Synthetic Biology - a Primer (revised Edition)

Synthetic Biology - a Primer (revised Edition) PDF Author: Paul S. FREEMONT
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 1783268808
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 194

Book Description
Synthetic Biology -- A Primer (Revised Edition) presents an updated overview of the field of synthetic biology and the foundational concepts on which it is built. This revised edition includes new literature references, working and updated URL links, plus some new figures and text where progress in the field has been made.The book introduces readers to fundamental concepts in molecular biology and engineering and then explores the two major themes for synthetic biology, namely 'bottom-up' and 'top-down' engineering approaches. 'Top-down' engineering uses a conceptual framework of systematic design and engineering principles focused around the Design-Build-Test cycle and mathematical modelling. The 'bottom-up' approach involves the design and building of synthetic protocells using basic chemical and biochemical building blocks from scratch exploring the fundamental basis of living systems.Examples of cutting-edge applications designed using synthetic biology principles are presented, including: The book also describes the Internationally Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition, which brings together students and young researchers from around the world to carry out summer projects in synthetic biology. Finally, the primer includes a chapter on the ethical, legal and societal issues surrounding synthetic biology, illustrating the integration of social sciences into synthetic biology research.Final year undergraduates, postgraduates and established researchers interested in learning about the interdisciplinary field of synthetic biology will benefit from this up-to-date primer on synthetic biology.

Regenesis

Regenesis PDF Author: George M Church
Publisher: Basic Books
ISBN: 0465038654
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 305

Book Description
A Harvard biologist and master inventor explores how new biotechnologies will enable us to bring species back from the dead, unlock vast supplies of renewable energy, and extend human life. In Regenesis, George Church and science writer Ed Regis explore the possibilities of the emerging field of synthetic biology. Synthetic biology, in which living organisms are selectively altered by modifying substantial portions of their genomes, allows for the creation of entirely new species of organisms. These technologies-far from the out-of-control nightmare depicted in science fiction-have the power to improve human and animal health, increase our intelligence, enhance our memory, and even extend our life span. A breathtaking look at the potential of this world-changing technology, Regenesis is nothing less than a guide to the future of life.

Synthetic Biology

Synthetic Biology PDF Author: Gigi Gronvall
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781539336839
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 198

Book Description
Synthetic biology aims to make biology easier to engineer and to program. Thanks to advances in computing power, the ability to make long tracts of DNA, new tools like CRISPR that can be used to edit genomes, and the enthusiasm of young scientists and even amateurs who want to enter the field, synthetic biology is poised to change the future of medicine, agriculture, and manufacturing. Yet, while this new field promises vast opportunities and benefits, there are also risks. There are biosecurity risks that these technologies will be deliberately used for harm; safety risks to people and the environment; ethical and social considerations for how to apply these technologies; and there are risks to the competitiveness of nations that do not invest in these technologies that are likely to spur economic growth. This volume is dedicated to a discussion of what can be done to minimize risks and maximize the benefits of synthetic biology. Praise for Synthetic Biology: Safety, Security, and Promise "There can be no doubt that advances in the life sciences, including new insights and tools provided by synthetic biology, place us in a position to create exciting and novel products and approaches for patients in need. Gigi Gronvall describes that promise but also lays forth critical policy concerns that need to be addressed so that we don't risk safety, security, or the competitiveness of US science." - Margaret Hamburg, MD, Former FDA Commissioner and Foreign Secretary, National Academy of Medicine "Synthetic biology gives us tools that can help tackle global problems that affect humanity-but for that to happen, the risks of bioterror or bio-error need to be dealt with and managed, as well. Gronvall clearly describes the policy challenges that must be addressed and concludes with steps to enhance US leadership and competitiveness in the global bio-economy." - J. Craig Venter, PhD, founder, chairman, and CEO of the J. Craig Venter Institute and co-founder, executive chairman and co-chief scientist of Synthetic Genomics, Inc. "For those of us working in the lab, it is important to embrace conversations with those who aren't - including strategies for biological security, to create new synthetic biology products - with respect for facts about GMO risk/benefit balances, creating a culture of safe lab practices and norms worldwide. Gigi Gronvall dissects such issues at stake in synthetic biology and presents a pragmatic and scientifically responsive path forward for anyone in a position to influence, regulate, decide upon, or benefit from the science to follow." - George Church, PhD, Professor of Genetics Harvard Medical School and Director of PersonalGenomes.org "Synthetic biology presents some of the greatest challenges and opportunities of the 21st Century. Gigi Gronvall navigates a path to follow, to make sure risks are addressed and opportunities are not squandered. It should be read by all concerned about national security." - The Honorable Andrew Weber, head of global partnerships for Metabiota and former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs

BioBuilder

BioBuilder PDF Author: Natalie Kuldell PhD.
Publisher: "O'Reilly Media, Inc."
ISBN: 1491907533
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 238

Book Description
Today’s synthetic biologists are in the early stages of engineering living cells to help treat diseases, sense toxic compounds in the environment, and produce valuable drugs. With this manual, you can be part of it. Based on the BioBuilder curriculum, this valuable book provides open-access, modular, hands-on lessons in synthetic biology for secondary and post-secondary classrooms and laboratories. It also serves as an introduction to the field for science and engineering enthusiasts. Developed at MIT in collaboration with award-winning high school teachers, BioBuilder teaches the foundational ideas of the emerging synthetic biology field, as well as key aspects of biological engineering that researchers are exploring in labs throughout the world. These lessons will empower teachers and students to explore and be part of solving persistent real-world challenges. Learn the fundamentals of biodesign and DNA engineering Explore important ethical issues raised by examples of synthetic biology Investigate the BioBuilder labs that probe the design-build-test cycle Test synthetic living systems designed and built by engineers Measure several variants of an enzyme-generating genetic circuit Model "bacterial photography" that changes a strain’s light sensitivity Build living systems to produce purple or green pigment Optimize baker’s yeast to produce ?-carotene

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology PDF Author: Basant K. Tiwary
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 9811642419
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 239

Book Description
This textbook introduces fundamental concepts of bioinformatics and computational biology to the students and researchers in biology, medicine, veterinary science, agriculture, and bioengineering . The respective chapters provide detailed information on biological databases, sequence alignment, molecular evolution, next-generation sequencing, systems biology, and statistical computing using R. The book also presents a case-based discussion on clinical, veterinary, agricultural bioinformatics, and computational bioengineering for application-based learning in the respective fields. Further, it offers readers guidance on reconstructing and analysing biological networks and highlights computational methods used in systems medicine and genome-wide association mapping of diseases. Given its scope, this textbook offers an essential introductory book on bioinformatics and computational biology for undergraduate and graduate students in the life sciences, botany, zoology, physiology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, and genomic science as well as systems biology, bioengineering and the agricultural, and veterinary sciences.

An Introduction to Systems Biology

An Introduction to Systems Biology PDF Author: Uri Alon
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1584886420
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 324

Book Description
Thorough and accessible, this book presents the design principles of biological systems, and highlights the recurring circuit elements that make up biological networks. It provides a simple mathematical framework which can be used to understand and even design biological circuits. The textavoids specialist terms, focusing instead on several well-studied biological systems that concisely demonstrate key principles. An Introduction to Systems Biology: Design Principles of Biological Circuits builds a solid foundation for the intuitive understanding of general principles. It encourages the reader to ask why a system is designed in a particular way and then proceeds to answer with simplified models.

Synthetic Biology

Synthetic Biology PDF Author: Madan L. Nagpal
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
ISBN: 1789840899
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 208

Book Description
Synthetic biology gives us a new hope because it combines various disciplines, such as genetics, chemistry, biology, molecular sciences, and other disciplines, and gives rise to a novel interdisciplinary science. We can foresee the creation of the new world of vegetation, animals, and humans with the interdisciplinary system of biological sciences. These articles are contributed by renowned experts in their fields. The field of synthetic biology is growing exponentially and opening up new avenues in multidisciplinary approaches by bringing together theoretical and applied aspects of science.

Strange Natures

Strange Natures PDF Author: Kent H. Redford
Publisher: Yale University Press
ISBN: 0300230974
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 296

Book Description
A groundbreaking examination of the implications of synthetic biology for biodiversity conservation Nature almost everywhere survives on human terms. The distinction between what is natural and what is human-made, which has informed conservation for centuries, has become blurred. When scientists can reshape genes more or less at will, what does it mean to conserve nature? The tools of synthetic biology are changing the way we answer that question. Gene editing technology is already transforming the agriculture and biotechnology industries. What happens if synthetic biology is also used in conservation to control invasive species, fight wildlife disease, or even bring extinct species back from the dead? Conservation scientist Kent Redford and geographer Bill Adams turn to synthetic biology, ecological restoration, political ecology, and de-extinction studies and propose a thoroughly innovative vision for protecting nature.

Biodefense in the Age of Synthetic Biology

Biodefense in the Age of Synthetic Biology PDF Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309465184
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 189

Book Description
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.

Fundamentals of Systems Biology

Fundamentals of Systems Biology PDF Author: Markus W. Covert
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1498728472
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 367

Book Description
For decades biology has focused on decoding cellular processes one gene at a time, but many of the most pressing biological questions, as well as diseases such as cancer and heart disease, are related to complex systems involving the interaction of hundreds, or even thousands, of gene products and other factors. How do we begin to understand this complexity? Fundamentals of Systems Biology: From Synthetic Circuits to Whole-cell Models introduces students to methods they can use to tackle complex systems head-on, carefully walking them through studies that comprise the foundation and frontier of systems biology. The first section of the book focuses on bringing students quickly up to speed with a variety of modeling methods in the context of a synthetic biological circuit. This innovative approach builds intuition about the strengths and weaknesses of each method and becomes critical in the book’s second half, where much more complicated network models are addressed—including transcriptional, signaling, metabolic, and even integrated multi-network models. The approach makes the work much more accessible to novices (undergraduates, medical students, and biologists new to mathematical modeling) while still having much to offer experienced modelers--whether their interests are microbes, organs, whole organisms, diseases, synthetic biology, or just about any field that investigates living systems.