1
I first learned about synthetic biology about a year and a half ago when I uncovered the following video talk given by Andrew Endy at the MIT Museum. I was very impressed by how essential his arguments were regarding the nature of professional biotechnology vs. other engineering disciplines.
3
Ever since that first exposure I have been on the lookout for evidence that this seemingly very important trend away from IP constrained and very expensive biotechnology to a new sort that would look more like software development. In light of this general insight I have been on the lookout for signs that the results of synthetic biology are being felt.
4
Aside from the professional labs at MIT, Harvard and other top universities that are working to crack difficult problems associated with developing standardized biological parts and the systems to manage them there are two other interesting institutions in Boston that I have been aware of and watching. The first institution is the iGEM Contest (to be held iGEM 2009 Jamboree October 30 – November 2, 2009 at MIT, Cambridge, MA). This event has been growing steadily in number of participants and utility of project results ever since it’s first Jamboree in the summer of 2004 following the first iGEM meeting in 2003. One of the most impressive results of last year’s iGEM meeting is a Caltech project to create pro-biotic bacterial communities that produce vitamins and other chemicals for the body. This is a technology approach that could result in yet unknown health advantages when taken in the context of other systems of determinant continuous adaptive drug delivery such as the portable insulin pump which eliminates the long-term side-effects of type one diabetes. Moreover, what health benefits could be attained through bacterial production of the range of vitamins proscribed by Ray Kurzweil and sold via his online store. iGEM is demonstrating the importance of Synthetic biology not just as an interesting facet to the present tsunami of biotechnology innovations but as a disruptive and fundamental new paradigm.
5
The other important movement forward for synthetic biology is the DIYBio movement which aims to create a “hacker community” focused on developing cheap alternatives to professional lab equipment, collect biological data and conduct low cost genetic engineering. Previously the DIY Bio movement didn’t have a home in Boston and it’s constituents were encouraged to work out of their homes. It did however have a vibrant online community of some 600 individuals and over 5 clubs throughout the US.
6
Long story short… There is a lab for DIY Biotech among other things in Union Square just outside of Boston and it’s called Willoughby and Baltic for “art industry and technology”. The lab will operate under the umbrella of a 501c3 nonprofit corporation which suggests that it will continue in the service of the community. An uncommon element with this lab is that despite being a nonprofit they have incorporated a revenue model from the onset which should help them sustain and grow the lab. The fee structure is as follows: $100/month, 3 month minimum Pre-pay discounts: 3 months for $275 6 months for $550 Entire Year for $1000 24 x 7. A little pricey for students but it would be worth it if you are working on a product of any sort.
7
Join