Synthetic Biology Building on Nature's Inspiration: Interdisciplinary Research Team Summaries (2010) / Chapter Skim
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IDR Team Summary 9: How do we maximally capitalize on the promise of synthetic biology?
IDR Team Summary 9: How do we maximally capitalize on the promise of synthetic biology?
Pages 77-82
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From page 77... ...
Synthetic Biology provides us a new view of biology, a view that offers an unprecedented level of knowledge about how parts of biological systems function in isolation and within natural or reconfigured living organisms. At present however, our ability to tackle the grandest challenges facing the field remain relatively primitive.
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From page 78... ...
Within the greater scientific community, Synthetic Biologists must move research beyond the border of a particular discipline. Going forward, scientists must be able to coherently explain the intellectual merit and relevant application of the work along with the technology and molecular mechanisms underpinning it to a broad scientific audience.
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From page 79... ...
• Roxanne Ford, W.M. Keck Foundation • Jay Labov, The National Academies • Yi Lu, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign • Julie Norville, Massachusetts Institute of Technology • Jeffrey L
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From page 80... ...
The 2009 National Academies Keck Futures Initiative Conference on Synthetic Biology asked an Interdisciplinary Research Team (IDR) of 13 scientists and engineers to discuss the best ways to realize this "dual promise" of synthetic biology, as a means both to solve important problems in biology and to enhance understanding of living systems.
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From page 81... ...
"Science and Engineering Indicators," published every two years by the National Science Board, has more recently reported similar results. To encourage college students to study science and to create a more scientifically educated citizenry, the group encouraged active scientific investigation during students' early undergraduate careers and the creation of more opportunities for experimentation and laboratory experiences as part of introductory courses, including those for non-majors.
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From page 82... ...
As a final means to address possible public concerns, the team suggested actively developing a code of ethics for synthetic biology researchers, drawing on existing protocols regarding similar kinds of research, such as genetic engineering. An active approach to creating this code by gathering a summit of diverse stakeholders would help mitigate fears and also encourage funding for this new field.
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