1. Mutated Virus Helps to Build a Better Battery
Nov. 14, 2013
By spreading a genetically modified virus onto microscopic electrode wires, MIT's researchers have shown that the performance of lithium-air batteries can be significantly improved -- a remarkable breakthrough that could revolutionize the way our electric devices are powered, according to a research published in Nature.
2. Scientists Recode Genome to Boost Virus Resistance
Oct. 18, 2013
In a potentially far reaching breakthrough, Yale and Harvard scientists have recoded the E. coli's genome to improve its resistance to viruses by replacing all UAG stop codons with synonymous UAA codons as well as consigning nonstandard amino acids for UAG's translation, according to a new paper published in Science.
3. Synthetic Biology Could Speed Flu Vaccine Production
May 14, 2013
Synthetic biologists have revolutionized conventional
vaccine production, so that manufacturers could release vaccine more
quickly when outbreaks, like the bird flu, occur. Moreover, synthetic biology could also be a
source of new medical treatments for conditions including things like diabetes..
Aug. 19, 2013
The International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition is a worldwide synthetic biology competition that was initially aimed at undergraduate university students. This year, Cornell iGEM is developing a toolkit of genetic parts for engineering fungi, which will improve the use of fungi in developing sustainable and eco-friendly technologies.
I think the use of synthetic biology in vaccine development is very exciting. Developing them in chicken eggs, as is typical now, is really a big rate determining factor. Using tissue culture cells could save weeks and that would have a huge impact in getting the vaccine to those who need it more quickly.
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