News

CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellowship in Optimising Biodegradation of Plastics

Are you an early career scientist with an interest in enzyme engineering? Use your science skills to help solve the problem of plastic debris in this new role. Apply here.

How genetic interventions can increase the resistance of corals to warming oceans

New results indicate the potential for what's known as 'assisted evolution' can increase the thermal tolerance of corals, and thus help their adaptation to conditions that are currently causing unsustainable stress.

Scientists successfully develop heat resistant coral to fight bleaching

A team of scientists led by the SynBio FSP has successfully produced in a laboratory setting a coral that is more resistant to increased seawater temperatures.

A new structure – and some new faces – for the FSP

The Synthetic Biology FSP has been undergoing strategic review and engagement with business units and other stakeholders over the past nine months. This has resulted in some internal changes, as well as introduced some new faces to our leadership team.

Genomic breakthrough in invasive species management

A cross-Tasman collaboration involving our Synthetic Biology Future Science Platform and Managing Invasive Species and Diseases program has produced the first full genome sequence of the ship rat.

Rattus rattus genome sequenced for Predator Free New Zealand 2050

This release was originally published on Predator Free NZ 2050 A New Zealand – Australia collaboration has produced the first […]

New approach needed for conservation and ethical sharing of biological resources and science benefits

A new approach for ethically sharing the benefits of biological resources, science and technology is urgently needed to conserve biodiversity […]

Nigeria has given a new GM cowpea variety the go ahead. Here’s why it matters

Late last year the world’s first genetically modified (GM) cowpea was registered and approved for release to smallholder farmers in Nigeria. The new variety carries a microbial insecticidal gene making it resistant to a major pest that affects this crop.

Evolution or intelligent design? The story of the bacterial flagellar motor

A careful study of evolutionary theory shows that there are more routes to complexity than simple improvement in function. Synthetic Biology FSP Future Science Fellow Dr Matt Baker looks at how the road to complexity can also involve a change of function

New field of biology could be key to $100b agricultural target

For agriculture to continue to grow amid the complex challenges of food security and climate change, innovations like those offered by the new field of 'synthetic biology' could be key.