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iGEM teams

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Princeton Oklahoma ETH Zurich MIT Caltech Toronto Cambridge Texas Penn State Berkeley Davidson Harvard UCSF iGEM teams

iGEM teams

Putting the “i” in iGEM

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Chemistry MathematicsComputer Science

How is synthetic biology well-suited for interdisciplinary research? Environment Energy Medicine Technology CreativityFlexibility If you have a common interest, you can find a synthetic biology way to approach it! Adaptability

Synthetic Biology Project Examples

highGEM Greenfield Central High School, Greenfield, IN Rebecca Schinii

Ethics/ Human Practice

Construct Version Synthetic biology uses molecular methods to construct DNA-based devices to perform novel functions. Synthetic biologists design, model, and construct biological parts, devices and systems by engineering and modifying existing biological systems. For instance, synthetic biologists can produce microbes that make useful chemicals. Synthetic biology gives scientists the tools to build biological devices from smaller biological units in much the same way as an engineer constructs a building from smaller construction materials. Synthetic biology has the potential to develop technologies that could lead the way in the 21st century.

Create Version Synthetic biology uses molecular methods to create modified living organisms that have never existed before. These DNA-based devices perform new functions not found in nature. Synthetic biologists redesign and modify existing, natural biological systems. For instance, synthetic biologists can create new versions of microbes that make chemicals not naturally found in microbes. In many ways, synthetic biology allows scientists to redesign biological processes and create organisms not found in nature. Synthetic biology has the potential to develop technologies that could lead the way in the 21st century.

Ethics and Word Choice

Energy

2008 Project by Harvard iGEM Team

Shewanella oneidensis MR-1

Four 2009 iGEM Projects

Environment

Edinburgh iGEM 2006 Awards: Best Real World Application, Best Poster

Poison Water Arsenic poisoning affects 100 million people Serious in Bangladesh Wells tap sedimentary layer with Arsenic 1 in 4 wells contaminated Testing methods expensive, require instruments and expertise

Range of Outputs If no arsenic is present: Urease raises the pH to 9-10 If 5 ppb arsenic is present: Repressor shuts down Urease, pH remains neutral, pH 7 If 20 ppb arsenic is present: LacZ produced, pH 4.5

Technology

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ABOutput NOR Logic Gate

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Explore the 2010 iGEM Wiki Google search iGEM 2010 (first hit)

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