Synthetic Biology 101: Let's Learn How to Engineer Life

Genspace NYC

In this three-part class, participants will learn cutting edge synthetic biology using nature's favorite micro-factory - brewer’s yeast!

Genspace

Three-part Course: Sunday, October 30, 2pm-6pm EDT Saturday, November 5, 2pm-6pm EDT Sunday, November 6, 2pm-6pm EDT Imagine the future. What if we could convert the rising levels of carbon dioxide in the environment to automobile fuel using algae? Or clean up oil spills by using engineered bacteria? Or even light our streets using plants that glow? Such advances, historically reserved for science fiction writers, are theoretically possible and might be around the corner if the fast-growing field of synthetic biology has its way. At a very basic level, synthetic biology is about building biological systems from scratch. By applying this engineering approach to biology, we can understand the rules by which biological systems are constrained, and then apply this knowledge to construct useful biological systems for society. Individual molecules, cells, and even whole organisms can be engineered. Currently, research in this field ranges from the synthesis of novel proteins that are not found in nature, to the ‘writing’ of new, custom genomes of organisms and even de-extinction efforts of species such as the wooly mammoth.In this three-part lab intensive class, participants will learn how this exciting field is developing through simple hands-on experiments by first engineering a pigment producing pathway in yeast. Next, we will perform a synthetic evolution experiment (a technique called <a href="https://www.nature.com/collections/dhppvlvxxb/content/scramble" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">SCRaMbLE</a>) to generate diversity in this pathway, greatly accelerating a process that usually takes millions of years! We will apply this synthetic evolution approach to understand how building biology from the ground up is a great way to understand how biology works. Lastly, we will discuss the ethical, legal, and social implications and impact of synthetic biology technologies.COVID-19 Safety Notice:Participants age 5+ must show proof of full vaccination (we recommend using the <a href="https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/excelsior-pass-and-excelsior-pass-plus" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Excelsior Pass</a>). This is a socially-distanced event. Masks are required to be worn for the duration of the event. If you are feeling unwell, suspect that you have been exposed to COVID-19 or test positive, please do not attend. You can find a list of symptoms and a self-checker tool on the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/coronavirus-self-checker.html" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">CDC website</a>. Upon entry, guests are required to fill out our <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchQ8tAFgvj7oYeT9HmwM-R7e8khB_-rqoRkXHPtrLWwmVHbw/viewform" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">COVID-19 health screening form</a> and show a vaccination card.If you have had COVID-19 within the past 15 days, a negative PCR test is required before coming to Genspace. Please show Genspace staff your proof of negative PCR test results. Rapid tests and minimum quarantine period of 5 days are not accepted without a negative PCR test. Given the rapidly changing circumstances surrounding the pandemic, please note that terms of this event are subject to change, and we will update you ASAP. COVID-19 Class Cancellation PolicyIf you test positive or suspect you have COVID, please let us know ASAP (info@genspace.org). If you cancel after our 7-day policy, we cannot refund your ticket, but we can exchange and offer credits toward future classes. If you have signed up for Biohacker Boot Camp, we will automatically transfer your registration to the next month’s dates unless you tell us otherwise. For all other classes, we will provide a personalized discount code to apply the cost of your class to a future workshop of your choice.

<h3>Meet the Instructor</h3>Sudarshan Pinglay, (he/him) recently received his Ph.D. in Jef Boeke’s lab at NYU Langone and is working towards engineering biological systems in order to understand their function. He is from Bangalore, India and completed undergraduate degrees in molecular biology and philosophy at Johns Hopkins University. Sudarshan is passionate about soccer, heavy metal guitar, food and sharing the joys of a scientific worldview.

Synthetic Biology 101: Let's Learn How to Engineer Life

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Synthetic Biology 101: Let's Learn How to Engineer Life

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