The transcripts from Opportunities and Challenges in the Emerging Field of Synthetic Biology now available

The transcripts from the July 9-10, 2009 symposium, Opportunities and Challenges in the Emerging Field of Synthetic Biology, are now available.

Intelligently deciphering unintelligible designs

Bud Mishra (Courant Institute) offers his own idiosyncratic views on systems biology in this wide-ranging review. In Intelligently deciphering unintelligible designs: algorithmic algebraic model checking in systems biology he also aims to persuade young scientists to examine the possible evolution of this subject in a rich historical context.

Biology by design

Biology by design: reduction and synthesis of cellular components and behaviour, a review article by Philippe Marguet, Frederick Balagadde, Cheemeng Tan and Lingchong You discusses the motivation behind, and foundational technologies enabling, the development of synthetic biology. It examines some early successes and applications while highlighting the challenges involved. It also considers future directions and mentions non-scientific considerations that can influence the field's growth.

Paul Freemont interview

Paul Freemont, author of Interface Focus paper 'Opportunities for microfluidic technologies in synthetic biology', talks to The Guardian's science correspondent, Alok Jha. He describes a future in which purpose-built organisms will manufacture complex chemicals and drugs to order. There is also a feature on creating biofuels using algae. The whole piece can be heard here.

Craig Venter on DNA and the sea

Genomics pioneer Craig Venter takes a break from his epic round-the-world expedition to talk about the millions of genes his team has discovered so far in its quest to map the ocean’s biodiversity.

Drew Endy interview

A 20 minute interview with Drew Endy produced by KQED was released on July 21st. This provides a generalist and wide-ranging introduction to Endy's views on synthetic biology and how he sees it developing.

Webinar on Synthetic Biology

From the 6th Annual World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology & Bioprocessing several leading advanced biofuel companies discuss the state of their technology development, their use of synthetic biology, and their plans for bringing products to market.