Scientists from over 100 labs around the world are gearing up this week for a competition to build the best machine. But there’s only one condition — all the parts must come from living organisms.
More than 100 genetic engineering laboratories will compete using the microscopic components found inside biological cells. Instead of hinges and doorknobs, they must use the microscopic components found inside biological cells. Instead of screwdrivers and hammer-drills, the tools of the trade are those of the genetic engineer.
The organisers of the competition, which is now in its sixth year, hope that useful technology will be created from these basic building blocks of life, the Daily Telegraph reported on Wednesday.
Meagan Lizarazo, a former biologist and assistant director of the International Genetically Engineered Machine competition at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston said: “Our mission has been to see if we can use biological parts to build things and operate them. A lot of people said it’s too complex and can’t be done, but every year we have systems that show it can work.”
This week, the last of the teams, most of whom are students, will register for the competition. From June, they will spend three months building their machines from components ordered from MIT’s registry, which contains about 3,200 biological spare parts. The organisers hope the competition, which brings together some of the world’s most talented young researchers, will aid progress in synthetic biology.
One leading advocate of the technology is the American scientist and entrepreneur Craig Venter, who hopes not only to make bugs that produce hydrogen for environmentally friendly vehicles, but to create new life from scratch. AGENCIES
More than 100 genetic engineering laboratories will compete using the microscopic components found inside biological cells. Instead of hinges and doorknobs, they must use the microscopic components found inside biological cells. Instead of screwdrivers and hammer-drills, the tools of the trade are those of the genetic engineer.
The organisers of the competition, which is now in its sixth year, hope that useful technology will be created from these basic building blocks of life, the Daily Telegraph reported on Wednesday.
Meagan Lizarazo, a former biologist and assistant director of the International Genetically Engineered Machine competition at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston said: “Our mission has been to see if we can use biological parts to build things and operate them. A lot of people said it’s too complex and can’t be done, but every year we have systems that show it can work.”
This week, the last of the teams, most of whom are students, will register for the competition. From June, they will spend three months building their machines from components ordered from MIT’s registry, which contains about 3,200 biological spare parts. The organisers hope the competition, which brings together some of the world’s most talented young researchers, will aid progress in synthetic biology.
One leading advocate of the technology is the American scientist and entrepreneur Craig Venter, who hopes not only to make bugs that produce hydrogen for environmentally friendly vehicles, but to create new life from scratch. AGENCIES
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