The latest news from the CSIRO Synthetic Biology Future Science Platform.
The sugar industry has a long history in Australia, with the first successful crops established in the mid-1800s. However, there are growing global challenges such as volatile sugar prices and changing consumer demands. Industry representatives are now looking for new and innovative ways to enable Australia’s sugar industry to thrive in the future.
Synthetic biology – using life’s protein building blocks to create almost anything – has the potential to revolutionise every aspect of our lives, from textiles, pharmaceutical and food to new industries and sustainable economies for Australia’s future.
How could bio-based materials, created from synthetic biology, benefit industries such as defence, health, and industrial biotechnology? Can we unlock this manufacturing capability in Australia?
Dr Claudia Vickers was featured on the NEB (New England BioLabs) Podcast, Lessons from Lab and Life. She spoke about the work she does and how life has been for her and researchers around her since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr Claudia Vickers contributed to an article published as part of the Global Technology Governance Summit run by the World Economic Forum in April 2021.
Combining the natural and social sciences when planning and conducting research in synthetic biology is an important step towards responsible science.
Synthetic Biology FSP’s March 2021 eNewsletter
A national survey has been conducted by CSIRO’s Synthetic Biology Future Science Platform as an important first step in measuring public attitudes towards synthetic biology. The survey draws on the views of more than 8,000 Australians, and researchers are examining the data to determine current attitudes to these emerging technologies.
Complex national challenges, such as those in managing pest species, are being addressed through an evolving area of synthetic biology. Research into gene drive organisms (GDOs) is taking place in laboratories all over the world and a diverse group of GDO researchers have recently called for standard field trial criteria to help assess and manage any potential impacts of this future work.
Synthetic Biology FSP Director Claudia Vickers was interviewed by Laurel Oldach, a science writer for the ASBMB.
