How to Grow (Almost) Anything: The Use and Future of Synthetic Biology

How to Grow (Almost) Anything: The Use and Future of Synthetic Biology

Oct 24, 2024 - 6:00 PM
to Oct 24, 2024 - 8:00 PM

Synthetic Biology is an emerging field of research where researchers construct new biological systems and redesign existing biological systems. Synthetic biology can change the genetic material in viruses, bacteria, yeasts, plants, or animals to give them useful new characteristics. For example, integrating spider DNA makes a silkworm produce super strong, ultra-lightweight silk (per the Government Accountability Office). The technology could help address challenges in areas such as medicine, agriculture, manufacturing, and the environment. Dr. David Sun Kong empowers diverse communities through biotech, which means asking broad, vital questions. How do we design a future in which biotech and science are generally accessible to everyone? Join him in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union.