Redefining Open Source for Synthetic Biology

Abstract:

Synthetic biology is an emerging technology combining information technology and biology. One notable presumption of synthetic biology is that scientists, with the assistance of computers, can create new life form without using naturally occurring organisms as references. However, it may be an overstatement in practice, because, even a single-base variation in a genome might dictate whether the synthetic organism could survive. Unlike the open source in information technologies, the open-source movement in synthetic biology raises biosafety concerns. The Article proposed a modified version of open source for the development of synthetic biology.

 Download article here: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1990113

Another introduction to synthetic biology

Title says all (click here) : 

Open source.com : BioCurious? The DIY garage biology movement

Would you enjoy reprogramming lab bacteria with DNA from a jellyfish to make them glow green? How about hacking your own genetic data to find out what percentage of the Neanderthal genome you share?  Or building a device that splits water into oxygen and hydrogen? Read more : http://opensource.com/health/12/1/open-labs

Living neon signs

I find it  amazing to see the building blocks and Synthetic biological circuitry come to life in areas so close to our daily experience. Signs are everywhere! What will be next? Pavement? Roofs? Walls?

From the article :

In an example of life imitating art, biologists and bioengineers at UC San Diego have created a living neon sign composed of millions of bacterial cells that periodically fluoresce in unison like blinking light bulbs.


Read more here : http://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/pressreleases/researchers_create_living_neon_signs_composed_of_millions_of_glowing_bacter/

Introducing Synthetic Biology - by iGEM Team TU Munich 2011

Another introduction to Synthetic Biology

An introduction to Syntethic Biology posted on youtube by The university of Bristol

Synthetic biology, ethics and the hacker culture

 by ANDREW MAYNARD on AUGUST 17, 2010

While the DIY Biotechnology community has grown considerably since this post, the piece still captures something of what is still a young movement, and one that challenges assumptions about top-down technology innovation.

Read more: http://2020science.org/2010/08/17/synthetic-biology-ethics-and-the-hacker-culture/#ixzz0x9hpkhn3

DNA Hackers

Na jarenlange studie van de genetische bouwstenen van de natuur is de mens klaar voor de volgende stap. Van achter onze computer gaan we de natuur anders ontwerpen. Labyrint volgt een nieuwe generatie wetenschappers die in laboratoria synthetisch leven bouwen en zet vraagtekens bij deze ontwikkeling. Want de code van het leven is openbaar en DNA is op internet te koop. Kan iedereen met internet en een DNA lab in zijn garage nieuw leven creëren? Wat kunnen we allemaal maken en wie beschermt ons tegen slechte bedoelingen?

Google translate :

After years of studying the genetic building blocks of nature, man is ready for the next step. From behind our computer, we we will design nature differently. Labyrinth is following a new generation of scientists who in laboratories build synthetic life and challenges this development. Because the code of life DNA is public and is on the Internet for sale. Will anyone with internet access and a DNA lab in his garage be able to create new life? What can we build and who protects us from evil intentions?

http://www.wetenschap24.nl/labyrint/node/132