Synthetic Genomics

Synthetic genomics enables the design of organisms from scratch with implications for medicine, agriculture and biosecurity. The session covers whole-genome synthesis (Yeast 2.0 project, Sc2.0 milestones), recoded genomes (Syn61 Escherichia coli), minimal genome design (JCVI-syn3.0), the Earth BioGenome Project and its sequencing-cost trajectory, DNA-synthesis technology and the cost-per-base curve, and ethical frameworks for synthetic-genome research. Discussion addresses biosecurity implications of accessible DNA synthesis, IP and patent landscape for synthesised genomes, the Human Genome Project-Write proposal, applications in pharmaceutical manufacturing, and the regulatory considerations as synthetic-genome organisms move toward clinical or environmental use.