Club Cosmos. Synthetic biology in the pub

By Jason Major

TechNyou

Club Cosmos does synthetic biology in the pub hosted by Wilson da Silva, editor of the Cosmos magazine.  Wilson and three experts discuss the science, the hope and the societal implications of this emerging scientific field.

What is syn bio?

There was considerable discussion about what is synthetic biology and how properly defining it will help guide any regulatory process. The issue is of course finding that definition. Is it an extension of genetic engineering therefore coming under existing regulation (with some possible minor tweaking), or is it something completely different that will require a whole new set of laws?

This discussion extended to ethics. If it is just an extension genetic engineering then many of the ethical principles already in place and discussions we have had will apply to synthetic biology.

Plug-n-play V starting from scratch

I think that what we have done so far by synthetically generating copies of existing genes and whacking them in existing living cells (bacteria) is simply proof of concept that synthetic biology is possible, one day. When we have developed the technology to economically synthesize novel sequences of DNA with novel functions that can be integrated with similarly synthesized genes or existing ones with a known function to generate a self-replication organism with a similarly novel function, that is when we start getting into new territory. I am unsure yet if that will mean new ethical guidelines or societal implications. I certainly think for some people this will be pushing the envelope when it comes to tinkering with nature. Rational or not, initially at least (and for some the long-term) there will be a chasm between the acceptability of a genetically modified bacteria that produces insulin (plug-n-play) and a completely artificial life form with novel, never seen before traits or the ability to produce novel products (start from scratch).

As a discussion generated by one audience question, are cells just programmable machines to be manipulated and reprogrammed to suit our needs?  This could lead to fascinating new technologies – cleaner and alternative energy sources, personalized medicine and more efficient and environment friendly industry. But without effective engagement with the public on this sort of stuff it could be viewed as scientists going power mad and maniacal. Or maybe, society may simply see this as unnecessary and not worth the risk that will inevitably come with this or any new technology. The question will be whether we can manage these risks in an acceptable way, and as we have seen from recent issues such as GM foods and nanoparticles this level of acceptability will be different for everyone.

It is probably better to start thinking about and discussing this stuff sooner rather than later. Club Cosmos is a good start.

Club Cosmos – Synthetic Biology in the Pub Part 1 from RiAus on Vimeo.

Club Cosmos – Synthetic Biology in the Pub Part 2 from RiAus on Vimeo.