Presentation Title:
Dire Wolves and Synthetic Biology: From Science Fiction to Science

Background/Objectives:

With companies like Colossal breeding the first dire wolves to walk the planet in over 10,000 years through their de-extinction program, and other companies designing multicellular, programmable “bio-bots,” what used to be science fiction is becoming scientific reality.

Approach/Activities:

The potential benefits to society are vast, including more sustainable and higher performing materials, bio-manufacturing approaches with reduced environmental impact, protection of global biodiversity, improved recycling of metals and nutrients, enhanced restoration and protection of air, soil, and water quality and many more. In this panel we will explore how future developments in synthetic biology can benefit the environment, the economy, and quality of life through various applications like biomaterials, biomanufacturing, de-extinction, sustainable mining, water treatment, and others.

Results/Lessons Learned:

While the promise of synthetic biology is incredibly exciting, the introduction of genetically modified organisms into the environment raises important questions about bio-safety and the potential unintended consequences to existing ecosystems. The panel will also tackle the important questions of bio-safety and bio-ethics to consider not only what can we do scientifically, but also what should we do (or not do).

George Church

Affiliation

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Panel Discussion: Dire Wolves and Synthetic Biology: From Science Fiction to Science