Synthetic biology ― an interdisciplinary field that combines biology and genetic engineering to create new biological systems.
It's all in the Genetic Code
Genetic material codes for all the bits that constitute living things. Genetic modification enables us to create new and innovative engineered organisms. Through designing, building and testing these biological machines, we are able to tackle a vast array of issues from human health to the climate crisis.
What's Possible?
The field of synthetic biology strives to design innovative biological systems for a wide range of applications such as biofuel production, toxin detection, disease treatment, and beyond! From the development of genetically modified pest-resistant crops to plastic-degrading bacteria, synthetic biology has the potential to create a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly world.
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Thanks to innovative genetic engineering techniques and computer modeling, synthetic biology is a booming area of science that has the potential to address health disparities, create new diagnostics and therapeutics, develop safer agricultural practices, and so much more!
Our Goal
McMaster SynBio is fueling student-led synthetic biology research at McMaster University. Our award-winning team aims to gather undergraduate students passionate about scientific research, and provide them with the opportunity to work on an innovative student-led project that will benefit the real world. Through the areas of Wet Lab, Engineering, Human Practices & Media, our goal is to inspire and educate the McMaster community about synthetic biology, as well as compete annually in the iGEM competition (where we have been two-time silver medalists). Follow along with our journey as we educate, grow, and work to create a brighter world!
This year we aim to develop an adeno-associated virus phage-based (AAVP) vaccine to target the neglected tropical diseases, echinococcosis and cysticercosis. For more information, check out this year’s project!
What is iGEM?
From pushing the boundaries of science, to breaking socio-economic barriers, iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) is the world's largest synthetic biology competition. Held in Paris, France, iGEM attracts high school, undergraduate, and graduate students from 46 countries and 7000+ participants to showcase their research projects on an international stage. The Paris-expo, otherwise known as the Grand Jamboree, is an annual four day-long event in which multidisciplinary teams present among researchers, industry representatives, academics, journalists and to the public eye.
Research projects are formulated, designed, tested and act as cutting edge solutions to address world issues ranging from diagnostics to climate and environmental health. Research projects take into consideration three major factors: wet lab, dry lab and human practices. Projects are then showcased at the Grand Jamboree through videos, live presentations and online wikis.
This resource-rich environment enables like-minded individuals to network, learn and compete within the scientific community. Historically, iGEM research projects have been adapted as localized solutions to issues targeting certain communities. Undoubtedly, iGEM teams have been vital in teaching others about synthetic biology and its uses.
