Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
Community Forum
1875 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101

Recently scientists at the J. Craig Venter Institute created the first “synthetic” bacterial cell.  A team of 24 researchers in San Diego and Rockville, MD, synthesized the genome of a small bacterium from the chemicals that make up DNA. They then "booted up" that genome in a cell to create the first cell controlled completely by a synthetic genome.

The emerging field variously called synthetic biology or synthetic genomics, combines methods for the chemical synthesis of DNA with computational techniques to design it. These methods allow scientists and engineers to construct genetic material that would be impossible or impractical to produce using more conventional biotechnological approaches.

Scientists foresee many potential positive applications including new pharmaceuticals, biologically produced (“green”) fuels, and the possibility of rapidly generating vaccines against emerging microbial diseases.

However, as with many technologies, there is the potential for misuse and accidents. Finding ways to mitigate possible nefarious uses and to prevent accidents in the laboratories of legitimate users so that positive uses are not undercut is an important concern of scientists, governments, and a large variety of stakeholders.

Friedman will talk about a two year study with colleagues from JCVI, MIT, and the Center for Strategic and International Studies on the safety and security concerns posed by this new technology. After providing an overview of the technology and the societal issues that it raises, he will talk about options that would help to enhance biosecurity, foster laboratory safety, and protect the communities and environment outside of laboratories.

Resources:

Synthetic Biology: http://www.thehastingscenter.org/synthetic-biology-bioethics-briefing-book

KPBS These Days: "Keeping Watch Over Synthetic Biology"

 You can view the video from this event here: vimeo.com/16223120