Regulation of Synthetic Biology

Regulation of Synthetic Biology

Author: Alison McLennan

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

Published: 2018-04-27

Total Pages: 424

ISBN-13: 178536944X

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This book explores the interplay between regulation and emerging technologies in the context of synthetic biology, a developing field that promises great benefits, and has already yielded fuels and medicines made with designer micro-organisms. For all its promise, however, it also poses various risks. Investigating the distinctiveness of synthetic biology and the regulatory issues that arise, Alison McLennan questions whether synthetic biology can be regulated within existing structures or whether new mechanisms are needed.


Book Synopsis Regulation of Synthetic Biology by : Alison McLennan

Download or read book Regulation of Synthetic Biology written by Alison McLennan and published by Edward Elgar Publishing. This book was released on 2018-04-27 with total page 424 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book explores the interplay between regulation and emerging technologies in the context of synthetic biology, a developing field that promises great benefits, and has already yielded fuels and medicines made with designer micro-organisms. For all its promise, however, it also poses various risks. Investigating the distinctiveness of synthetic biology and the regulatory issues that arise, Alison McLennan questions whether synthetic biology can be regulated within existing structures or whether new mechanisms are needed.


Emerging Policy Issues in Synthetic Biology

Emerging Policy Issues in Synthetic Biology

Author: OECD

Publisher: OECD Publishing

Published: 2014-06-04

Total Pages: 170

ISBN-13: 9264208429

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This book examines policy issues in synthetic biology including R&D funding, company investment, PPP arrangements and innovative financing, infrastructure requirements, education and training, intellectual property (IP), regulation, and public engagement.


Book Synopsis Emerging Policy Issues in Synthetic Biology by : OECD

Download or read book Emerging Policy Issues in Synthetic Biology written by OECD and published by OECD Publishing. This book was released on 2014-06-04 with total page 170 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book examines policy issues in synthetic biology including R&D funding, company investment, PPP arrangements and innovative financing, infrastructure requirements, education and training, intellectual property (IP), regulation, and public engagement.


The Science and Applications of Synthetic and Systems Biology

The Science and Applications of Synthetic and Systems Biology

Author: Institute of Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2011-12-30

Total Pages: 570

ISBN-13: 0309219396

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Many potential applications of synthetic and systems biology are relevant to the challenges associated with the detection, surveillance, and responses to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. On March 14 and 15, 2011, the Institute of Medicine's (IOM's) Forum on Microbial Threats convened a public workshop in Washington, DC, to explore the current state of the science of synthetic biology, including its dependency on systems biology; discussed the different approaches that scientists are taking to engineer, or reengineer, biological systems; and discussed how the tools and approaches of synthetic and systems biology were being applied to mitigate the risks associated with emerging infectious diseases. The Science and Applications of Synthetic and Systems Biology is organized into sections as a topic-by-topic distillation of the presentations and discussions that took place at the workshop. Its purpose is to present information from relevant experience, to delineate a range of pivotal issues and their respective challenges, and to offer differing perspectives on the topic as discussed and described by the workshop participants. This report also includes a collection of individually authored papers and commentary.


Book Synopsis The Science and Applications of Synthetic and Systems Biology by : Institute of Medicine

Download or read book The Science and Applications of Synthetic and Systems Biology written by Institute of Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2011-12-30 with total page 570 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Many potential applications of synthetic and systems biology are relevant to the challenges associated with the detection, surveillance, and responses to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. On March 14 and 15, 2011, the Institute of Medicine's (IOM's) Forum on Microbial Threats convened a public workshop in Washington, DC, to explore the current state of the science of synthetic biology, including its dependency on systems biology; discussed the different approaches that scientists are taking to engineer, or reengineer, biological systems; and discussed how the tools and approaches of synthetic and systems biology were being applied to mitigate the risks associated with emerging infectious diseases. The Science and Applications of Synthetic and Systems Biology is organized into sections as a topic-by-topic distillation of the presentations and discussions that took place at the workshop. Its purpose is to present information from relevant experience, to delineate a range of pivotal issues and their respective challenges, and to offer differing perspectives on the topic as discussed and described by the workshop participants. This report also includes a collection of individually authored papers and commentary.


Biodefense in the Age of Synthetic Biology

Biodefense in the Age of Synthetic Biology

Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2019-01-05

Total Pages: 189

ISBN-13: 0309465184

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Scientific advances over the past several decades have accelerated the ability to engineer existing organisms and to potentially create novel ones not found in nature. Synthetic biology, which collectively refers to concepts, approaches, and tools that enable the modification or creation of biological organisms, is being pursued overwhelmingly for beneficial purposes ranging from reducing the burden of disease to improving agricultural yields to remediating pollution. Although the contributions synthetic biology can make in these and other areas hold great promise, it is also possible to imagine malicious uses that could threaten U.S. citizens and military personnel. Making informed decisions about how to address such concerns requires a realistic assessment of the capabilities that could be misused. Biodefense in the Age of Synthetic Biology explores and envisions potential misuses of synthetic biology. This report develops a framework to guide an assessment of the security concerns related to advances in synthetic biology, assesses the levels of concern warranted for such advances, and identifies options that could help mitigate those concerns.


Book Synopsis Biodefense in the Age of Synthetic Biology by : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Download or read book Biodefense in the Age of Synthetic Biology written by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2019-01-05 with total page 189 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Scientific advances over the past several decades have accelerated the ability to engineer existing organisms and to potentially create novel ones not found in nature. Synthetic biology, which collectively refers to concepts, approaches, and tools that enable the modification or creation of biological organisms, is being pursued overwhelmingly for beneficial purposes ranging from reducing the burden of disease to improving agricultural yields to remediating pollution. Although the contributions synthetic biology can make in these and other areas hold great promise, it is also possible to imagine malicious uses that could threaten U.S. citizens and military personnel. Making informed decisions about how to address such concerns requires a realistic assessment of the capabilities that could be misused. Biodefense in the Age of Synthetic Biology explores and envisions potential misuses of synthetic biology. This report develops a framework to guide an assessment of the security concerns related to advances in synthetic biology, assesses the levels of concern warranted for such advances, and identifies options that could help mitigate those concerns.


Advances in Synthetic Biology

Advances in Synthetic Biology

Author: Vijai Singh

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2020-04-13

Total Pages: 349

ISBN-13: 9811500819

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This book addresses the design of emerging conceptual tools, technologies and systems including novel synthetic parts, devices, circuits, oscillators, biological gates, and small regulatory RNAs (riboregulators and riboswitches), which serve as versatile control elements for regulating gene expression. Synthetic biology, a rapidly growing field that involves the application of engineering principles in biology, is now being used to develop novel systems for a wide range of applications including diagnostics, cell reprogramming, therapeutics, enzymes, vaccines, biomaterials, biofuels, fine chemicals and many more. The book subsequently summarizes recent developments in technologies for assembling synthetic genomes, minimal genomes, synthetic biology toolboxes, CRISPR-Cas systems, cell-free protein synthesis systems and microfluidics. Accordingly, it offers a valuable resource not only for beginners in synthetic biology, but also for researchers, students, scientists, clinicians, stakeholders and policymakers interested in the potential held by synthetic biology.


Book Synopsis Advances in Synthetic Biology by : Vijai Singh

Download or read book Advances in Synthetic Biology written by Vijai Singh and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2020-04-13 with total page 349 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book addresses the design of emerging conceptual tools, technologies and systems including novel synthetic parts, devices, circuits, oscillators, biological gates, and small regulatory RNAs (riboregulators and riboswitches), which serve as versatile control elements for regulating gene expression. Synthetic biology, a rapidly growing field that involves the application of engineering principles in biology, is now being used to develop novel systems for a wide range of applications including diagnostics, cell reprogramming, therapeutics, enzymes, vaccines, biomaterials, biofuels, fine chemicals and many more. The book subsequently summarizes recent developments in technologies for assembling synthetic genomes, minimal genomes, synthetic biology toolboxes, CRISPR-Cas systems, cell-free protein synthesis systems and microfluidics. Accordingly, it offers a valuable resource not only for beginners in synthetic biology, but also for researchers, students, scientists, clinicians, stakeholders and policymakers interested in the potential held by synthetic biology.


Positioning Synthetic Biology to Meet the Challenges of the 21st Century

Positioning Synthetic Biology to Meet the Challenges of the 21st Century

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2013-08-05

Total Pages: 81

ISBN-13: 0309225868

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Synthetic biology-unlike any research discipline that precedes it-has the potential to bypass the less predictable process of evolution to usher in a new and dynamic way of working with living systems. Ultimately, synthetic biologists hope to design and build engineered biological systems with capabilities that do not exist in natural systems-capabilities that may ultimately be used for applications in manufacturing, food production, and global health. Importantly, synthetic biology represents an area of science and engineering that raises technical, ethical, regulatory, security, biosafety, intellectual property, and other issues that will be resolved differently in different parts of the world. As a better understanding of the global synthetic biology landscape could lead to tremendous benefits, six academies-the United Kingdom's Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineering, the United States' National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering, and the Chinese Academy of Science and Chinese Academy of Engineering-organized a series of international symposia on the scientific, technical, and policy issues associated with synthetic biology. Positioning Synthetic Biology to Meet the Challenges of the 21st Century summarizes the symposia proceedings.


Book Synopsis Positioning Synthetic Biology to Meet the Challenges of the 21st Century by : National Research Council

Download or read book Positioning Synthetic Biology to Meet the Challenges of the 21st Century written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2013-08-05 with total page 81 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Synthetic biology-unlike any research discipline that precedes it-has the potential to bypass the less predictable process of evolution to usher in a new and dynamic way of working with living systems. Ultimately, synthetic biologists hope to design and build engineered biological systems with capabilities that do not exist in natural systems-capabilities that may ultimately be used for applications in manufacturing, food production, and global health. Importantly, synthetic biology represents an area of science and engineering that raises technical, ethical, regulatory, security, biosafety, intellectual property, and other issues that will be resolved differently in different parts of the world. As a better understanding of the global synthetic biology landscape could lead to tremendous benefits, six academies-the United Kingdom's Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineering, the United States' National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering, and the Chinese Academy of Science and Chinese Academy of Engineering-organized a series of international symposia on the scientific, technical, and policy issues associated with synthetic biology. Positioning Synthetic Biology to Meet the Challenges of the 21st Century summarizes the symposia proceedings.


Synthetic Biology 2020: Frontiers in Risk Analysis and Governance

Synthetic Biology 2020: Frontiers in Risk Analysis and Governance

Author: Benjamin D. Trump

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2019-11-28

Total Pages: 421

ISBN-13: 3030272648

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Synthetic biology offers powerful remedies for some of the world’s most intractable problems, but these solutions are clouded by uncertainty and risk that few strategies are available to address. The incentives for continued development of this emerging technology are prodigious and obvious, and the public deserves assurances that all potential downsides are duly considered and minimized accordingly. Incorporating social science analysis within the innovation process may impose constraints, but its simultaneous support in making the end products more acceptable to society at large should be considered a worthy trade-off. Contributing authors in this volume represent diverse perspectives related to synthetic biology’s social sciences, and reflect on different areas of risk analysis and governance that have developed for the field. Such perspectives include leading scholarly discussion pertaining to risk assessment, governance, ethics, and communication. The chapters of this volume note that while the first twenty years of synthetic biology development have focused strongly on technological innovation and product development, the next twenty should emphasize the synergy between developers, policymakers, and publics to generate the most beneficial, well governed, and transparent technologies and products possible. Many chapters in this volume provide new data and approaches that demonstrate the feasibility for multi-stakeholder efforts involving policymakers, regulators, industrial developers, workers, experts, and societal representatives to share responsibilities in the production of effective and acceptable governance in the face of uncertain risk probabilities. A full consideration of such perspectives may prevent a world of draconian regulations based on an insufficient or incomplete understanding of the science that underpins synthetic biology, as well as any hesitancy or fear by the public to adopt its eventual products.


Book Synopsis Synthetic Biology 2020: Frontiers in Risk Analysis and Governance by : Benjamin D. Trump

Download or read book Synthetic Biology 2020: Frontiers in Risk Analysis and Governance written by Benjamin D. Trump and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2019-11-28 with total page 421 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Synthetic biology offers powerful remedies for some of the world’s most intractable problems, but these solutions are clouded by uncertainty and risk that few strategies are available to address. The incentives for continued development of this emerging technology are prodigious and obvious, and the public deserves assurances that all potential downsides are duly considered and minimized accordingly. Incorporating social science analysis within the innovation process may impose constraints, but its simultaneous support in making the end products more acceptable to society at large should be considered a worthy trade-off. Contributing authors in this volume represent diverse perspectives related to synthetic biology’s social sciences, and reflect on different areas of risk analysis and governance that have developed for the field. Such perspectives include leading scholarly discussion pertaining to risk assessment, governance, ethics, and communication. The chapters of this volume note that while the first twenty years of synthetic biology development have focused strongly on technological innovation and product development, the next twenty should emphasize the synergy between developers, policymakers, and publics to generate the most beneficial, well governed, and transparent technologies and products possible. Many chapters in this volume provide new data and approaches that demonstrate the feasibility for multi-stakeholder efforts involving policymakers, regulators, industrial developers, workers, experts, and societal representatives to share responsibilities in the production of effective and acceptable governance in the face of uncertain risk probabilities. A full consideration of such perspectives may prevent a world of draconian regulations based on an insufficient or incomplete understanding of the science that underpins synthetic biology, as well as any hesitancy or fear by the public to adopt its eventual products.


Enhanced Regulation of Synthetic Biology

Enhanced Regulation of Synthetic Biology

Author: Alison Skye McLennan

Publisher:

Published: 2014

Total Pages: 1038

ISBN-13:

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The accelerating pace of scientific research and uncertainties about the risks and benefits of emerging technologies create complex challenges for regulation. These include whether a new technology requires a new regulatory approach, managing the time lag between science and law, and facilitating beneficial innovation. This multidisciplinary thesis explores the interplay between regulation and emerging technologies by analysing the challenges posed by synthetic biology, a burgeoning new field. Synthetic biology promises benefits such as greener energy and improved medical treatments, but also poses great risks including damage to the environment, bioterrorism, and harm arising from 'do-it-yourself biology'. Vast amounts of public and private funding are being invested in synthetic biology research. This thesis lays the groundwork for bespoke regulation of synthetic biology. The debate surrounding synthetic biology has tended to focus on scientific, sociological and political questions. Legal discussion has tended to consider the individual regulatory issues in isolation. A broader approach is taken here, exploring the extent to which the regulatory challenges posed by synthetic biology are distinctive. This question is addressed using legal analysis buttressed by a critical examination of the science of synthetic biology and its potential impacts. The major regulatory challenges lie in very different fields. They encompass various issues of risk as well as issues of intellectual property. This thesis analyses whether synthetic biology can be regulated within existing regulatory structures or whether new mechanisms are needed. A starting premise is that the role of regulation in relation to emerging technology includes both facilitating beneficial innovation and minimising potential harms, as argued by Roger Brownsword, Morag Goodwin and Han Somsen. The investigation focuses on the United States, the most prominent jurisdiction in synthetic biology research and policy debate. The recommendations of the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues are critically analysed. This thesis considers strategies for managing risks to the environment in light of legal approaches to scientific uncertainty and the differences between synthetic biology and earlier biotechnologies. The emerging community of do-it-yourself biologists is investigated to elucidate the challenges posed. Regulatory approaches to synthetic biology's security risks are analysed with reference to new scientific capabilities, the existing regulatory environment and self-regulation. The potential for intellectual property to impede innovation in synthetic biology is considered in light of recent case law and analysis of the examination of a sample of synthetic biology patent applications. This research also investigates the ability of a unique synthetic biology 'commons' to promote innovation. This thesis argues that synthetic biology poses particular regulatory challenges. These arise from the distinctiveness of its science - including the use of engineering principles and the development of new tools - its novel communities of scientists and amateur scientists, and the uncertainty surrounding its risks. This research identifies the key regulatory changes needed and considers the creation of a new institution for enhanced regulation of synthetic biology, to manage risk and promote desirable innovation.


Book Synopsis Enhanced Regulation of Synthetic Biology by : Alison Skye McLennan

Download or read book Enhanced Regulation of Synthetic Biology written by Alison Skye McLennan and published by . This book was released on 2014 with total page 1038 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The accelerating pace of scientific research and uncertainties about the risks and benefits of emerging technologies create complex challenges for regulation. These include whether a new technology requires a new regulatory approach, managing the time lag between science and law, and facilitating beneficial innovation. This multidisciplinary thesis explores the interplay between regulation and emerging technologies by analysing the challenges posed by synthetic biology, a burgeoning new field. Synthetic biology promises benefits such as greener energy and improved medical treatments, but also poses great risks including damage to the environment, bioterrorism, and harm arising from 'do-it-yourself biology'. Vast amounts of public and private funding are being invested in synthetic biology research. This thesis lays the groundwork for bespoke regulation of synthetic biology. The debate surrounding synthetic biology has tended to focus on scientific, sociological and political questions. Legal discussion has tended to consider the individual regulatory issues in isolation. A broader approach is taken here, exploring the extent to which the regulatory challenges posed by synthetic biology are distinctive. This question is addressed using legal analysis buttressed by a critical examination of the science of synthetic biology and its potential impacts. The major regulatory challenges lie in very different fields. They encompass various issues of risk as well as issues of intellectual property. This thesis analyses whether synthetic biology can be regulated within existing regulatory structures or whether new mechanisms are needed. A starting premise is that the role of regulation in relation to emerging technology includes both facilitating beneficial innovation and minimising potential harms, as argued by Roger Brownsword, Morag Goodwin and Han Somsen. The investigation focuses on the United States, the most prominent jurisdiction in synthetic biology research and policy debate. The recommendations of the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues are critically analysed. This thesis considers strategies for managing risks to the environment in light of legal approaches to scientific uncertainty and the differences between synthetic biology and earlier biotechnologies. The emerging community of do-it-yourself biologists is investigated to elucidate the challenges posed. Regulatory approaches to synthetic biology's security risks are analysed with reference to new scientific capabilities, the existing regulatory environment and self-regulation. The potential for intellectual property to impede innovation in synthetic biology is considered in light of recent case law and analysis of the examination of a sample of synthetic biology patent applications. This research also investigates the ability of a unique synthetic biology 'commons' to promote innovation. This thesis argues that synthetic biology poses particular regulatory challenges. These arise from the distinctiveness of its science - including the use of engineering principles and the development of new tools - its novel communities of scientists and amateur scientists, and the uncertainty surrounding its risks. This research identifies the key regulatory changes needed and considers the creation of a new institution for enhanced regulation of synthetic biology, to manage risk and promote desirable innovation.


Synthetic Biology

Synthetic Biology

Author: Huimin Zhao

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2013-03-21

Total Pages: 352

ISBN-13: 0123978203

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Synthetic Biology provides a framework to examine key enabling components in the emerging area of synthetic biology. Chapters contributed by leaders in the field address tools and methodologies developed for engineering biological systems at many levels, including molecular, pathway, network, whole cell, and multi-cell levels. The book highlights exciting practical applications of synthetic biology such as microbial production of biofuels and drugs, artificial cells, synthetic viruses, and artificial photosynthesis. The roles of computers and computational design are discussed, as well as future prospects in the field, including cell-free synthetic biology and engineering synthetic ecosystems. Synthetic biology is the design and construction of new biological entities, such as enzymes, genetic circuits, and cells, or the redesign of existing biological systems. It builds on the advances in molecular, cell, and systems biology and seeks to transform biology in the same way that synthesis transformed chemistry and integrated circuit design transformed computing. The element that distinguishes synthetic biology from traditional molecular and cellular biology is the focus on the design and construction of core components that can be modeled, understood, and tuned to meet specific performance criteria and the assembly of these smaller parts and devices into larger integrated systems that solve specific biotechnology problems. Includes contributions from leaders in the field presents examples of ambitious synthetic biology efforts including creation of artificial cells from scratch, cell-free synthesis of chemicals, fuels, and proteins, engineering of artificial photosynthesis for biofuels production, and creation of unnatural living organisms Describes the latest state-of-the-art tools developed for low-cost synthesis of ever-increasing sizes of DNA and efficient modification of proteins, pathways, and genomes Highlights key technologies for analyzing biological systems at the genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic levels which are especially valuable in pathway, whole cell, and multi-cell applications Details mathematical modeling tools and computational tools which can dramatically increase the speed of the design process as well as reduce the cost of development


Book Synopsis Synthetic Biology by : Huimin Zhao

Download or read book Synthetic Biology written by Huimin Zhao and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2013-03-21 with total page 352 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Synthetic Biology provides a framework to examine key enabling components in the emerging area of synthetic biology. Chapters contributed by leaders in the field address tools and methodologies developed for engineering biological systems at many levels, including molecular, pathway, network, whole cell, and multi-cell levels. The book highlights exciting practical applications of synthetic biology such as microbial production of biofuels and drugs, artificial cells, synthetic viruses, and artificial photosynthesis. The roles of computers and computational design are discussed, as well as future prospects in the field, including cell-free synthetic biology and engineering synthetic ecosystems. Synthetic biology is the design and construction of new biological entities, such as enzymes, genetic circuits, and cells, or the redesign of existing biological systems. It builds on the advances in molecular, cell, and systems biology and seeks to transform biology in the same way that synthesis transformed chemistry and integrated circuit design transformed computing. The element that distinguishes synthetic biology from traditional molecular and cellular biology is the focus on the design and construction of core components that can be modeled, understood, and tuned to meet specific performance criteria and the assembly of these smaller parts and devices into larger integrated systems that solve specific biotechnology problems. Includes contributions from leaders in the field presents examples of ambitious synthetic biology efforts including creation of artificial cells from scratch, cell-free synthesis of chemicals, fuels, and proteins, engineering of artificial photosynthesis for biofuels production, and creation of unnatural living organisms Describes the latest state-of-the-art tools developed for low-cost synthesis of ever-increasing sizes of DNA and efficient modification of proteins, pathways, and genomes Highlights key technologies for analyzing biological systems at the genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic levels which are especially valuable in pathway, whole cell, and multi-cell applications Details mathematical modeling tools and computational tools which can dramatically increase the speed of the design process as well as reduce the cost of development


Synthetic Biology

Synthetic Biology

Author: Lewis D. Solomon

Publisher: Transaction Publishers

Published: 2011-12-31

Total Pages: 182

ISBN-13: 1412846471

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For nearly forty years, using recombinant DNA tools, researchers, and then businesses, have genetically engineered organisms by transferring naturally occurring genes from one organism into another. Doing so modifies the genetic code of living cells, imparting new traits and achieving desired results; this is done in the production of proteins, pharmaceuticals, and seeds. Synthetic biology, argues Solomon, could free scientists from the need to find natural genes to make such desired modifications. Synthetic biology permits more complex and sophisticated bioengineering than what can be achieved through previous genetic modification techniques. Drawing on non-biological scientific and engineering disciplines, including information technology and nanotechnology, synthetic biology strives to rearrange an organism’s genes on a far wider scale by rewriting its genetic code, the chemical instructions need to design, assemble, and operate a species. By allowing the writing of artificial genetic codes, synthetic biology can transform existing industries and spawn new ones, creating new products as well as radically reshaping existing items. Arguing for self-regulation by the scientific and business communities, Lewis D. Solomon recommends a policy framework that would guard against governmental overregulation, which could create a barrier to innovation. Although synthetic biotechnology holds considerable social and economic potential, absent a nurturing regulatory climate, it may prove difficult to translate research discoveries into commercially viable applications.


Book Synopsis Synthetic Biology by : Lewis D. Solomon

Download or read book Synthetic Biology written by Lewis D. Solomon and published by Transaction Publishers. This book was released on 2011-12-31 with total page 182 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For nearly forty years, using recombinant DNA tools, researchers, and then businesses, have genetically engineered organisms by transferring naturally occurring genes from one organism into another. Doing so modifies the genetic code of living cells, imparting new traits and achieving desired results; this is done in the production of proteins, pharmaceuticals, and seeds. Synthetic biology, argues Solomon, could free scientists from the need to find natural genes to make such desired modifications. Synthetic biology permits more complex and sophisticated bioengineering than what can be achieved through previous genetic modification techniques. Drawing on non-biological scientific and engineering disciplines, including information technology and nanotechnology, synthetic biology strives to rearrange an organism’s genes on a far wider scale by rewriting its genetic code, the chemical instructions need to design, assemble, and operate a species. By allowing the writing of artificial genetic codes, synthetic biology can transform existing industries and spawn new ones, creating new products as well as radically reshaping existing items. Arguing for self-regulation by the scientific and business communities, Lewis D. Solomon recommends a policy framework that would guard against governmental overregulation, which could create a barrier to innovation. Although synthetic biotechnology holds considerable social and economic potential, absent a nurturing regulatory climate, it may prove difficult to translate research discoveries into commercially viable applications.