Synthetic Biology

Imagine a branch of science that could end world hunger, stop global warming, and find new, affordable cures for deadly diseases. Bring it on, right?

Now, what if researchers used the same methods to invent new breeds of animals, create made-to-order human beings, and actually alter the course of evolution? Still sounds good, or more like the plot of a science fiction novel?

Well, it is science, but it ain’t fiction. It’s an area of study called “synthetic biology,” and its champions hope it will transform – and improve – the natural world.

Dr. Drew Endy is a researcher and professor at Stanford University. Esquire magazine named him one of the most influential people of the 21st century, and he joins us with more.

The New Yorker: A Life of Its Own: Where will synthetic biology lead us?

IEEE Spectrum: Hacking DNA: Bioengineering technology is maturing, and so is its vocabulary

(Photo of Dr. Drew Endy)