provides examples of how genetically modified bacteria are currently used to produce insulin and vaccines. The document also outlines potential future applications of synthetic biology, such as using genetically modified microbes to create new materials like self-repairing running shoes made from synthetic biomaterials.
Synthetic Biology: Bringing Engineering Back Into Genetic EngineeringSachin Rawat
Genetic Engineering lacks a few elements of Engineering. Here is what those are and how Synthetic Biology (or Genetic Engineering v2.0) would account for those.
The document discusses synthetic biology and its potential applications. It explains foundational concepts like DNA, mRNA and proteins. It describes how DNA parts can be standardized and assembled to program bacteria. Examples are given of applications like biochemical sensors, genetic oscillators, and biological computation. The document conveys that synthetic biology makes biotechnology more accessible and could impact areas like healthcare, energy and education. It promotes synthetic biology as an exciting field that enables problem-based learning.
The document discusses future trends in synthetic biology. It begins by defining synthetic biology as the application of engineering principles to biology to redesign biological systems. Some potential future trends discussed include using synthetic biology for regenerative medicine like producing personalized stem cells, making xenotransplantation a reality through CRISPR-edited pigs, and 3D bioprinting of tissues and organs. Other trends include using nanobots and RNA/DNA vaccines to treat diseases, synthesizing human chromosomes, and developing edible vaccines. While synthetic biology holds promise, risks also exist and regulations are needed to ensure safety and ethical development.
James J. Collins
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Dept of Biomedical Engineering & Center of Synthetic Biology
Boston University
Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering
Harvard University
This document introduces several researchers and summarizes their work. It provides brief biographies of Omar Akbari, Nichole Daringer, Rachel Dudek, Kei Fujiwara, Amar Ghodasara, George Khoury, and Joshua Leonard. It summarizes each of their current positions, education, non-scientific interests, and research focus. The research focuses include developing genetic control technologies for reducing mosquito-borne diseases, engineering cell-based biosensors, developing biosensor platforms in mammalian cells, constructing replicative artificial cells, controlling gene expression in prokaryotes, protein engineering and designing inhibitors, and integrating synthetic biology with systems biology.
Bioinformatics combines computer science, statistics, mathematics and engineering to analyze and interpret biological data. It uses computers to gather, store, analyze and integrate biological and genetic information. Bioinformatics has applications in medicine, microbial genomics, agriculture, and other fields. It allows for drug discovery, personalized medicine, preventive medicine, and gene therapy through analyzing DNA, RNA, protein sequences, structures, and interactions.
The document discusses the viability of creating a purely synthetic organism that displays all seven characteristics of biological life: reproduction, energy use, cell composition, growth, adaptation, complex cellular structure, and response to stimuli. It provides examples of how each characteristic could theoretically be achieved in a synthetic being through various technological means, such as using photodiodes to collect solar energy, silicon-based structures to mimic cellular composition, amino acid chains to enable adaptation, and sensors to allow response to stimuli. The document argues that if a synthetic organism could be created that exhibits all seven traits through artificial rather than biological means, it could be considered a living being despite being purely synthetic in origin.
Synthetic biology aims to design living systems and could transform architecture by allowing self-assembling and self-repairing buildings. However, this raises design challenges such as ensuring equilibrium and safety, integrating artificial systems with natural environments, and addressing cultural and ethical concerns regarding the relationship between nature and technology.
This presentation is about the use of RNA in different ways like in synthetic form to regulate the gene expression and also used as an scaffold to increase the metabolite production.
Synthetic biology (SynBio) start-up activity was assessed across the UK and globally to determine clusters, trends and areas of focus. The UK is a strong player in SynBio, and has a vibrant start-up community second only to the USA. The UK is the leading European country for SynBio start-ups by some distance. Almost half of all European start-ups are based in the UK. The single largest sector for SynBio start-ups is SynBio tools which includes strain engineering, hardware and DNA synthesis. Government funding does not map closely onto start-up activity but instead is more focused on early-stage research. In addition, the creation of the Synthetic Biology Research Centres has not yet fostered significant start-up activity outside London and Cambridge. The Synthetic Biology Accelerator in Cork, Ireland has been very successful in fostering start-up activity, and this model is something the UK should investigate.
Synthetic Biology beyond the bench: Biosafety & biosecurityDrew Endy
Slides for guest lecture in Stanford Public Policy 122 (Biosecurity & Bioterrorism Response) organized by Dr. Milana Trounce. Class held on 13 April 2016
Synthetic biology combines biology and engineering to edit the genes of organisms and use them for beneficial purposes. For example, scientists can edit E. coli bacteria to produce proteins that can be used in vaccines. Synthetic biology works by using DNA synthesizers to create customized DNA sequences and insert them into organisms, which will then express the programmed traits. In the future, synthetic biology could help produce living things with diverse applications, such as trees that grow into houses or butterflies with colorful wings.
This document summarizes a presentation on intellectual property perspectives in synthetic biology. It discusses the growing patenting activity in synthetic biology, with many companies filing patents on parts, pathways, genomes and systems. It outlines the patent requirements of subject matter eligibility, utility, novelty, non-obviousness, description and enablement. Challenges in meeting these requirements for synthetic biology inventions are noted. Issues around freedom to operate are also discussed, given the potential for many existing patents to cover various elements in this emerging field.
The document discusses using synthetic biology and genetic engineering to develop more sustainable materials. Specifically, it describes a student project to genetically modify the fungus Ganoderma lucidum used to create Ecovative's biodegradable alternative to Styrofoam. The students aimed to develop antifungal constructs for Ganoderma to prevent contamination, test their modified strain as a prototype foam material partnering with Ecovative, and create a bioactive material that can self-heal when damaged by controlling the fungus' growth and sporulation pathways.
Herbert Mason's iconic photograph of St Paul's dome emerging from the smoke of raging fires in surrounding streets was taken 70 years ago during the Blitz of London. On the night of December 29, 1940, Mason was firewatching on the roof of the Daily Mail offices between Fleet Street and the Thames as the Luftwaffe bombed London. The view from St Paul's showed the destruction in the streets around the cathedral as buildings still smoldered a week after the December bombing of the city.
Workshop Fing-CRI : Synthetic Biology, by Aleksandra NivinaThierry Marcou
This document discusses synthetic biology and its potential applications. Synthetic biology involves designing and engineering biological systems, such as designing genetic circuits or creating new proteins. It could enable applications like producing biofuels, preventing aging, or conducting gene therapy. The document outlines some potential goals of synthetic biology such as developing new materials, bioremediation techniques, biosensors, drugs, cancer therapies, and improved crops. It discusses how synthetic biology involves designing biological systems and components, with constraints imposed by material availability, regulations, and ethics. The overall document promotes synthetic biology as a new area of design with opportunities in product development, tools, art, and collaborations.
Analysis of Peroxisomal Lipid Metabolism in the Oleaginous Microalga Nannochloropsis and Development of Synthetic Biology Tools for Genetic Engineering
The document provides information about the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, a large military transport aircraft developed for the United States Air Force. It discusses Boeing's history and divisions. Key details about the C-17 include its role in strategic and tactical airlifting, specifications like its size and engine thrust, maximum speed and ceiling, countries that operate it, and interior features like rollers.
Genome editing methods such as ZFNs, TALENs, and CRISPR/Cas9 use engineered nucleases to create targeted double-stranded breaks in DNA which are then repaired through endogenous cellular processes. These nucleases can be used to modify genomes through techniques like gene knockout, targeted mutation insertion/deletion/correction, and studying gene function. CRISPR/Cas9 uses a guide RNA and Cas9 nuclease to target specific DNA sequences for editing. The four main steps for CRISPR are: 1) selecting target sequences near a PAM site, 2) designing and cloning gRNA, 3) delivering Cas9 and gRNA into cells, and 4) DNA repair after cleavage results in gene modification
The document discusses China's "String of Pearls" doctrine to secure its sea lines of communication by building ports and infrastructure along key trade routes. It aims to address China's "Malacca Dilemma" of relying heavily on the narrow Malacca Strait for energy imports. Under the String of Pearls, China is developing ports in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and seeking to include others. While China says this brings regional harmony, India views it as detrimental to its influence in the Indian Ocean. The growing network of Chinese-backed ports in the region increases India's strategic unease.
Synthetic biology is an emerging field that applies engineering principles to genetically modify organisms. It builds upon prior genetic engineering techniques by utilizing standardized and automated DNA assembly and characterization methods. Potential applications of synthetic biology include producing biofuels, bioremediating pollution, and developing new medicines. Open source registries and communities are working to advance the technology safely and make its capabilities freely available to all.
Austin Biology is an open access, peer reviewed, scholarly journal dedicated to publish articles covering all areas of biology.
The journal aims to promote research communications and provide a forum for doctors, researchers, physicians and healthcare professionals to find most recent advances in all areas of biology. Austin Biology accepts original research articles, reviews, mini reviews, case reports and rapid communication covering all aspects of biology.
Austin Biology strongly supports the scientific up gradation and fortification in related scientific research community by enhancing access to peer reviewed scientific literary works. Austin Publishing Group brings universally peer reviewed journals under one roof thereby promoting knowledge sharing, mutual promotion of multidisciplinary science.
Health and the Natural Outdoors: Strategic Workshop Report
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For more information, Please see websites below:
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Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
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Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
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Free School Gardening Art Posters =
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NAutonomy and Advice: Preparing and Encouraging Young Scientists to be involv...UNESCO Venice Office
Workshop on Higher Education and Professional Responsibility in CBRN Applied Sciences and Technology across the Sub-Mediterranean Region
3-4 April 2012. Palazzo Zorzi, Venice
Session 4. Future Directions - Higher Education and Responsible Science
The document discusses the role of science in pursuing sustainable development and the values of teaching science. Regarding sustainable development, it states that science should provide information to help formulate environmental and development policies and enhance understanding of issues. It also discusses how science can help in areas like energy use, closing substance cycles, environmentally friendly transportation, green chemistry, biotechnology, and sustainability. Regarding values of teaching science, it outlines intellectual, social, practical, disciplinary, recreational, moral, and aesthetic values gained from learning science.
This document discusses the role of science in pursuing sustainable development and the values of teaching science. Regarding sustainable development, it states that science should provide information to help formulate environmental and development policies and enhance understanding of long-term impacts. It identifies several areas where science can contribute, including new energy technologies, closed-loop production processes, environmentally-friendly transportation, green chemistry, biotechnology, and optimizing interactions between nature, society and the economy. Regarding values of teaching science, it discusses the intellectual, social, practical/utilitarian, disciplinary, and recreational benefits of learning science, such as developing critical thinking, understanding societal impacts, applying knowledge to daily life, fostering scientific habits, and enjoyment.
Introduction to Public Dialogue Slides May 2015InvolveReema
The document introduces public dialogue and discusses two case studies of public dialogues conducted by Sciencewise. In the first case study, Sciencewise facilitated public dialogues on synthetic biology over 21 months with 160 public participants. The dialogues informed UK government policy on synthetic biology. In the second case study, Sciencewise consulted over 3,000 public and stakeholder participants on mitochondria replacement techniques, directly influencing UK policy development to allow and regulate the techniques. The document argues that public dialogue is valuable for contentious early-stage issues where public support is important for successful policy implementation.
This document summarizes a seminar presentation on ethical issues in biotechnology. It begins with an introduction to biotechnology and ethics. It then discusses some of the major ethical issues that arise in biotechnology, including socio-economic issues regarding public perception and awareness, cultural issues around modifying life itself, legal issues around new techniques like gene therapy and stem cells, environmental issues regarding impacts on the ecosystem, and religious issues around views of what is natural or against divine order. The conclusion calls for fully analyzing each biotechnology application scientifically and ethically to maximize benefits while acknowledging uncertainties and taking precautions.
The document summarizes several scientific conferences attended by the author. The first conference discussed DNA damage sensing and repair in cancer progression, potential new drugs for cancer, and tips for graduate students. The second conference focused on using synthetic biology and metabolic engineering to sustainably produce hydrocarbons from biomass as an alternative fuel. The third conference taught evolution and biology of sex in an engaging way by addressing students' questions. Attending these conferences helped the author learn about different fields and universities, practice English, and consider future opportunities in science.
The document summarizes several scientific conferences attended by the author. The first conference discussed DNA damage sensing and repair in cancer progression, potential new drugs for cancer, and tips for graduate students. The second conference focused on using synthetic biology and metabolic engineering to sustainably produce hydrocarbons from biomass as an alternative fuel. The third conference taught evolution and biology of sex in an engaging way by addressing students' questions. Attending these conferences helped the author learn about different fields and universities, practice English, and consider future opportunities in science.
The document summarizes several scientific conferences attended by the author. The first conference discussed DNA damage sensing and repair in cancer progression, potential new drugs for cancer, and tips for graduate students. The second conference focused on using synthetic biology and metabolic engineering to sustainably produce hydrocarbons from biomass as an alternative fuel. The third conference taught evolution and biology of sex in an engaging way by addressing students' questions. Attending these conferences helped the author learn about different fields and universities, practice English, and consider future opportunities in science.
The author provides an overview of the emerging field of bioethics and criticisms that have been leveled against it. The field arose over the past decade to address moral dilemmas in medicine and healthcare. While now established with practitioners, literature, and university courses, bioethics draws from many disciplines and lacks clear standards. It has faced criticism for not being a legitimate academic pursuit, having no practical benefits, and pursuing unanswerable questions. The author aims to evaluate these criticisms, define reasonable expectations for bioethics, and recommend future directions for the field.
This document discusses the Future Earth and Health Knowledge-Action Network (KAN). It summarizes that:
1) The KAN was motivated by the Rockefeller Foundation–Lancet Commission report recognizing the need to study planetary health and the links between environmental and human health.
2) The KAN aims to support transdisciplinary research with stakeholders to improve understanding of health-environment links and find holistic solutions to global challenges.
3) Initial priority research themes identified include land use change and disease risk, food systems and nutrition, urbanization and health, energy and air quality, and disasters and extreme events.
This document provides a conceptual framework for green care. It begins with a short history of nature-based approaches for health and well-being, noting that contact with nature has long been incorporated into healthcare settings like hospitals, prisons and monasteries. The document then discusses the need for a theoretical framework to define green care, describe its benefits and mechanisms, and link it to existing theories. It provides definitions and examples of various green care approaches. Overall, the conceptual framework aims to bring together knowledge on green care from different researchers and perspectives in order to further understanding of this broad field.
This document discusses co-producing research with stakeholders to support sustainability transformations. It defines co-production of research as involving both producers and users of knowledge to develop information that meets user needs and is credible to users. Co-production aims to solve societal problems through genuine change and a mutual learning process. It can lead to impacts like new partnerships, knowledge, and organizational changes. An example project structure involves stakeholders throughout from identifying questions to reviewing results. Future Earth is introduced as an international research initiative that aims to intensify research impact on sustainability through integration, collaboration, and solutions-oriented work on focal challenges like climate change and cities. It operates through national committees, projects, and knowledge networks engaging scientists and stakeholders globally and locally.
Professor Teresa Sordé, Member of the IMPACT-EV project research team and Pro...IrishHumanitiesAlliance
From the IHA Impact in the Humanities event 8 June held in QUB and co-sponsored by InterTradeIreland.
Panel Two: Impact in Horizon 2020 and the EU
How is Impact conceptualised and captured at the EU level, in programmes such as Horizon 2020, and how does this affect academics, research officers and policy makers at the national level?
This document discusses the ethical issues of biotechnology and possible risks and their management. It covers three main topics: 1) bioethics issues regarding understanding the science behind biotechnological interventions and balancing risks and benefits, 2) socio-economic issues regarding public perception and ensuring biotechnology respects socio-economic realities, and 3) cultural issues regarding how biotechnology modifies humanity's relationship with the environment and itself. The document argues that biotechnology holds promise but also risks, so its applications require consideration of ethical, social, economic, and cultural factors.
The annual report of the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB) summarizes the events of 2014. The report includes stories about IGB research accomplishments, partnerships, education initiatives, and community outreach. It also intersperses stories about notable world events to highlight connections between ongoing IGB work and global issues. The report demonstrates how the IGB brings together diverse expertise and collaborations to conduct transdisciplinary research aimed at addressing societal challenges.
A method to develop a comic based on your research: From scientists, for scie...SC CTSI at USC and CHLA
Date: May 1, 2019
Speakers:
• Jan Friesen, PhD, is an eco-hydrologist in the Department of Catchment Hydrology at the Helmholtz Centre of Environmental Research - UFZ in Leipzig, Germany.
• Skander Elleuche, PhD, is a trained biologist and biotechnologist at Miltenyi Biotec GmbH in Bergisch Gladbach, Germany. In 2018, he published his first popular science book that includes cartoon illustrations on "Microbes From Extreme Environments" (in German).
Overview: This webinar will describe a simple, flexible framework for translating a complex scientific publication into a broadly accessible comic format.
Health and the Natural Outdoors: Strategic Workshop ReportElisaMendelsohn
This document provides a summary of the findings from a COST Strategic Workshop on health and the natural outdoors. Some key findings include:
1) There is convincing evidence that contact with nature, animals, and plants provides benefits to human health and well-being.
2) Access to nature should be considered in public health policy in Europe, with examples of practices that could be adopted more widely.
3) A more persuasive evidence base is needed on the links between natural environments and health, looking at different groups and mechanisms.
4) Future research requires common frameworks, definitions, and more rigorous methodologies to improve acceptance and enable cross-border comparisons.
Similar to Synthetic biology a discussion paper (20)
Human abilities such as vision, hearing, strength and mobility are extremely limited and obsolete without tools. Various machines and technologies have surpassed and continue to surpass human capabilities in many areas. Robotic systems can see better over longer distances, hear a wider range of frequencies, lift far greater weights, move faster and with more endurance than humans. While humans invented sophisticated tools, those tools are now transforming what it means to be human as society relies on machines for most tasks.
Existential Risk Prevention as Global PriorityKarlos Svoboda
This document discusses existential risk, which is defined as risks that could cause human extinction or permanently and drastically curtail the potential of humanity. The author makes the case that existential risk reduction should be a top global priority for the following reasons:
1) Even small reductions in existential risk have enormous expected value due to the astronomical potential for future human life and development.
2) The largest existential risks are anthropogenic and linked to potential future technologies like advanced biotech, nanotech, and AI.
3) A moral argument can be made that existential risk reduction is more important than any other global issue due to the infinite value of the future of humanity.
4) Efforts should
Brain computer interaction and medical access to the brainKarlos Svoboda
This paper discusses current clinical applications and possible future uses of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) as a means for communication, motor control and entertainment. After giving a brief account of the various approaches to direct brain-computer interaction, the paper will address individual, social and ethical implications of BCI technology to extract signals from the brain.
These include reflections on medical and psychosocial benefits and risks, user control, informed consent, autonomy and privacy as well as ethical and social issues implicated in putative future developments with focus on human self-understanding and the idea of man. BCI use which involves direct interrelation and mutual interdependence between human brains and technical
devices raises anthropological questions concerning self-perception and the technicalization of the human body.
A rights based model of governance - the case of human enhancementKarlos Svoboda
The current development of technology and scientificresearch may give rise to several
applications on human beings. In this context, emerging technologies can further foster
the applications on human beings and pave the way for new and incisive research towards human enhancement (HE).
2
Thanks to emerging technologies, HE can be more
effective and represent a concrete challenge for present societies, also in Europe. Scientists of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, for instance, recently created a brain-synthesized estrogen that influences the synaptic structure,
function and cognitive processes by augmenting the networks among neurons (Svrivastava et al. 2010). Thus it could be a case of future brain-doping.
Ethics of security and surveillance technologies opinion 28Karlos Svoboda
This document discusses the ethics of security and surveillance technologies in the European Union. It summarizes numerous EU directives, regulations, communications and proposals related to data protection, communications surveillance, aviation security, border control, and law enforcement. It establishes the EGE's role in advising the EU on these issues and ensuring technologies respect fundamental rights and ethics.
Ethical aspect of ICT Implants in the Human bodyKarlos Svoboda
The document discusses ethical aspects of implanting information and communication technology (ICT) devices in the human body. It summarizes Opinion No. 20 issued by the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies, which examines the ethical issues arising from ICT implants. The opinion addresses concerns regarding threats to human dignity, autonomy and privacy from implants that can permanently track individuals or remotely change the information contained. It notes some implants require special precaution due to risks of being difficult to remove, influencing psychic functions, or enabling social surveillance and manipulation.
Emerging Technoethics of Human Interaction with Communication, Bionic and Rob...Karlos Svoboda
AHS may be that f... system
In this deliverable, the protection and promotion of human rights is explored in connection with various case-studies in robotics, bionics, and AI agent technologies. This is done along various dimensions, prominently including human dignity, autonomy, responsibility, privacy,liberty, fairness, justice, and personal identity.
Ethical case-studies in robotics concern learning robots, unmanned combat air vehicles,robot companions, surgery robots, and a robotic street cleaning system. Case-studies illustrating current developments of the field with imminent potential applications comprise the robotic street cleaning system, surgery robots, and the unmanned air vehicles. Robots making extensive use of learning capabilities and robots acting as companions to human
beings represent somewhat more distant possibilities, enabling one to connect in meaningful ways an analysis of short-term ethical issues in robotics with a pro-active interest in longterm ethical issues.
The bionics case-studies considered here concern specific kinds of implants in the human body, investing the human peripheral or central nervous system, and other kinds of noninvasive brain-computer interfaces. These case-studies are closely related to the robotics case-studies, insofar as these bionic technologies enable one to connect to and often control robotic effectors and sensors. Ethical issues examined in connection with these technologies concern both a short-term perspective, mostly arising from their therapeutic uses, and a longterm perspective, mostly arising from the possibility of extending communication, control, cognitive, and perceptual capabilities of both disabled and non-disabled individuals.
This networking of humans with both robotic and computer-based information systems motivates the inclusion of a case-study about AI agent technologies in this report, concerning systems that have been with us for quite a while, that is, adaptive hypermedia systems for
educational applications. These technologies enable one to design and implement software agents that are similar to robotic agents, also from an ethical standpoint, insofar as they are capable of, e.g., autonomous action, reasoning, perception, and planning.
Ethical issues examined in this report will be amplified from the convergence of softbot and robotic technologies directly interacting with human beings and other biological systems by means of bionic interfaces. This long-term perspective shows that the case-studies examined here - which are significant in their own right from the isolated perspectives of robotics,bionics, and AI - can soon become parts of broader ethical problems that we will have to address and come with in the near future.
Some futurists and artificial intelligence experts envision credible scenarios in which synthetic brains will, within this century, extend the functionality of our own brains to the point where they will rival and then surpass the power of an or-ganic human brain. At the same time, humans seem to have no limitations when it comes to finding ways to attack the computerized devices that others have invent-ed. Attackers have successfully compromised computers, mobile phones, ATMs, telephone networks, and even networked power grids. If neural devices fulfill the promise of treatment, and enhance our quality of lives and functionality—which appears likely, given the preliminary clinical success demonstrated from neuropros-thetics— their use and adoption will likely grow in the future. When this happens, inevitably, a wide variety of legal, security, and public policy concerns will follow. We will begin this article with an overview of brain implants and neural devic-es and their likely uses in the future. We will then discuss the legal issues that will arise from the intersection among neural devices, information security, cybercrime, and the law.
Nanotechnology, ubiquitous computing and the internet of thingsKarlos Svoboda
The aim of this report is to provide a review of current developments in nanotechnology, ubiquitous
computing and what is increasingly being referred to as “domotics” – the integration of domestic architectures (domus) with information systems and devices (imformatics). The report will also provide a preliminary analysis of the potential impacts of these developments on the right to privacy and to data protection.
These areas of technological development represent the convergence of two domains of current research – nanoscience and distributed computing. Much of the existing literature suggests that advances in nanotechnology are likely to operate as a underlying suite of techniques that will enable the development of miniaturised and distributed information systems and the integration of informatics devices into a range of everyday consumer goods and household architectures. As we outline below the convergence of nanotechnology and research in ubiquitous and distributed systems is likely to result in the development of a range of new sensor technologies and advances in surveillance and monitoring techniques, deployed in civilian, military and security contexts. For these reasons advances in nanotechnology and ubiquitous computing are likely to intensify existing concerns associated with data collection and the right to privacy.
In order to provide some background to our review of these issues in this section of the report we outline definitions of the field and current trends in surveillance, data-mining and monitoring.
Identity REvolution multi disciplinary perspectivesKarlos Svoboda
The identity [r]evolution is happening. Who are
you, who am I in the information society ?
In recent years, the convergence of several factors – technological, political, economic –
has accelerated a fundamental change in our networked world. On a technological level, information
becomes easier to gather, to store, to exchange
and to process. The belief that more information
brings more security has been a strong political
driver to promote information gathering since September 11. Profiling intends to transform information into knowledge in order to anticipate one’s behaviour, or needs, or preferences. It can lead to
categorizations according to some specific risk criteria, for example, or to direct and personalized
marketing. As a consequence, new forms of identities appear. They are not necessarily related to our
names anymore. They are based on information,
on traces that we leave when we act or interact,
when we go somewhere or just stay in one place,
or even sometimes when we make a choice. They
are related to the SIM cards of our mobile phones,
to our credit card numbers, to the pseudonyms
that we use on the Internet, to our email addresses,
to the IP addresses of our computers, to our profiles… Like traditional identities, these new forms of
identities can allow us to distinguish an individual
within a group of people, or describe this person as
belonging to a community or a category.
MBAN medical body area network - first report and orderKarlos Svoboda
This document from the Federal Communications Commission establishes rules to permit new Medical Body Area Network (MBAN) devices to operate in the 2360-2400 MHz band. It adopts rules allowing secondary, non-interference based MBAN operations under a license-by-rule framework. It also establishes a registration and coordination process for MBAN users in the 2360-2390 MHz portion of the band to address compatibility with incumbent operations. The document proposes criteria for designating a frequency coordinator to manage these registration and coordination activities.
Intimate technology - the battle for our body and behaviourKarlos Svoboda
The document discusses how technology is becoming more intimate through devices that are inside our bodies, between us, that know information about us, and mimic human behaviors and traits. It explores how this is leading to humans being viewed more as machines that can be improved, machines taking on more human-like qualities, and changes to human interactions. Key questions raised include how close technology can and should get to us and whether intimacy and technology can truly be compatible concepts.
For ages, humans have developed cures for diseases and devised techniques which make the hardships of life more endurable. All these were believed to make human life more
humane, i.e. to help humans to live out their inherent (natural, God-given) potentiality to a fuller extent. Recent technology, known as human enhancement, challenges this 'natural'normativity: going beyond restoring wellbeing and optimizing human potentiality, enhancement also develops capacities which can, in a sense, be called new. Chemicals have become available that increase physical performance in, for example the field of sports. Other chemicals enhance psychological endurance, mood, and cognition. Work is in progress on developing functional implants within the body, such as computer chips
integrated in the brain, with the aim of enhancing performance beyond what humans are naturally capable of. Changes are being made to body cells and systems, and techniques are being discussed to change human genes. Finally, techniques are being developed, and in part already applied, which extend the human life-span. Human Enhancement is about trying to make changes to minds and bodies – to characteristics, abilities, emotions
and capacities – beyond what we currently regard as normal.
Making perfect life european governance challenges in 21st Century Bio-engine...Karlos Svoboda
The STOA project ‘Making Perfect Life’ looked into four fields of 21st century bioengineering: engineering of living artefacts, engineering of the body, engineering
of the brain, and engineering of intelligent artefacts. This report describes the main results of the project.
The report shows how developments in the four fields of bio-engineering are shaped by two megatrends: “biology becoming technology” and “technology becoming biology”. These developments result in a broadening of the bioengineering debate in our society. The report addresses the long term viewsthat are inspiring this debate and
discusses a multitude of ethical, legal and social issues that arise from bioengineering developments in the fields described. Against this background four specific developments are studied in more detail: the rise of human genome sequencing, the market introduction of neurodevices, the capturing by information technology of the psychological and physiological states of users, and
the pursuit of standardisation in synthetic biology. These developments are taken in this report as a starting point for an analysis of some of the main European governance challenges in 21st century bio-engineering.
Ambient Intelligence is a future vision where technology is integrated into people's environments and can understand and respond to their needs and behaviors. This report examines how Ambient Intelligence could impact healthcare. It identifies five levels of increasing intelligence - from embedding sensors to anticipating needs. Interviews with healthcare stakeholders explored opportunities and challenges around personalized care, like who has access to health data and for what purposes. Collective agreements are needed to ensure Ambient Intelligence enhances rather than threatens patient interests. The report aims to start a debate on these issues.
GRAY MATTERS Integrative Approaches for Neuroscience, Ethics, and SocietyKarlos Svoboda
This document discusses the importance of integrating ethics into neuroscience research. It notes that while neuroscience research raises many common ethical issues around privacy, consent and risk minimization, it also raises unique issues around privacy of thoughts, threats to personal volition and self-determination. Neuroscience highlights the complex relationships between human thought, emotion and action. The document emphasizes that integrating ethics into neuroscience research from the start can help address these issues and ensure research considers its societal implications. It provides recommendations to guide effective integration of ethics in neuroscience.
Monitoring and Managing Anomaly Detection on OpenShift.pdfTosin Akinosho
Monitoring and Managing Anomaly Detection on OpenShift
Overview
Dive into the world of anomaly detection on edge devices with our comprehensive hands-on tutorial. This SlideShare presentation will guide you through the entire process, from data collection and model training to edge deployment and real-time monitoring. Perfect for those looking to implement robust anomaly detection systems on resource-constrained IoT/edge devices.
Key Topics Covered
1. Introduction to Anomaly Detection
- Understand the fundamentals of anomaly detection and its importance in identifying unusual behavior or failures in systems.
2. Understanding Edge (IoT)
- Learn about edge computing and IoT, and how they enable real-time data processing and decision-making at the source.
3. What is ArgoCD?
- Discover ArgoCD, a declarative, GitOps continuous delivery tool for Kubernetes, and its role in deploying applications on edge devices.
4. Deployment Using ArgoCD for Edge Devices
- Step-by-step guide on deploying anomaly detection models on edge devices using ArgoCD.
5. Introduction to Apache Kafka and S3
- Explore Apache Kafka for real-time data streaming and Amazon S3 for scalable storage solutions.
6. Viewing Kafka Messages in the Data Lake
- Learn how to view and analyze Kafka messages stored in a data lake for better insights.
7. What is Prometheus?
- Get to know Prometheus, an open-source monitoring and alerting toolkit, and its application in monitoring edge devices.
8. Monitoring Application Metrics with Prometheus
- Detailed instructions on setting up Prometheus to monitor the performance and health of your anomaly detection system.
9. What is Camel K?
- Introduction to Camel K, a lightweight integration framework built on Apache Camel, designed for Kubernetes.
10. Configuring Camel K Integrations for Data Pipelines
- Learn how to configure Camel K for seamless data pipeline integrations in your anomaly detection workflow.
11. What is a Jupyter Notebook?
- Overview of Jupyter Notebooks, an open-source web application for creating and sharing documents with live code, equations, visualizations, and narrative text.
12. Jupyter Notebooks with Code Examples
- Hands-on examples and code snippets in Jupyter Notebooks to help you implement and test anomaly detection models.
Taking AI to the Next Level in Manufacturing.pdfssuserfac0301
Read Taking AI to the Next Level in Manufacturing to gain insights on AI adoption in the manufacturing industry, such as:
1. How quickly AI is being implemented in manufacturing.
2. Which barriers stand in the way of AI adoption.
3. How data quality and governance form the backbone of AI.
4. Organizational processes and structures that may inhibit effective AI adoption.
6. Ideas and approaches to help build your organization's AI strategy.
Building Production Ready Search Pipelines with Spark and MilvusZilliz
Spark is the widely used ETL tool for processing, indexing and ingesting data to serving stack for search. Milvus is the production-ready open-source vector database. In this talk we will show how to use Spark to process unstructured data to extract vector representations, and push the vectors to Milvus vector database for search serving.
Main news related to the CCS TSI 2023 (2023/1695)Jakub Marek
An English 🇬🇧 translation of a presentation to the speech I gave about the main changes brought by CCS TSI 2023 at the biggest Czech conference on Communications and signalling systems on Railways, which was held in Clarion Hotel Olomouc from 7th to 9th November 2023 (konferenceszt.cz). Attended by around 500 participants and 200 on-line followers.
The original Czech 🇨🇿 version of the presentation can be found here: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/hlavni-novinky-souvisejici-s-ccs-tsi-2023-2023-1695/269688092 .
The videorecording (in Czech) from the presentation is available here: https://youtu.be/WzjJWm4IyPk?si=SImb06tuXGb30BEH .
HCL Notes and Domino License Cost Reduction in the World of DLAUpanagenda
Webinar Recording: https://www.panagenda.com/webinars/hcl-notes-and-domino-license-cost-reduction-in-the-world-of-dlau/
The introduction of DLAU and the CCB & CCX licensing model caused quite a stir in the HCL community. As a Notes and Domino customer, you may have faced challenges with unexpected user counts and license costs. You probably have questions on how this new licensing approach works and how to benefit from it. Most importantly, you likely have budget constraints and want to save money where possible. Don’t worry, we can help with all of this!
We’ll show you how to fix common misconfigurations that cause higher-than-expected user counts, and how to identify accounts which you can deactivate to save money. There are also frequent patterns that can cause unnecessary cost, like using a person document instead of a mail-in for shared mailboxes. We’ll provide examples and solutions for those as well. And naturally we’ll explain the new licensing model.
Join HCL Ambassador Marc Thomas in this webinar with a special guest appearance from Franz Walder. It will give you the tools and know-how to stay on top of what is going on with Domino licensing. You will be able lower your cost through an optimized configuration and keep it low going forward.
These topics will be covered
- Reducing license cost by finding and fixing misconfigurations and superfluous accounts
- How do CCB and CCX licenses really work?
- Understanding the DLAU tool and how to best utilize it
- Tips for common problem areas, like team mailboxes, functional/test users, etc
- Practical examples and best practices to implement right away
Digital Banking in the Cloud: How Citizens Bank Unlocked Their MainframePrecisely
Inconsistent user experience and siloed data, high costs, and changing customer expectations – Citizens Bank was experiencing these challenges while it was attempting to deliver a superior digital banking experience for its clients. Its core banking applications run on the mainframe and Citizens was using legacy utilities to get the critical mainframe data to feed customer-facing channels, like call centers, web, and mobile. Ultimately, this led to higher operating costs (MIPS), delayed response times, and longer time to market.
Ever-changing customer expectations demand more modern digital experiences, and the bank needed to find a solution that could provide real-time data to its customer channels with low latency and operating costs. Join this session to learn how Citizens is leveraging Precisely to replicate mainframe data to its customer channels and deliver on their “modern digital bank” experiences.
zkStudyClub - LatticeFold: A Lattice-based Folding Scheme and its Application...Alex Pruden
Folding is a recent technique for building efficient recursive SNARKs. Several elegant folding protocols have been proposed, such as Nova, Supernova, Hypernova, Protostar, and others. However, all of them rely on an additively homomorphic commitment scheme based on discrete log, and are therefore not post-quantum secure. In this work we present LatticeFold, the first lattice-based folding protocol based on the Module SIS problem. This folding protocol naturally leads to an efficient recursive lattice-based SNARK and an efficient PCD scheme. LatticeFold supports folding low-degree relations, such as R1CS, as well as high-degree relations, such as CCS. The key challenge is to construct a secure folding protocol that works with the Ajtai commitment scheme. The difficulty, is ensuring that extracted witnesses are low norm through many rounds of folding. We present a novel technique using the sumcheck protocol to ensure that extracted witnesses are always low norm no matter how many rounds of folding are used. Our evaluation of the final proof system suggests that it is as performant as Hypernova, while providing post-quantum security.
Paper Link: https://eprint.iacr.org/2024/257
Best 20 SEO Techniques To Improve Website Visibility In SERPPixlogix Infotech
Boost your website's visibility with proven SEO techniques! Our latest blog dives into essential strategies to enhance your online presence, increase traffic, and rank higher on search engines. From keyword optimization to quality content creation, learn how to make your site stand out in the crowded digital landscape. Discover actionable tips and expert insights to elevate your SEO game.
Skybuffer SAM4U tool for SAP license adoptionTatiana Kojar
Manage and optimize your license adoption and consumption with SAM4U, an SAP free customer software asset management tool.
SAM4U, an SAP complimentary software asset management tool for customers, delivers a detailed and well-structured overview of license inventory and usage with a user-friendly interface. We offer a hosted, cost-effective, and performance-optimized SAM4U setup in the Skybuffer Cloud environment. You retain ownership of the system and data, while we manage the ABAP 7.58 infrastructure, ensuring fixed Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and exceptional services through the SAP Fiori interface.
In the realm of cybersecurity, offensive security practices act as a critical shield. By simulating real-world attacks in a controlled environment, these techniques expose vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them. This proactive approach allows manufacturers to identify and fix weaknesses, significantly enhancing system security.
This presentation delves into the development of a system designed to mimic Galileo's Open Service signal using software-defined radio (SDR) technology. We'll begin with a foundational overview of both Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and the intricacies of digital signal processing.
The presentation culminates in a live demonstration. We'll showcase the manipulation of Galileo's Open Service pilot signal, simulating an attack on various software and hardware systems. This practical demonstration serves to highlight the potential consequences of unaddressed vulnerabilities, emphasizing the importance of offensive security practices in safeguarding critical infrastructure.
FREE A4 Cyber Security Awareness Posters-Social Engineering part 3Data Hops
Free A4 downloadable and printable Cyber Security, Social Engineering Safety and security Training Posters . Promote security awareness in the home or workplace. Lock them Out From training providers datahops.com
Digital Marketing Trends in 2024 | Guide for Staying AheadWask
https://www.wask.co/ebooks/digital-marketing-trends-in-2024
Feeling lost in the digital marketing whirlwind of 2024? Technology is changing, consumer habits are evolving, and staying ahead of the curve feels like a never-ending pursuit. This e-book is your compass. Dive into actionable insights to handle the complexities of modern marketing. From hyper-personalization to the power of user-generated content, learn how to build long-term relationships with your audience and unlock the secrets to success in the ever-shifting digital landscape.
HCL Notes und Domino Lizenzkostenreduzierung in der Welt von DLAUpanagenda
Webinar Recording: https://www.panagenda.com/webinars/hcl-notes-und-domino-lizenzkostenreduzierung-in-der-welt-von-dlau/
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Synthetic biology a discussion paper
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SYNTHETIC BIOLOGYSYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
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SYNTHETICBIOLOGY SYNTHETICBIOLOGY
SYNTHETIC BIOLOGYSYNTHETIC BIOLOGYSYNTHETICBIOLOGY SYNTHETICBIOLOGY
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THETIC
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SYNTHETIC BIOLOGYSYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
A discussion paper
2. Synthetic biology
Synthetic Biology
A discussion paper
Written by
Freelance journalist Jakob Vedelsby
Project Manager
Gy Larsen
Project Assistent
Emil Lundedal Hammar
Project Supervisor
Morten Andreasen, The Danish Council of Ethics
Project Secretary/Layout
Eva Glejtrup
The Danish Council of Ethics and
The Danish Board of Technology
May 2011
3. Synthetic biology
Contents
Preface 4
Summary 6
The debate on synthetic biology 10
Approaches to research in synthetic biology 14
Synthetic biology and values 17
Examples of the visions for synthetic biology 20
The risks involved in synthetic biology 25
Sources and links 29
4. 4
Synthetic biology
Preface
This debate material is the result of a collabora-
tive project on synthetic biology carried out by The
Danish Board of Technology and The Danish Council
of Ethics from April 2010 to April 2011. The aim has
been to open a broad debate on synthetic biology
beyond the boundaries of the professional research
environment.
By way of dialogues with experts and other par-
ties with knowledge of and interest in this subject
we have attempted to shed light on a new devel-
opment area within biotechnology and genetic
engineering. We consider it important to discuss the
perspectives in synthetic biology while this research
area is still in its embryonic stages.
With this project we want to:
1) Impart knowledge on the nature of synthetic bio-
logy
2) Provide examples of the potential uses of synthe-
tic biology
3) Present the dilemmas and challenges inherent in
synthetic biology within areas such as research
priorities, ethics, democratic handling, risk assess-
ment and public regulation.
The Danish Council of Ethics and The Danish Board
of Technology have set up a work group consisting
of experts in biology, physics/chemistry, philosophy,
risk communication and science presentation. These
people have pinpointed the themes of the project,
contributed specialist knowledge and written parts
of the debate material. In January 2011 The Danish
Council of Ethics and The Danish Board of Technol-
ogy hosted a workshop on synthetic biology where
the participants contributed various kinds of input to
the debate material.
This material is intended to open a debate on syn-
thetic biology, but also to suggest ways to handle
the future challenges of synthetic biology in Den-
mark. The material does not offer any conclusive
assessments of the potentials and challenges in
synthetic biology.
The material will be distributed to a wide range
of research environments, companies and public
institutions with a potential stake in synthetic biology.
Since one of the most significant problems in relation
to synthetic biology concerns the possible need for
new legislation, we have included political decision-
makers and public authorities in the target audience
as well. Furthermore, the material is submitted to the
participants in the workshop and to a wide circle of
institutions in regular contact with The Danish Board
of Technology and The Danish Council of Ethics.
EA work group on synthetic biology within the frame-
work of The Danish Council of Ethics has commented
on various versions of the material. The material as
such, however, has not been processed by The Dan-
ish Council of Ethics. The Danish Council of Ethics and
The Danish Board of Technology would like to thank
the work group for a very strong commitment to
the whole project and for major contributions to the
design of the debate material.
The work group consists of :
Birger Lindberg Møller, The Faculty of Life Sciences,
University of Copenhagen
Gunna Christiansen, The Danish Council of Ethics
Jakob Vedelsby, freelance journalist
Maja Horst, Institut for Organisation, CBS
Steen Rasmussen, Faculty of Science, University of
Southern Denmark
5. 5
Synthetic biology
Sune Holm, Department of Media, Cognition and
Communication, University of Copenhagen
Thomas Breck, The Danish Centre for Risk Communi-
cation
6. 6
Synthetic biology
The 21st century is characterised by major invest-
ment and strong faith in new biotech research and
by visions of bio-based societies with a number of
potentially useful improvements of everyday life. By
way of ground-breaking advances in biotechnology
we hope to be able to find new forms of energy that
are not based on fossil resources and to develop
new products that can help us control and remove
pollution, new or improved medicine, new sustain-
able materials and substitutes for harmful chemical
substances. In addition, there is great interest in new
insights into the fundamental “building blocks of life.”
However, the 21st century is also characterised by a
critical stance towards certain areas of biotechnol-
ogy, in part, due to the development of genetically
modified plants in recent decades and because of
scientific research trends that some consider ethi-
cally dubious. Biological and genetic research and
developments can lead to improvements and new
sustainable solutions, but it can also have negative
consequences for humans, nature and the environ-
ment. Moreover, such consequences can be consid-
ered a warning not to take the positive societal role
of science and technology for granted.
This debate material seeks to contribute to an open,
unprejudiced debate on synthetic biology in the
making, including the positive expectations to the
results of this research and the new knowledge it
may afford us on the smallest units of life and their
basic functions. But the material will also look at syn-
thetic biology in a more critical light. It is important
to include both positions in order to avoid polarizing
the debate. And it is important to be able to aim at
socially sound uses of scientific research, tenable
research priorities and a socially informed science
policy.
Synthetic biology can be described as a meeting
between different disciplines. At present, synthetic
biology has a lot in common with traditional biotech-
nology and genetic engineering, but it is based on
a more radical vision of constructing living or life-like
structures designed to perform particular tasks, much
like engineers build computers and machines today.
In implementing these visions molecular biologists
and geneticists team up with nano engineers, com-
puter scientists and chemists. This cooperation results
in more than just new technologies and applica-
tions; it produces fundamental knowledge of life as
such. The endeavour to construct living organisms
from inanimate elements has always commanded
considerable interest. Hitherto, however, successful
outcomes of this intention have been confined to
theoretical scenarios – within a sci-fi framework.
In sum, the work group behind this discussion paper
evaluates the situation as follows:
• Synthetic biology is still in a very early phase of
its development, so there is ample opportunity to
be proactive in this area. This gives us a chance to
promote a very inclusive interdisciplinary dialogue
about the perspectives of synthetic biology with
contributions from various researchers, compa-
nies, authorities and grassroots – so as to create
an open exchange of ideas between private and
public actors and stakeholders and between con-
verging opinions and insights.
• We need an open dialogue about synthetic biol-
ogy focussing on:
- the increased possibilities of cooperation in
Assessments in brief
The work group’s assessments of synthetic biology and suggestions for further debate
7. 7
Synthetic biology
Danish research communities
- the potential applications of synthetic biology
in relation to the environment, energy, health,
agriculture etc.
- the environmental, medical, ethical, legal and
social aspects of synthetic biology, including
the necessity of continually re-assessing the
adequacy of public regulations
- the prioritization of research funds in light of
Denmark’s position in global research
- the mapping of the activities of the international
research communities
• In the opinion of the work group, synthetic biology
involves only limited risks in its present stage, and
there is currently no need for new legislation for this
particular area.
• It is important to work for a responsible manage
ment of research and development in synthetic
biology. A responsible development of new prod-
ucts within the field of synthetic biology requires
individual researchers and authorities alike to
exercise great caution and vigilance.
• We need a continual assessment of the need for
regulations of the pursuit of new research and
development potentials in order to maximize use-
value and minimize damaging and harmful ef-
fects. It may prove advantageous to have clear
guidelines for the achievement of safety and
security in biotech research and development, but
such guidelines should not be allowed to obstruct
or constrain possible scientific developments or
check creative research potentials.
• The public at large is a crucial stakeholder and
must be continually involved in the ethical and
value-oriented aspects of the discussion, e.g. the
question of acceptable and unacceptable uses of
synthetic biology, the determination of the extent
to which research in synthetic biology should be
publicly funded, the definition of acceptable risks
and the settlement of the social and cultural signifi
cance of synthetic biology.
• The impact of synthetic biology will be global. It is
imperative that individual countries enter into
international collaboration on the potentials of
synthetic biology and help make the necessary
regulations a common concern. The global nature
of the issues at stake calls for transparency, coordi-
nation and shared information and practices.
• Cooperation between researchers, developers,
patent-holders, companies and authorities must
be stimulated and promoted in order to create
synergies and innovation strategies.
• Risk assessment must be integrated in biotechno
logical research as such and not just relegated
to special forums, and we need to develop more
specific tools for the control and regulation of the
possible damages and risks involved in synthetic
biology.
8. 8
Synthetic biology
Do all organisms have a moral status? Ethical discussions of synthetic biology often raise the ques-
tion of whether living beings are entitled to be treated with moral consideration. If you believe all
living beings have a moral status, synthetic biology is apt to raise the question of whether it alters
the moral status of an organism that it has been designed and created by humans as a means to a
specific end. The most widespread opinion among moral philosophers is that we should only show
consideration for beings that are able to feel pain. The fact that an organism is animate is not in
itself sufficient reason to grant it moral status.
According to another tradition, however, all living beings have a right to be treated with moral
consideration, not necessarily because all living beings originate from a divine creator, or be-
cause it would ultimately be to our disadvantage if we did not treat all living being with the proper
respect, but because our actions can both harm and benefit these organisms. For instance, we
often say that it is bad for a tree if you deprive it of water and sunlight or that living, animate be-
ings can become ill, even if they cannot feel anything. It is important to keep in mind, though, that
claiming a moral status for all living beings is not the same as saying that it is always wrong to kill
them. Acknowledging that a tree or a yeast cell has a moral status may simply carry less weight
than other considerations.
Synthetic biology – a point of view by Sune Holm
In Denmark, we need to discuss our research priorities. We do not have the resources required
to do all the things we would like to do. Nor do we have sufficient resources to compete with big
countries with huge research budgets for extensive initiatives. When we have tried to fund strategic
research in the past, the sums involved have often been so small that it is almost worse than noth-
ing, because it makes researchers jump from one little project to another without really getting
anywhere.
Real advances in synthetic biology involve heavy expenditure – and it takes years to procure the
necessary funds. Politically and democratically, we may not be ready for such obligations. For a
number of reasons, however, Denmark must continue to have experts who can understand, explain
and adapt the knowledge produced abroad. Even if we cannot afford to invest in major projects,
it is probably a good idea to let Danish scientists continue to conduct research in synthetic biology
to the extent they consider it relevant for their areas of expertise. In light of these circumstances we
need to discuss whether we should earmark specific amounts for synthetic biology or finance such
research through the unspecified funds allocated to basic research programs in general.
Furthermore, we need to consider whether our public regulation system is suitably organized. The
current division into sectors and disciplines is a relic of the past and may be ill-suited for new re-
search areas such as synthetic biology. The field of synthetic biology cuts across IT, bio engineer-
ing and health, but these areas are typically regulated separately. As science becomes ever more
interdisciplinary, the public regulation should follow suit.
Synthetic biology – a point of view by Maja Horst
9. 9
Synthetic biology
Synthetic biology – a point of view by Gunna Christiansen
When I believe synthetic biology has great potential, it is not so much because we can already
point to a lot of concrete results, but rather because the premise looks highly promising in a tech-
nological perspective. In synthetic biology, the complexity of living organisms is replaced by sim-
ple designs. The problem faced by GMO researchers trying to understand what happens inside
complex natural cells when you insert a few new genes, is precisely what synthetic biology seeks
to solve by assuming an unprecedented degree of control over the fundamental structure of the
organism by picking the most suitable designs from animate as well as inanimate nature creating
a kind of mini-cyborgs that are hard to place within our customary moral categories.
But maybe it is precisely the unlimited character of these possibilities that causes concern. The
first question to arise is probably whether such ‘tailor-made’ organisms will react or conduct them-
selves in unforeseen ways? Another possible concern is related to our sense of nature. Arguably,
the idea of nature as a set of building blocks is a symbol of the ever more intensive exploitation
of nature which, according to many, has already gone too far. Is exploiting nature at odds with
showing humility and respect towards it? Not necessarily. But we must face the fact that redefining
nature may lead to gradual changes in our views of what we are permitted to do to it.
Registries such as BioBricks and techniques for synthesis of DNA and proteins will give a tremen-
dous boost to the development that began with genetic engineering. It is almost unthinkable that
this would not, in time, result in concrete applications, including possible solutions to some of the
most urgent societal problems in relation to energy, climate and health. But because the potential
is so enormous, and because we cannot anticipate the scientific breakthroughs, it is currently
impossible to tell whether synthetic biology will lead to this or that particular advantage or disad-
vantage. The ongoing activities within synthetic biology are deemed satisfactorily regulated by the
present legislation for this area, including the regulations that apply to genetic engineering.
Synthetic biology must be allowed to develop, and I believe we must monitor this development.
In this respect, it is important to have a debate focussing on the requests and concerns voiced by
ordinary citizens.
10. 10
Synthetic biology
including the risks we are willing to run in order to
achieve the positive gains and opportunities offered
by new technology.
As will appear from the present discussion paper, the
purpose of research in synthetic biology is to con-
tribute to the solution of problems and to help cover
a number of societal needs. This is a beautiful ideal
that no one could disagree with. Disagreements
arise, however, once we raise the question of which
societal problems to solve first. The answer to this
question will depend a great deal on one’s convic-
tions and values. The work group behind this project
considers it highly important that the debate on
synthetic biology also focuses on our values and our
understanding of the various problems – and not just
on the possible solutions offered by synthetic biology.
Experiences from the GMO debate
Two decades of European controversy over ge-
netically modified plants has given us a number of
valuable experiences when it comes to the relations
between risk, technology and society. According
to one view, it is largely because of confusion and
entrenchment that it has been almost impossible to
find funding for research in the practical use of ge-
netically modified plants. In turn, this has meant that
researchers have only been able to fulfil a few of the
many promises some saw in GMO. Now, some fear
that a similarly adverse controversy over synthetic bi-
ology will lead to the same result and create mutual
mistrust between scientists and citizens.
According to the opposite view, the public debate
on genetically modified plants has shown that citi-
zens actually are interested in taking part in debates
on new technology. The debate also showed,
Why do we need a debate on synthetic biolo-
gy? And how are we to conduct it?
There are at least three good reasons why it is rele-
vant to debate a new area of technological devel-
opment such as synthetic biology:
1) New technology can influence the organization
of society and the conditions of our mind-set and
our physical, social and cultural life. Therefore, so-
ciety is obliged to inform citizens of new technolo-
gies and actively take a position on them.
2) The choice of technology is partly a result of a
political prioritization of research and develop-
ment funding. This prioritization should also take
place on an enlightened and democratic basis.
3) We know from experience that new technologies
can have positive as well as negative conse-
quences.
The purpose of the debate is to inform about the
technological possibilities, to ensure democratic influ-
ence on the technological choices and to increase
the consensus on the directions and values that
should underlie the technological development –
D E B A T E
How can synthetic biology realistically
contribute to positive societal develop-
ments – now and in the long term? And
what role should Denmark play?
Synthetic biology at issue
11. 11
Synthetic biology
however, that the citizens lose faith in science, if the
research environments fail to take an active interest
in how citizens feel about use, risk and ethics, and if
they fail to achieve the promised results.
This latter point is reflected in the debate on the uses
of medicine produced by way of genetic engineer-
ing. This debate has a different character, probably
because citizens have been able to see a direct
use-value right from the start, and because legisla-
tion for genetic engineering was enacted quite early
in the process. This legislation protects the person-
nel working with genetic engineering, but also the
surrounding environment. Also, we have witnessed
no negative effects on humans, animals or nature in
relation to genetic engineering, perhaps because of
this legislation.
Facts about synthetic biology
One of the crucial visions for synthetic biology is the
ability to produce biological components, systems,
cells, organisms and life-like structures in a grey area
between the animate and the inanimate. To a cer-
tain extent, synthetic biology constitutes a complete-
ly new field – especially the branch of synthetic biol-
ogy that concerns the making of living organisms
from new materials. If researchers succeed in this,
it will open a vast range of new possibilities that we
cannot yet link to particular purposes.
The other branch of synthetic biology, where you
fabricate, isolate or purchase genes and combine
them in new ways, is not a completely new de-
parture in itself. What is new, however, is the use of
research teams comprised of people with different
backgrounds such as bio-informaticians, engineers,
molecular biologists, chemists, physicists and medi-
cal doctors. And that you use computer-generated
data to identify the relevant components, that
you order them as BioBricks and combine them in
new ways in order to make whole systems or simple
organisms, e.g. bacteria, yeast cells or algae with
the desired qualities. The first products have al-
ready been made and are about to be marketed.
The American researcher Craig Venter’s synthetic
genome is an example of this branch of synthetic
biology. He has created a bacterium in which the
cellular machinery (what you might call its hardware)
derives from one organism, whereas the genes (the
software, so to speak) derive from another organism.
The idea with this ‘prototype’ of a new bacterium
is to show that it is possible to transplant whole ge-
nomes into a new ‘shell’. The point is that we will be
able to design bacteria and use them to generate
the products we want.
It remains a fact, however, that many of today’s re-
search projects labelled as ‘synthetic biology’ were
previously categorized as genetic engineering, nano
medicine or plant biotechnology. New designations
are created not only for technical reason, but also in
order to attract funding. On the other hand, emer-
gent technologies will always contain many well-
known elements in the initial stages. In other words,
‘new’ does not necessarily refer to the technique as
such. Rather, it may at first denote a different vision
or organization.
Biology as engineering
In many ways, synthetic biology is akin to traditional
biotechnology, not least genetic engineering where
the object is to modify the heredity of various organ-
isms by moving a single or a few genes, typically
from one species to another. Synthetic biology is
more radical in its approach, however. It is often
described as an endeavour to turn biology into a
kind of engineering. In synthetic biology, you ‘build
with bricks’, and these bricks are typically elements
of living organisms such as genes, proteins or cell
membranes, combined with elements of the ‘inani-
mate’ world such as electrodes, metal surfaces and
nano fibres.
Major strands of synthetic biology aspire to look at
biological systems much like an engineer would look
at making a computer for instance: In order to make
a system perform efficiently it is necessary to stan-
dardize the elements so as to make their function
12. 12
Synthetic biology
as controllable as possible regardless of the setting.
For example, when you buy an external hard drive
online, you can reasonably expect it to be compat-
ible with the other parts of your PC. Correspondingly,
synthesis biologists hope to develop standardized
elements and modules that other synthesis biologists
around the world will be able to insert in their biologi-
cal constructions. Cells, for instance, are referred to
as a kind of ‘chassis’ that will hold the various biologi-
cal elements in a ‘plug and play system’ that can
easily be realigned or re-programmed for new tasks.
Ownership and accessibility in synthetic
biology
The engineering approach to biology is a long-stan-
ding phenomenon, but the technological develop-
ment enables a far higher level of ambition for bio-
logical engineering. Today, a number of techniques
have reached a stage where they can be used by
ordinary laboratories. This applies to the identifica-
tion of DNA sequences and the synthesis of DNA and
proteins, for instance.
One of the most significant obstacles for molecular
biological research has been the time and effort ex-
pended on the identification or fabrication of pre-
cisely those genetic components that would perform
a particular task, e.g. a specific variant of an enzyme
with a very special ability or capacity that the resear-
cher may have found in nature. Consequently, re-
searchers often hold such components close to the
chest. It is clearly easiest to procure such compo-
nents, if one has something to ‘barter’ with.
Within the international synthetic biology community
there is currently a tendency to make single com-
ponents available for free in the form of so-called
‘BioBricks’, i.e. building blocks that other researchers
or companies can use in new combinations for pat-
entable products. Several key laboratories working
with synthetic biology have decided to place single
components at free disposal managed by the Bio-
Brick Foundation.
Synthetic biology differs from other research when it
comes to the question of funding and ownership of
the research results. In the Western world we have
chosen to grant patents to new inventions, because
we believe it is the best way to promote an innova-
tive society. Large sections of the basic scientific
research, however, cannot be expected to yield
immediately patentable results. Here, private part-
ners will typically have very little incentive to finance
research projects.
As a result of this, basic research must be financed
with public funds or by charitable foundations that
do not invest with an eye to immediate profit, but
rather to support research that can be expected to
create greater knowledge and perhaps, in the long
term, lead to commercial products as well. In recent
decades public research institutions have also be-
gun to take out patents and claim proprietary rights
in various inventions. These institutions generally aim
to sell off the rights to utilize such patents to private
businesses, because they are typically the only play-
ers with sufficient resources to make the investments
it requires to develop the original idea into a com-
mercially viable product. Universities will then make
agreements with investors and receive royalties
from the products that result from the patents. This
arrangement means that research results, funded by
the public, is not immediately available for everyone
to utilize practically and commercially.
In the last 30 years intellectual property law has
undergone a series of disputed changes, not least
within the area of biotechnology. The European pat-
ent directive from 1998 establishes that, in principle,
one can take out patents for genes, if the ‘invention’
is covered by normal patent requirements such as
inventiveness. Critics point out that a patent on a
gene may bar other researchers from making further
inventions or prevent scientists and doctors in testing
patients for specific genes. In the 1990’s, for exam-
ple, the American company Myriad Genetics took
out a patent for two mammary cancer genes (BRCA
1 and 2). They demanded substantial payments for
13. 13
Synthetic biology
genetic tests of patients and aggressively sought to
hinder American and European hospitals in running
independent tests for these genes. Such measures
seem unusual, however. Generally, we must assume
that holders of broad-range patens have an interest
in licensing others to utilize their patents.
On the other hand, we must also expect the finan-
cial interests in synthetic biology to increase rapidly
when this research gradually begins to result in
marketable products. When that happens, it is not
unlikely that the field of synthetic biology will run
into similar discussions about the relations between
research funding and the right to use the results.
Generally speaking, synthetic biology unfolds at an early level of basic research. Consequently, it
is exceedingly difficult to predict the concrete results, products, risks and ethical/moral challenges
it will lead to 20, 30 or 40 years from now.
History shows us that some of the discoveries that have truly changed the world have been in the
pipeline for many years before they finally broke through, whereas other inventions and discover-
ies have had almost instantaneous impacts and consequences. Nor can we be sure that expecta-
tions and predictions always come true – no matter how long we wait. In addition, it has proven
almost impossible to foresee all the possibilities and risks that new technologies bring about in the
course of time. Think of the first computers in the 1950’s or the use of pesticides like DDT.
Synthetic biology is still an emergent discipline
14. 14
Synthetic biology
ling’s research team at University of California in San
Francisco has developed a yeast cell secreting the
antimalarial drug artemisinin in such quantities that a
large-scale production is planned to begin in 2012.
Successful research in this vein presupposes that the
many different genetic components are highly ac-
cessible and fully described. Here, accessible means
that testing the function of the various genes or gene
variants in an organism is a relatively fast procedure.
This is a prerequisite, because the interplay between
genes and organism is so complex in general that
it is quite impossible to know for sure in advance
whether a gene will serve a particular function suf-
ficiently well
The bottom-up approach
In the bottom-up approach researchers seek to put
together a biological system with a minimal degree
of life –a so-called proto-cell – from inanimate, in-
organic and organic materials. One variant of this
approach works with materials that are essentially
different from modern biological molecules (see
Figure 1 (B)). Another variant uses components from
existing biological cells (see Figure 1 (C)).
The bottom-up method is a natural continuation of
the studies in the origin of life and scientific research
in artificial life, e.g. experiments with life in media
such as robots and computer network.
The advantage of the bottom-up method is that it
can use all kinds of materials as building blocks, inclu-
ding biological, inorganic and electronic compo-
nents. This frees the method from the usual biological
constraints. The big scientific challenge is the con-
struction of a living machine from scratch.
The top-down approach
In the top-down approach to synthetic biology
researchers focus on simplifying cells. Usually, you
begin with a living cell in which you remove genes
from the genome until the latter has become so
simple that the cell is only just capable of reproduc-
ing itself. Similarly, the genes can be disassembled
and used as ‘BioBricks’ when manufacturing new
organisms. New, artificially produced genomes can
also be transplanted into living cells. This approach is
anatural continuation of traditional genetic engi-
neering and it is often referred to as ‘radical genetic
engineering’ (see Figure 1 (A)).
The top-down method has the merit that, in principle,
it operates with a living, modern cell which allows it
to make use of molecular biological lab techniques.
This, however, gives the method the same limitations
as modern biological cells.
In May 2010 researchers from the American J. Craig
Venter Institute announced that they had success-
fully constructed the first synthetic genome trans-
planted into an existing bacterium cell. Even though
the genome constitutes less than 1 per cent of the
biological machinery, this is truly a milestone after
about 15 years of foundational the top-down re-
search. The synthetic cell, known as Mycoplasma
mycoides JCVI-syn1.0, proves that it is possible to
design a genome on a computer, produce it chemi-
cally in a laboratory and transplant it into a recipient
cell. This bacterium, then, is a new, self-replicating
cell controlled only by the synthetic genome.
One particular vision for the top-down approach
concerns a re-programming of organisms by way of
standardized genetic parts, i.e. BioBricks. Jay Keas-
Approaches to research in
synthetic biology
15. 15
Synthetic biology
By way of example, a Japanese research team in
Osaka headed by Tesuya Yomo has developed a
design for a minimal synthetic cell which they are
now in the process of implementing. This artificial cell
consists of an artificial cell membrane filled with arti-
ficially manufactured biochemical components with
the capacity to replicate an artificial DNA. The cells
are ‘fed’ so they can grow and replicate their DNA.
Subsequently the individual cell is artificially divided
into two new daughter cells. When repeating this
artificial life cycle, the researchers expect a cell type
with a specific DNA to gradually dominate the popu
lation, because its particular qualities will give it the
most favourable conditions of growth. If this assump-
tion proves correct, Yomo and his team believe they
will have established an evolution which is consid-
ered one of the decisive criteria for ‘life’.
In the section on proto-cells we will also describe the
research team centred on the Danish artificial life sci-
entist Steen Rasmussen and its endeavour to create
artificial cells using the bottom-up method. Although
in different ways Yomo’s and Rasmussen’s artificial
cells give us an idea of the progress achieved in
basic research concerning the creation of artificial
life from the ground up using biological and non-
biological components respectively.
We have not yet managed to create artificial life in
the laboratory – neither by way of the bottom-up or
the top-down method.
The reach of synthetic biology in 2011
The first major international congress on synthetic
biology was held in the US in 2004 (“SynBio 1.0”), but
the research environment for synthetic biology is
already quite well-established. Today, research in
synthetic biology takes place at universities and
research institutions, in public laboratories and com-
panies, all over the world – most notably in America,
Europe, China and Japan.
In the US, current investments in synthetic biology
amount to an estimated 1 billion dollars annually, the
bulk of which comes from the National Institute of
Health (NIH) followed by the Department of Energy
and the Pentagon, respectively. Private foundations
and companies have also begun to invest in the
Figure 1: The two basic approaches in synthetic biology
Modern cells
Modified cells
Minimal life: proto-cells
Synthetic cells
Minimal biological cells
Organic and inorganic
materials
(C)
Biological
components
16. 16
Synthetic biology
area – especially the oil industry and major non-profit
foundations financing research in alternative energy
sources.
So far, the EU has allocated €30 million from The
Framework Programmes for Research and Techno-
logical Development to synthetic biology1
and ap-
prox. €18 million to the borderland between synthetic
biology and IT2
. The Danish Ministry of Science has
prioritized this area with DKK120 million from the so-
called UNIK Pool. For a five year period this amount
will fund a research centre for synthetic biology
headed by a group of nano and plant biotech
researchers from the University of Copenhagen. In
addition, bottom-up synthetic biology has been
sponsored by about DKK40 million from The Danish
National Research Foundation and The University of
Southern Denmark (SDU) for five years funding of the
of the Centre for Fundamental Living Technology
at The University of Southern Denmark. In Denmark,
research in synthetic biology currently takes place
at the University of Copenhagen, The University of
Southern Denmark, the Technical University of Den-
mark and the University of Aarhus.
1 The EU’s efforts are described as somewhat dawdling in
Capurro et al. (17.11.2009): Ethics of Synthetic Biology. Opinion
of the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Tech-
nologies to the European Commission.
2 As part of the EC FET project PACE and the EC FET pro-
grammes Chembio-IT and FET Open.
You can get an idea of what goes on in synthetic biology by visiting the websites of the leading
research centres. Here follows a few examples from the US and the EU:
SynBERC – The Synthetic Biology Engineering Research Centre (US):
http://www.synberc.org/
BioBricks Foundation (US):
www.biobricks.org
Jay Keasling’s laboratory (US):
http://keaslinglab.lbl.gov/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
UNIK Synthetic Biology (Denmark):
http://www.plbio.life.ku.dk/Centre/UNIK_Syntesebiologi.aspx
Centre for Fundamental Living Technology (Denmark):
http://www.sdu.dk/flint
Centre for Synthetic Biology and Innovation (UK):
www3.imperial.ac.uk/syntheticbiology
Examples of leading research centres
17. 17
Synthetic biology
Synthetic biology means new challenges
Synthetic biology involves ethical, legal and social
challenges. We must examine whether existing laws
are adequate and whether we need to establish a
code of conduct for research in synthetic biology.
Synthetic biology is a relatively recent discipline.
Consequently, the ethical agenda for this area is
only just beginning to take form. Already, however,
several of the world’s leading research centres have
initiated attempts to include ethics and security in
the earliest project conceptualizations. Mainly, these
efforts derive from a strong wish to avoid the polari-
D E B A T E
Synthetic biology and values
3 Mary Shelley, Frankenstein (orig. 1818). On the significance
of Frankenstein and other myths in the public debate on
biology and biotechnology, see Jon Turvey: Frankenstein’s
Footsteps, Yale University Press 1998.
4 Aldous Huxley, Brave New World (orig. 1932)
zation that followed from the debate on genetically
modified plants (GMO).
Two decades of debate on genetically modified
plants has shown that the research environments
must take an interest in how citizens perceive use-
value, risk and ethics, if they want to win the con-
fidence of the public. Also steps must be taken to
avoid turning the issue of synthetic biology into an
arena of special interests, partisan views and reli-
gious notions.
A diffuse debate
As mentioned, synthetic biology challenges a num-
ber of culturally rooted distinctions between animate
and inanimate, natural and artificial for instance. We
know from experience that misgivings about bio-
technology will often appear diffuse and hazy in the
public debate. Not least because such misgivings
typically borrow phrases and narrations from the
world of fiction: Scientists ‘play God’ or ‘behave like
Doctor Frankenstein‘3
, and we are headed for a
‘Brave new world’4
.
Researchers and scientists have often been partly to
blame for distorting the implications of new technol-
ogy. In the 1990’s, for instance, many geneticists
referred to genes as ‘the book of life’ or the ‘code of
life’. By doing so they helped introduce far-reaching
perspectives that other researchers have since
had reason to regret and deplore. Such perspec-
tives made the debate unduly high-pitched and
gave the impression that biotechnology was more
There is a distinct possibility that synthet-
ic biology will gradually blur the con-
temporary differentiation between life
and machine. Most people agree that
there are moral rules for our treatment
of living objects, while few would ob-
ject to the making, destruction or modi-
fication of mere machinery. In order to
avoid giving machines the same status
as animals or humans and so as to pre-
vent the future treatment of all living
beings as machines we must find new
ways to distinguish between animate
and inanimate. But how are we to de-
fine a new meaningful moral distinction
between the life we make ourselves
and naturally created life?
18. 18
Synthetic biology
revolutionary than it really was – technically as well
as ethically.
In a televised debate on genetic engineering
molecular biologist and Nobel Prize winner James
Watson, who along with Francis Crick discovered the
structure of DNA in 1953, was once asked if it would
be fair to say that he “played God?” He answered:
“Well, if we don’t, who will!” A similar remark fell
recently when another Nobel Prize winner, Craig
Venter’s collaborator Hamilton Smith, was asked if re-
searchers active in synthetic biology “played God”.
“We are not playing!” he answered drily.
Crude images and high-flown expressions – whether
they derive from experts or laymen – can have a
tendency to present the matter in a highly polarized
light, as a case of either-or, which is not necessarily
conducive to a nuanced and balanced debate.
Likewise, it is not always clear what we are actually
saying when we state, in opinion polls, that what
happens in the laboratories is ‘unethical’, ‘unnatural’
or ‘hazardous’. The Eurobarometer survey presented
above shows that many of the citizens who consider
genetically modified food ‘dangerous’ still think that
this technology should be promoted. However, the
survey also tells us that only very few of the respon-
dents had ever heard of synthetic biology. There is
every reason, then, to avoid drawing too unequivo-
cal conclusions from such surveys.
In a democracy perspective, this work group is of
the opinion that the regulation of synthetic biology
should safeguard the harmony between develop-
ments within synthetic biology and the concerns and
demands of the citizens. Citizen concerns, however,
are not necessarily limited to health and environ-
ment; they may also relate to questions of justice
and power. Surveys of citizen attitudes to technology
generally give the impression that a majority of the
population considers economic growth and financial
profit insufficient justification and that people are far
more positive when it comes to technologies that
aim to improve health or solve societal problems
such as climate change.
a
THE DANES’ ATTITUDE TO SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
Is all for Is against regardless of the
Is alle for but feel it should be regulated by strict law circumstances
Is against except in special cases Don’t know
According to a Eurobarometer survey from 2010:
Source: http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/eb_special_359_340_en.htm#341
Many Danes accept the new technology, it would seem, provided it is sufficiently regulated and that
there is an adequate level of preparedness in case of emergencies. Among Danes with some knowl-
edge of synthetic biology 68 per cent were mostly interested in the possible risks associated with syn-
thetic biology, whereas 36 per cent were mostly concerned about the social and ethical problems.
In addition, the survey showed that 94 per cent of the Danes have confidence in researchers working
in synthetic biology. The survey also demonstrates that Danes are among those who are most willing
to run a risk, if it is for a good enough purpose. At the same time, the Danish population ranks as the
people who are most aware that synthetic biology can have unintentional, negative consequences.
The Danes’ attitude to synthetic biology
Synthetic biology involving the
construction of completely new
organisms and the creation of new
forms of life not found in nature
2 43 21 22 12
19. 19
Synthetic biology
Man’s relation to nature
There is no indication that synthetic biology will be
able to fabricate or re-design anything other than
microorganisms such as yeast cells and bacteria for
many years to come. Science has been modifying
the genetic properties of such organisms for years,
e.g. in order to produce insulin. Nor do we find it
morally objectionable, under normal circumstances,
to kill such organisms, since they only possess morally
relevant qualities like consciousness or sense of pain
to a very limited degree.
Some have expressed concern that synthetic biol-
ogy – and not least its underlying ‘mechanistic’ view
of life – may intensify or lead to a changed and
perhaps less respectful view of nature. As an adher-
ent of synthetic biology you need not subscribe to
a particular view of nature. Whether the choice of
synthetic biology as the answer to the challenges of
our time will change Man’s relation to nature – and
whether this is problematic or not – remains an open
question.
No guarantee of results
Synthetic biology is a hazardous research area in
the sense that there is significant risk, at least within
some research areas, that no concrete products
or methods will ensue from the efforts. On the other
hand, there is also a chance of considerable gains,
if this research turns out to produce ground-breaking
results such as new energy forms or new solutions to
pollution or disease.
Research results, however, are nor simply ordered
and delivered by pushing a button. Research and
development is not something that proceeds in a
linear fashion, and there is no guarantee of ground-
breaking results when investing in synthetic biol-
ogy. There is a risk, then, that we end up spending
resources on synthetic biology that we could have
allocated to other, less revolutionary, less high-tech
and less radical solutions that would nonetheless
have been better suited as remedies to crucial so-
cietal problems.
20. 20
Synthetic biology
This section presents a number of examples of the
concrete uses of synthetic biology. As mentioned,
research in synthetic biology has not yet moved from
basic research to concrete applications and it is still
uncertain whether it will, in fact, lead to the desired
results.
Medicine based on synthetic biology
Doctor in a cell
Medical drugs work by impeding a pathogenic or-
ganism or process for example. The drug needs to
reach the particular place in the body where it is
supposed to have an effect. Many drugs are hinde-
red in reaching their destination, because they are
hard to dissolve or because they are metabolized
too quickly. By encapsulating the medicine in small
liposomes (microscopic fat bubbles) it can be pro-
tected against catabolism. Alternatively, prodrugs
(precursors to the medically active compound) can
be connected to the phosphor-lipids in the liposomes
and released once these carriers reach the place
where the medicine is supposed to work.
In poisoning cases where a toxin is to be removed
from the bloodstream, synthetic biology may be
able to indicate new solution models focussing on
the modules in the BioBricks collection mentioned
earlier. One procedure will be to encase the enzy-
mes that decompose the toxin in small nano mem-
branes and insert these in liposomes (see Figure 2).
The liposome membrane will contain a transporter
feeding the toxin into the liposome. This concentrates
the toxin inside the liposome containing the enzyme
system that is able to break down the toxin.
Globally, researchers have developed a number of
technologies that can determine which substances
a particular transporter is able to feed through a
membrane and into a liposome. Collections of ap-
prox. 2,000 different transporters have been estab-
lished. Likewise, collections of the so-called cyto-
chrom P450 enzymes are well under way. These en-
zymes can also break down toxins and be inserted in
nano membranes. Danish researchers have already
established a sizeable collection of glycosyl transfe-
rases with the capacity to attach sugar molecules
to the decomposed toxins thereby decreasing their
toxicity and increasing the possibility of excretion.
In spite of these advances it will take many years for
this technology to reach the point where it can be
used for human medical treatment. The develop-
ment of what The Centre for Synthetic Biology at The
University of Copenhagen describes as “Toxin Termi-
nator Technology” requires testing of many different
enzyme systems and transporters.
In attempting to harmonize research
in synthetic biology with the public’s
views and demands, is it possible to
map which research areas to cultivate
and which areas to abandon in favour
of other activities?
Examples of the visions for
synthetic biology
D E B A T E
21. 21
Synthetic biology
Photosynthesis enables plants to efficiently transform
sunlight into chemical energy in the carbon hydra-
tes, proteins, fats etc. With great precision the rays of
the sun are captured by green antennae molecules
and transformed into chemical energy in the very
centre of the reactions.
It is plant processes such as these that researchers
are now trying to imitate. In all these processes the
crucial reactions are controlled by enzyme systems.
The function of these enzyme systems can be exa-
mined scientifically by building them into nano mem-
branes or liposomes. That makes it possible to com-
bine the systems in new ways and fit them with new
functional properties in living cells.
Light-driven chemical synthesis
In a series of experiments conducted in recent years,
Danish researchers have managed to connect one
of the enzyme complexes involved in photosynthesis,
found in the chlorophyll granules in living plants, to
other natural membrane enzymes involved in com-
Figure 2
This is an illustration of a nano membrane in a liposome. The nano membrane will contain en-
zymes that break down toxins fed into the liposome membrane by the transporter protein. The
development of this technology is still in its incipient stages. Current research efforts focus on the
insertion of enzymes in the nano membrane.
Photosynthesis and synthetic biology
Harvesting the rays of the sun
The solar power hitting the Earth in 1.3 hours is equal
to Man’s total energy consumption in an entire year.
Solar energy can be captured by way of solar cells
turning solar power into electricity.
Plants are also able to use sunlight as a source of
energy, but they do so in a much more sophisti-
cated way. Using the carbon dioxide in the air as a
source of carbon and sunlight as a source of energy
plants can form all the organic substances they
need through photosynthesis. But they can do more
than that. Since they cannot ‘run away’ when at-
tacked by microorganisms and animals they defend
themselves by developing a number of often rather
complicated bioactive defensive substances. Many
of these substances are used as medical remedies
for human diseases. Taxol, for instance, is used in
cancer treatment, and morphine, of course, is used
in pain management.
22. 22
Synthetic biology
plex syntheses of bioactive substances. By combin-
ing the two enzyme systems these researchers have
succeeded in constructing a synthetic biological
system producing useful, complex substances with
sunlight as the only necessary source of energy. This
system makes it possible to achieve a highly ef-
ficient synthesis working at much higher speed than
what we can observe in the plants themselves. The
ground-breaking character of this system is due to
the achieved combination of the photosynthetic
processes and the synthesis of complicated chemi-
cal substances with specific medical effects, for
instance.
In earlier attempts to construct artificial synthesis
systems for such substances it has been necessary
to add very expensive co-factors (e.g. ATP and
NADPH) in order to be able to make the biological
processes work. In the new synthesis, however, these
co-factors have been replaced by light. This holds
great promise, not only considered as a challenging
research project but also, in a wider sense, as a first
step on the way to sustainable production systems
using solar power instead of fossil fuels. An improved
development of solar power will reduce the use of
CO2-polluting energy sources such as coal, oil and
natural gas.
From laboratory to market
It remains uncertain if and when Man’s use of solar
power by way of photosynthesis will become an ev-
eryday phenomenon. To a large extent, it depends
on whether it will be possible to create stable and
workable production systems.
The speed of technological development will also
depend on the establishment of a market for artificial
photosynthesis. As long as fossil fuels remain relatively
cheap, the demand for alternative energy will be
limited. The moment oil prices begin to rise, research
in the alternatives will grow accordingly. The global
focus on climate changes also helps accelerate the
development of environment-friendly energy forms.
Proto-cells
Artificial life
Using the bottom-up method researchers at The
Centre for Fundamental Living Technology (FLinT) at
The University of Southern Denmark have managed
to create life-like and living processes from simple
organic and inorganic elements. The purpose is to
achieve a deeper understanding of what life really
is. The bottom-up design employed in FLinT’s so-
called minimal proto-cells frees researchers from the
limitations inherent in the biochemical complexity
characterizing cells brought about by evolution. Mini-
mal proto-cells allow them to choose the elements
that are best and most practical to work with.
There is general agreement that life can be cre-
ated by making three different molecular structures
interact – an information system, a metabolism and
a container (see Figure (A)). This is the premise for the
proto-cells manufactured at FLinT and other research
institutions across the world. In addition, this system
must be able to undergo evolution through some
kind of iterative life-cycle (see Figure (B)).
Figure A
Figure B
Metabolism
(energy
transformation)
Genome
(information)
Mother proto-cell
Container
(co-localization)
Resource intake
Cell divisionDaughter proto cell
23. 23
Synthetic biology
In order for artificial proto-cells to be defined as life
they must meet the following three criteria:
1) The proto-cell must have a localized identity, i.e.
a delimitation from the surrounding environment.
This requires a specific container to which the
metabolism and the information system are at-
tached. The container can be a vesicle or a drop
of oil. So as to make the proto-cell as simple as
possible the information as well as the metabolism
molecules are attached to the external side of the
container which greatly simplifies the exchange of
resources and excrements with the surroundings.
This has been achieved in a laboratory setting.
2) The proto-cell must be able to grow and divide
itself, i.e. to transform resources from the environ-
ment into building blocks (metabolism). In FLinT’s
proto-cells a particular DNA-base pairing in an
information molecule controls the transformation
(metabolism) of an oil-like resource molecule into
a fatty acid. Under certain conditions, these fatty
acid molecules make the container so unstable
that it divides itself. Proto-cell division can also
take place artificially by means of manual modifi-
cation of the system. This, too, has been achieved
in the laboratory.
3) The proto-cell must be able to demonstrate evo-
lution. It must be equipped with an information
system that is copied and transmitted as heredity.
According to the definition, information molecules
must also, at least partly, control the growth and
division process. Selection is possible if the proto-
cell population is subjected to limited resources.
Proto-cells with slightly different information mole-
cules will grow and divide in slightly different ways.
The proto cells with the information molecules
best suited to control the most efficient life cycle
will have the best growth conditions and gradual-
ly come to dominate the population – and when
this happens the population can be said to have
undergone a primitive form of evolution. This,
however, has not yet been achieved in the labo-
ratory.
A fully integrated lifecycle including all three pro-
cesses has not yet been established in any labora-
tory, but various combinations of the three processes
have been realized.
Living technologies
In theory, the technological applications of artificial,
living processes are estimated to be extensive in the
long term. As physical process, life can be implemen-
ted in various systems – including systems not based
on chemistry or biology. Hence, basic research in the
fabrication of proto-cells is part of a wider research
field focused on the examination of the artificial pro-
duction of living processes in computer network and
robots.
As mentioned, most of this work takes place at the
level of basic research, and its outcome remains un-
certain. It is possible that we will come to base our
technologies on living processes in the future. The
great advantage of such technologies is that, like
existing life forms, they would be robust, highly adap-
tive, sustainable, self-repairing and capable of de-
veloping new qualities according to our shifting
demands.
The EU funds a number of strategic research projects
focused on the development of living processes
within various media. Currently, the FLinT centre takes
part in the management of three of these European
projects (ECCell, MATCHIT and COBRA). These re-
search efforts unfold in the borderland between
nano, bio and formation technology. What these
projects have in common is that they examine how
to create and eventually utilize living and life-like
processes in a technological context.
One of the concrete technological visions for these
EU-sponsored projects is the establishment of a basis
for the development of a so-called “Sustainable
Personal Fabricator Network.” In principle, this
24. 24
Synthetic biology
network is intended to be able to produce almost all
the objects we humans need. Imagine an exten-
sion of our personal computers with an extremely
advanced biological 3D-printer which is also able
to control bio fabrication (along the lines of a very
advanced bread maker). This opens the possibility
that every single person will be able to design and
produce complex objects in a simple and sustain-
able way.
25. 25
Synthetic biology
The risks involved in synthetic
biology
D E B A T E
The challenges of synthetic biology
Like any other field of technology synthetic biology
can be of service to human beings and human so-
ciety, but it can also lend itself to abuse. If we chose
to make use of the potential inherent in synthetic
biology, it is of crucial importance that we do what
we can to minimize the possibilities of abuse.
As mentioned, it is impossible to predict the exact
risks and possibilities that synthetic biology will lead
to. We will be dealing with a process, then, in which
the authorities will have to revise expectations and
assessments continually as our knowledge increases.
The work group suggests the following five risk types
as basis for this continual re-assessment: 5
Negative environmental impacts: A situation in which
synthetic microorganisms can have unintended
negative consequences in their interaction with
other organisms.
Genetic spill-over: Any genetic exchange between
a synthetic and a natural biological unit may result
in a genetic spill-over effect. This problem is identical
with the so-called’ gene flow’ between various plant
species. This gene flow will include trans-genetic
plants in which some of the genes are transmitted
to cultivated plants or wild plants by way of cross-
pollination.
Run-off risk: This problem is best known from nano
technology and concerns the risk that synthetic
material gets out of hand. Hypothetical doomsday
scenarios include the ‘grey goo’ problem6
. Since
synthetic biology is subject to the same limitations
and conditions as all other kinds of life on this planet,
this development is not very likely. One way of limit-
ing the risk of ‘grey goo’ is to give all the artificial
organisms set free in natural environments a limited
life span once they leave the laboratory. Critics,
however, have pointed out7
that even with a limited
life span there is still a risk that such organisms will
mutate and break free of their own limitations. Also,
other critics have made clear that even if animal
testing shows that a given synthetic microorganism
does not cause disease, there is no telling how new
organisms will work in the human body.
Deadly diseases and bioterror: Synthetic biology
has the potential to create and possibly disseminate
harmful diseases. Some feel8
that the technologi-
cal obstacles involved make it more likely that the
destructive potential of synthetic biology will be
employed by governments rather than by terrorists.
Furthermore, if bioterror really occurred, it would
most likely involve traditional biological weapons
rather than synthetic biological weapons.
How can we prevent the use of
synthetic biology for harmful pur-
poses without causing major ob-
structions to the development of
beneficial application?
5 Following Arjun Bhutkar.
6 The ’grey goo’ problem is defined as an ecological apoca-
lypse, i.e. the total destruction of the ecosystem caused by
uncontrolled multiplying organisms either breaking down or
absorbing vital material.
7 B. Tucker & Raymond A. Zilinskas
8 Keller (2009)
26. 26
Synthetic biology
As bio-techniques become increasingly widespread
and simplified, and in light of the growing amounts
of information available on the internet, there is a
distinct possibility that we will one day see DIY bio
weapons. Manuals and ingredients can be found on
the internet in the form of construction kits with DNA
sequences coding for different qualities and various
chemical substances and equipment. Furthermore,
many genomes have been described in public
databases, and anyone can enter gene databases
and pick out selected gene sequences. As a result,
people with some professional insight may experi-
ment with living organisms and organizations may
produce biological weapons and use them for terror.
On the other hand, making bio weapons would
seem to require a sizeable laboratory, something
along the lines of, say, an average university lab.
Until now, we have only seen very few examples of
bio terror. The latest occurrence was a number of
letters containing anthrax bacteria back in 2001 in
the U.S. Developing terrifying biological weapons
does not require synthetic biology – such weapons
already exist.
Aside from the risk of bio terror there is growing con-
cern about the risk of ‘bio error’. Bio error reflects the
real danger that synthetic biology – even in autho-
rized and publicly controlled laboratories – may lead
to accidental leaks of synthetic organisms harming
Man or nature.
Regulating synthetic biology today (2011)
In order to counter these risks Denmark has imple-
mented laws and regulations in accordance with
the EU directive from 1990 on “The Contained Use of
Genetically Modified Organisms”. The following laws
apply for synthetic biology in Denmark:
• Executive Order on Genetic Engineering and
the Working Environment No. 910, 11/09/2008
• Executive Order on Changes in Executive
Order on Genetic Engineering and the Working
Environment nr. 88 – 22/01/2010
• The Consolidated Environment and Genetic
Engineering Act No. 869, 12/06/2010
According to the present regulation all work within
synthetic biology, research as well as production,
must be approved by the authorities. Legally, geneti-
cally modified organisms are defined as “organisms
containing new combinations of genetic material
which would not come into being naturally.” One is
required to notify the relevant authorities of any work
involving genetic engineering and await approval
on the basis of “an overall assessment of the risks
involved in the biological systems in relation human
safety and health and the environment in general.”
Ten students from The University of Southern Denmark won the 2010 iGEM Special Prize for Safety in Syn-
thetic Biology thanks to their suggestion of ‘watermarking’ synthetic biological organisms. Inspired by
J. Craig Venter’s experiments with the first watermarking of a bacterium in May 2010, they suggested
an international injunction to “watermark” synthetic bio products. All laboratories, institutions and com-
panies could be issued with a unique ID number which would be recorded in an internationally acces-
sible database. The watermark on a rogue bacterium makes it possible to contact the originators and
obtain information on how to neutralize the bacterium. This would be a viable way to handle possible
bio errors.
Source: http://2010.igem.org/Team:SDU-Denmark/safety-d
Watermarkning
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Assessment points include whether the organism
is poisonous or pathogenic for humans, whether it
has any survival advantage over natural microor-
ganisms which would enable it to establish itself in
nature. Furthermore, the risk assessment of any use of
synthetic biology must consider the possible threats
to the wellbeing of humans, animals, plants and the
environment. Work facilities for synthetic biology must
be secured and steps must be taken to ensure that
no biological material can escape. When launching
a commercial production of a synthetic bio product,
the company must document that the product in
question is assessed to be safe in relation to the dan-
gers and risks mentioned above.
In addition, it is prohibited to work with an organ-
ism if safer, alternative organisms are available.
Safety assessments are based on how contagious
and dangerous the organism is. If it is possible to find
suitable and less dangerous biological systems that
are compatible with the task at hand, researchers
and developers are required by law to employ such
systems as opposed to less safe systems.
According to Danish law, genetically modified
organisms can only be fabricated, used, imported,
transported, released, sold or marketed as part of
research projects and large-scale experiments with
the approval of the Danish Minister for the Environ-
ment or the relevant public authority. In Europe as
well as in America there are also rules for import and
export of ‘dual use’ technologies which also includes
synthetic bio products.
For all the areas of our society where potentially dan-
gerous technologies are employed, we have laws
establishing certain safety measures. Similar safety
measures to be implemented in biological machines
have been suggested for the area of synthetic biol-
ogy. It could be built-in safety devices that cause
the system to self-destruct, if it does not work as
intended. Another option is to ensure that biological
machines cannot survive without particular signals
or specific amino acids9
or by rendering the syntheti-
9 An idea known from Michael Crichton’s highly popular book
Jurassic Park where animals cannot produce a necessary
amino acid, lysine, and therefore automatically die unless they
are supplied with this amino acid.
10 Neumann et al., “Encoding multiple unnatural amino acids
via evolution of a quadruplet-decoding ribosome, Nature 464,
p. 441-444, March 18th 2010.
11 This kind of legislation is about to be enacted in the U.S.
For further information on this law, please consult “Screening
Framework Guidance for Providers of Synthetic Double-Strand-
ed DNA” (available at http://www.phe.gov/Preparedness/
legal/guidance/syndna/Pages/default.asp).
D E B A T E
Is synthetic biology covered by
sufficient regulation in Denmark?
Do we need further internation-
al guidelines and standards that
oblige individual countries to
control and monitor the activities
within synthetic biology?
cally created DNA sequences illegible for nature so
as to prevent them from spreading10
.
Another possibility is to develop guidelines for com-
panies synthetizing DNA, making them screen the
DNA produced for pathogens or sequences that
might be harmful for human beings. By introducing
such screenings it might be possible to prevent ter-
rorists from ordering DNA sequences with dangerous
potentials11
.
Leaving synthetic biology unpursued: possible
drawbacks
When developing new technology, it is easy to be-
come hypnotized by the risks involved and to forget
that the alternatives may involve other risks and
problems and that there may be drawbacks to re-
fraining from developing the technology in question.
Research and development has led to threats a-
gainst health and the environment – even if the aim
has been to help find solutions to problems faced by
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humanity. This was certainly the outcome in the case
of the explosive development in pesticides and other
almost non-biodegradable chemicals. But modern
research has also resulted in useful inventions that
might have been checked if society had taken a
restrictive stance towards the technology at an early
stage.
Depending on the technological potential of syn-
thetic biology, Denmark may incur economic losses
and reduced welfare by opting out of research and
development within this field. Generally, the tech-
nological development has been highly important
for Denmark’s competitive power and production,
e.g. in agriculture, pharmaceuticals and energy.
Politically, high-tech jobs are considered to be the
backbone of the future Danish economy. Regulation
putting Denmark at a disadvantage as compared to
other countries will distort Danish competiveness and
possibly lead to a loss of commercial opportunities.
Therefore, researchers and companies alike em-
phasize that legal limitations and restrictions must be
implemented internationally.
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Synthetic biology
Sources and links
The following experts have been interviewed and
delivered significant contributions to the drafting
and writing of this discussion paper:
Birger Lindberg Møller, Professor, Dr. Scient., Head
of Centre for Synthetic Biology and The Villum Kann
Rasmussen Research Centre Pro-Active Plants.
Gunna Christiansen, Professor, Institute of Medical
Microbiology and Immunology at Aarhus University.
John-Erik Stig Hansen, Consultant Doctor, Dr. Med.,
Head of Centre for Bio Security and Bio Prepared-
ness, The National Serum Institute.
Maja Horst, Senior Lecturer, Ph.D., Department of
Organization, Copenhagen Business School.
Steen Rasmussen, Professor, Head of Centre for
Fundamental Living Technology, The University
of Southern Denmark and the EC project under
Chembio-IT.
Sune Holm, philosopher, post.doc., Department of
Media, Cognition and Communication, University of
Copenhagen.
Thomas Bjørnholm, Professor, former head of The
Nano Science Centre at The University of Copen-
hagen, as of September 2010 deputy rector of The
University of Copenhagen.
Thomas Breck, senior consultant at The Danish Cen-
tre for Risk Communication.
In addition, ph.d. students Wendie Jørgensen
and Anders Albertsen as well as BS-student Mike
Barnkob, all from The University of Southern Den-
mark, have helped write the section on proto cells,
page 22.
The following written sources have been con-
sulted in the making of this discussion paper:
“Ethics of Synthetic Biology”. Report no. 25,
17/11/2009, The European Group on Ethics in Sci-
ence and New Technologies (EGE). Link: http://
ec.europa.eu/european_group_ethics/docs/opin-
ion25_en.pdf
“Ethical Issues in Synthetic Biology”. Report from
The Hastings Center, Garrison, New York, 2009. Link:
http://www.synbioproject.org/process/assets/fi
les/6334/synbio3.pdf
“Synthetic Biology – A Nest Pathfinder Initiative”. Re-
port from The EU Commission, Directorate-General
for Research, 2007. Link: ftp://ftp.cordis.europa.eu/
pub/nest/docs/5-nest-synthetic-080507.pdf
“A synthetic creation story”. Article in Nature by
Philip Ball. Link: http://www.nature.com/
news/2010/100524/full/news.2010.261.html
“Extreme Genetic Engineering – an Introduction to
Synthetic Biology”. Report from ETC Group, 2007.
Link: http://www.etcgroup.org/upload/publica-
tion/602/01/synbioreportweb.pdf
Synthetic Biology – The Technoscience and Its Soci-
etal Consequences. Springer Science+Business
Media B.V. 2009. Link: http://www.springerlink.com/
content/w96l83/front-matter.pdf
Balmer A., Martin P., 2008, Synthetic Biology: Social
and Ethical Challenges, Institute for Science and
Society, University of Nottingham. http://www.bbsrc.
ac.uk/web/FILES/Reviews/0806_
synthetic_biology.pdf
IRGC 2008, Concept note: Synthetic Biology: Risk
and Opportunities of an emerging field, Internation-
al Risk Governance Council, Geneva. http://www.
irgc.org/IMG/pdf/IRGC_ConceptNote_SyntheticBiol-
ogy_Final_30April.pdf
Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology
(POST), POSTNOTE – Synthetic Biology, January 2008,
N° 298. http://www.parliament.uk/documents/post/
postpn298.pdf
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Schmidt M., 2008, Diffusion of synthetic biology: a
challenge to biosafety, Syst Synth Biol, June 2008.
http://www.synbiosafe.eu/uploads///pdf/Diffu-
sion_of_synthetic_biology.pdf
Synthetic biology: a view from SCENIHR.
http://ec.europa.eu/health/dialogue_col-
laboration/docs/ev_20100318_co14.pdf
Synthetic Biology: scope, applications and
implications. The Royal Academy of Engineer-
ing, UK.
http://www.raeng.org.uk/news/publications/
list/reports/Synthetic_biology.pdf
Europeans and biotechnology in 2010: Winds
of Change? Science in Society and Food,
Agriculture, Fisheries, & Biotechnology, EU.
http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/
ebs/ebs_341_winds_en.pdf
Living technology working group documents,
Initiative for Science, Society and Policy
(ISSP), University of Southern Denmark. Link:
http://www.science-society-policy.org/living-
technology
Various articles in Danish and international
scientific periodicals and newspapers.
Online resources:
http://www.synbiosafe.eu/
http://www.synbioproject.org/
http://bbf.openwetware.org/
http://syntheticbiology.org/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DUrp-
fcAzNY. (A video on the ethical dilemmas in
relation to artificial life.)