a16z Podcast All About Synthetic Biology
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Jul 6, 2022 Join James J. Collins, a pioneering MIT bioengineering professor, as he unpacks the evolution of synthetic biology from fiction to reality. Discover how biology can be engineered like circuits, with innovative applications ranging from therapeutics to sustainable manufacturing. Collins discusses the collaboration between biologists and engineers, the significance of E. coli in research, and the exciting potential of integrating machine learning. He also highlights the need for educational initiatives to inspire future innovators tackling global challenges like climate change.
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Toggle Switch Skepticism
- James J. Collins's team faced skepticism from biologists when proposing the genetic toggle switch.
- A Nobel laureate even shouted down a presentation, deeming the idea impossible.
Shift to Networks
- Before the concept of networks, molecular biology focused on single proteins or genes and pathways.
- Systems biology emerged with the realization that biological complexity needed to be addressed through networks.
Reverse Engineering Biology
- Collins explains reverse engineering biological networks by comparing it to figuring out a house's unlabeled circuit breaker box.
- He highlights the lack of sufficient data in the late 90s.