Creating Synthetic DNA - Drew Endy

Complete video at: http://fora.tv/2008/11/17/Drew_Endy_and_Jim_Thomas_Debate_Synthetic_Biology

Stanford biologist Drew Endy discusses exponential growth in the field of bioengineering. Endy explains how scientists are now able to synthesize strands of DNA in a process similar to how computer engineers write computer code.

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Biologist Drew Endy debates researcher and historian Jim Thomas on the future of bioengineering. While Endy discusses the potential benefits of being able to "program" DNA, Thomas advocates caution, citing the dangers of untested technology.

Drew Endy is a synthetic biologist. He was a junior fellow for 3 years and later an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Engineering at MIT. As of September 2008, he continued his research and teaching as an assistant professor in the Department of Bioengineering at Stanford University.

With Thomas Knight, Gerald Jay Sussman, and other researchers at MIT, he is working on synthetic biology and the engineering of standardized biological components, devices, and parts, collectively known as BioBricks. Endy is one of several founders of the Registry of Standard Biological Parts, and invented an abstraction hierarchy for integrated genetic systems.

Endy is also known for his opposition to limited ownership and support of free access to genetic information. He has been one of the early promoters of open source biology, and helped start the Biobricks Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that will work to support open-source biology. He is also a co-founder of Codon Devices, a biotechnology startup company that is aiming to commercialize DNA synthesis.

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[McArrowni]

Sounds so much cooler than Java!

[Stickstacks12]

If we aren't "meant" to exist in our physical form forever then we won't, regardless of whether we mess with our DNA or not. I understand your personal position as I am not sure of the extent to which I'd want to apply this type of science to myself. Nonetheless your argument lacks logic and should not be used to influence the decision of others.

[malachi5813]

Scratch and sniff porn! thats the future

[happinesson]

i know this is possible but is this legally and morally accepted?

[hereon1993]

looks like new doors are opening up

[Clarkofkrypton]

would it be possible to create superpowers through synthetic DNA?

[HerbalArtist]

@Stickstacks12 however if we are not meant to do anything in particular as far as time date of expiration is concerned then we are not limited by anything and since there is nothing to hint at that concept it is in my belief that you restrain yourself as do most of us out of a sense of some belif of physical limitation.perhaps you dont understand well what you are and that we are in a world that is and what isnt also is but is not yet butcan be and what can is simple as that

[Adamthe4nt]

@ironicatheist Coming from you, -ironicatheist, you sound like an ass saying that. I never said anything about "The great outdoors" for one, and secondly, who and how was I judging someone?

[MercShinobi]

@IronicAtheist Good/Evil intentions would become a game that immortals would play with mere mortals but I would envy something that dies, because nothing beautiful lasts forever.

[IronicAtheist]

@Adamthe4nt Wtf? i don't get people like you, who think all life is, is "the great outdoors" EVERYTHING, and i repeat EVERYTHING is just another experience in life, so it's kinda assish to judge someone for enjoying something that is PROVEN, EQUALLY valid to "going outside"

[IronicAtheist]

@Stickstacks12 All i know is as long as your not "stopping" humans from using this technology then your benefiting more then doing bad!

[IronicAtheist]

@MercShinobi Why? Sure the bad people could also be immortal, but how can they kill people if we are ALL immortal?