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The potential of synthetic biology is becoming increasingly more evident, and the field is already being considered a key technology. Photo: Biocat
 14.09.2015

International experts will discuss the applications for synthetic biology that meet society’s needs at the upcoming B·Debate

Leading scientists who are experts in synthetic biology will discuss the medical applications of this field at the upcoming B·Debate, an initiative of Biocat –located at the Barcelona Science Park (PCB)– and the "la Caixa" Foundation. The event, which will take place on 17 and 18 September at CaixaForum Barcelona, aims to bridge the gap between the different positions and find applications for synthetic biology that meet society’s needs.

 

These sessions, entitled Synthetic Biology. From Standard Biological Parts to Artificial Life, are organized by B·Debate and Pompeu Fabra University with collaboration from the Integrative Synthetic Biology Centre at Warwick University (UK), Boston University Biological Design Center (USA) and the Biomass Systems and Synthetic Biology Center at the University of Sao Paulo (Brazil).

Synthetic biology gives organisms new functions they don’t naturally have. In some countries, like the United Kingdom, it is already becoming an essential technology for applications that may contribute, for example, to detecting and treating cancerous tumors, producing drugs or recreating extinct species. Synthetic biology encompasses various approaches traditionally separated from each other:  the design of gene and protein circuits from standard biological parts;  the development of synthetic genetic codes and the creation of artificial cells and organisms.

The common result of these efforts is the implementation of new functionalities that are absent in natural organisms. These new functionalities lead to applications such as detection and treatment of cancerous tumors, production of fuel and drugs, and even the recreation of extinct species.

The various approaches encompassed under synthetic biology, like designing gene and protein circuits from standard biological parts, developing synthetic genetic codes and creating artificial cells and organisms, will enrich the dialog led by Dr. Jordi Garcia Ojalvo, professor of Systems Biology at Pompeu Fabra University and scientific leader of this B·Debate.
 

■ See the Conference Program [+]