synthetic bio, synthetic DNA, synthetic viruses, synthetic vaccines--the 4 syns

In synthetic biology, scientists typically stitch together long stretches of DNA and insert them into an organism's genome. These synthesized pieces of DNA could be genes that are found in other organisms or they could be entirely novel. In genome editing, scientists typically use tools to make smaller changes to the organism's own DNA. Genome editing tools can also be used to delete or add small stretches of DNA in the genome.  https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/policy-issues/Synthetic-Biology

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7-1-2019  

  The U.S. Army’s new Futures Command is accelerating research into synthetic biotechnology to help the military develop next-generation living camouflage and other never-before-seen organisms and materials.

  Dimitra Stratis-Cullum, who is overseeing the research in synthetic biology for the U.S. Army Research Laboratory’s Combat Capabilities Development Command, detailed the effort on Thursday at the fourth annual Defense One Tech Summit.  

“Synthetic biology is one of the Lab’s top ten research priorities. That means we are working across the laboratory and with other regional partners to double the effort that was previously being executed under the Living Materials program,” said Army spokesperson T’Jae Gibson Ellis.  The Army did not provide specific numbers on the size of the Living Materials program.  The research is being overseen by Gen. Mike Murray, the head of the U.S. Army’s newly established Futures Command.  https://www.defenseone.com/technology/2019/07/us-army-making-synthetic-biology-priority/158129/

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June 19, 2019  Source:   University of California - Berkeley

Summary:   A team has compiled a roadmap for the future of synthetic or engineering biology, based on the input of 80 leaders in the field from more than 30 institutions. The report provides a strong case that the federal government should invest in this area, not only to improve public health, food crops and the environment but also to fuel the economy and maintain the country's leadership in synthetic/engineering biology.  https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/06/190619134832.htm

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