Oxford iGEM 2014

We are a team of Oxford University undergraduates spending our summer working on a synthetic biology project for the iGEM (international genetically engineered machine) competition. Our plan is to develop a user-friendly kit to degrade chlorinated solvents with dichloromethane (DCM) as our case study. DCM is used a lot, not disposed of very well (boo!), is bad for the environment and potentially our health (boo again!). We are trying to change that with the aid of some bacteria which can break the DCM down naturally. Via this channel we aim to share with you some of our experiences working in an interdisciplinary team (6 biochemists, 3 engineers, 1 chemist, 1 biologist, 1 lawyer and 1 PPE student) and to explain how and why we are getting creative with biology!