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Genetics Researcher Suggests Making Fuel from Artificial DNA
by
findingDulcinea Staff
A genetics research pioneer wants to create synthetic fuel using artificial DNA, claiming it could help save the environment.
30-Second Summary
J. Craig Venter, one of the pioneers in genetic research, is now one of several scientists leading the way to create synthetic fuel from artificial DNA.
In synthetic biology, which is a relatively new field, scientists build DNA “from scratch.”
The field, as approached by Venter and his colleagues, “involves stripping microbes down to their basic genetic constituents so they can be reassembled and manipulated to create new life forms.”
The technology excites researchers because they may be able to use it to create new fuel sources.
Scientists could take natural elements like plant biomass, carbon dioxide or even sugar cane, and turn them into renewable energy.
The idea makes sense, says MSN Money, because “fossil fuels are nothing more than stored sunshine in the form of decayed biomatter that’s been cooked and compressed into an easily accessed energy source.”
Industrial sociologist Jim Williams, of the Williams Inference Center in Massachusetts, says it’s not a matter of “whether synthetic biology will remake society but who will be in control when it does.”
In synthetic biology, which is a relatively new field, scientists build DNA “from scratch.”
The field, as approached by Venter and his colleagues, “involves stripping microbes down to their basic genetic constituents so they can be reassembled and manipulated to create new life forms.”
The technology excites researchers because they may be able to use it to create new fuel sources.
Scientists could take natural elements like plant biomass, carbon dioxide or even sugar cane, and turn them into renewable energy.
The idea makes sense, says MSN Money, because “fossil fuels are nothing more than stored sunshine in the form of decayed biomatter that’s been cooked and compressed into an easily accessed energy source.”
Industrial sociologist Jim Williams, of the Williams Inference Center in Massachusetts, says it’s not a matter of “whether synthetic biology will remake society but who will be in control when it does.”
Headline Link: “Genomics: Our oil-crunch cure?”
Scientist J. Craig Venter takes his role in trying to create a new energy resource with artificial DNA seriously. “We are trying to solve one of the biggest problems in humanity, and that is our destruction of the environment,” he said. Venter said the “biggest contribution” he could make to society would be to find a feasible alternative to the conventional fuels we use today.
Source: MSN Money
Key Player: J. Craig Venter
In cooperation with Dr. Francis Collins, J. Craig Venter “deciphered essentially all of the 3.1 billion ‘letters’ that make up human DNA,” according to Biography.com. Their research could help find the answers to treating diseases like diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer’s.
Source: Biography.com
Opinions: Considering the consequences of synthetic biology
Synthetic biology is promising, as researchers may be able to take what they’re learning to create biofuels and medicines. “Synthetic genomics is one of the powerful technologies now being used to create a new industrial revolution,” said the executive vice president of the Industrial & Environmental Section of the World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology & Bioprocessing.
Source: World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology & Bioprocessing
Developments in synthetic biology are rapid, which concerns some researchers who worry the science could be used for dangerous purposes, such as creating deadly diseases. Biotechnology companies do try to ensure synthetic DNA isn’t sold into the wrong hands, but “it is clear we need to have this field properly monitored,” stated Dr. Philipp Holliger of the Cambridge University Laboratory of Molecular Biology.
Source: The Guardian
Reference: Synthetic genomics
The company Synthetic Genomics provides an explanation of its work in the field of synthetic genomics. Learn the many ways that genetic engineering can be used to create renewable energy resources.
Source: Synthetic Genomics
Related: Examining alternative fuels
Hybrid cars aren’t the only way for drivers to lower greenhouse emissions. Alternative fuel is an environmentalist’s dream that’s gradually becoming reality. FindingDulcinea examines the many alternative fuels in development or on the market today.
Source: findingDulcinea
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