TED Talks Daily A virus-resistant organism -- and what it could mean for the future | Jason W. Chin
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Nov 2, 2022 
Synthetic biologist Jason W. Chin discusses his team's groundbreaking work on creating a virus-resistant organism through DNA manipulation. He explains the innovative 'find and replace' method used on E. coli, showcasing its potential to combat diseases and produce valuable materials. Chin highlights how this monumental achievement could revolutionize sustainable production in bioeconomy by allowing engineered cells to create biodegradable compounds, contributing to a circular economy that benefits both health and the environment.
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Virus-Resistant Organism
- Jason Chin's team created a virus-resistant organism by rewriting E. coli's genetic code.
- This involved replacing targeted codons with synonymous ones, compressing the genetic code.
Rewriting E. coli
- Chin's team rewrote the E. coli genome, replacing codons with synonyms to compress its genetic code.
- They built this synthetic genome from short DNA pieces, creating the largest synthetic genome ever made.
Applications of Genetic Rewriting
- Rewriting the genetic code allows for the creation of virus-resistant organisms.
- This has implications for agriculture and creating sustainable industries.