Week 31: Back to VR

We dive deep into synthetic biology, aka, turning cells into factories.

May 25

Monday

VR Adventure:

Alright, so I did get the controller in, and I did start working out in VR again, but man, let me tell you, after the funeral, I had a massive work conference for a new job, and this was just not the week to know what was going on!

So this week, we’ve just got memes and the deep dive. To quote the Bard: “My diet starts next week.”

Today’s Awesome:

I’ve been meaning to investigate more about this since I heard of a company that does synthetic biology. It’s pretty dang broad but involves everything getting cells to do your work for you to recognizing cells that are cancerous and turning against them. It’s like treating biology like software, which is just as terrifying and promising as it sounds.

For Your Consideration:

Henry K. Lee @henrykleeKTVU

NUT TODAY: This guy decided to use part of a green pistachio bag to create a fake registration sticker for his BMW, per @CotatiPD. “If I cashew making a bogus tab, I’m going to be very pistachio.” #NaughtyInCotati

Tuesday

Today’s Awesome:

Here is an overview at a more accessible level to newcomers like me.

a graphic outlining the potential opportunities and risks of synthetic biology

For Your Consideration:

Scott Bryan @scottygb

Errrr… what is going on with the BBC News ticker?

Wednesday

Today’s Awesome:

A look at possible horizons of synthetic biology.

A quote on why it’s difficult:

As yet, very few small molecules in medicine are manufactured using a synthetic biology process; it remains very difficult to engineer microbes to carry out processes that Nature did not intend. This is to be expected: the performance of microbes is “good enough” from an evolutionary perspective. Microbes evolved to address the specific needs and challenges of their natural environments not those of industrial fermenters and bioreactors.

For Your Consideration:

50 NFT United States @i_am_a_r0bot

@greg_doucette Been saving this for you

Thursday

Today’s Awesome:

There are already companies raking in millions in revenue (note, not necessarily profits), from synthetic biology. And there are quite a few.

For Your Consideration:

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation @OKWildlifeDept

Listen, bear spray DOES NOT work like bug spray. We would like to not have to say that again.

Friday

Today’s Awesome:

Here is the homepage of one of those companies, which wants to be the company that other companies use for their synthetic biology. In other words, they’re trying to be the synthetic biology platform that helps other companies. Meet Ginkgo Bioworks.

For Your Consideration:

Sam Shaw @shawsam

Best American Short Stories, 2023.

Saturday

Today’s Awesome:

One interesting application: make fertilizer on the spot. It could be a tremendous source of diminishing greenhouse gases. Although, I’ll admit, I would feel more comfortable spreading nitrogen on soil than spreading around a microbe that make nitrogen. Feels like some sci-fi plot point waiting to happen.

For Your Consideration:

Sophia McDougall, MSt @McDougallSophia

Wait. Y-you're saying we live in a country ruled by an unnaturally long-lived aristocrat who lives in a castle and fears garlic???

Scottish Express @ScotExpress

Garlic is prohibited in Buckingham Palace 🧄 Her Majesty has such a dislike for garlic that it is prohibited in the Palace. https://t.co/ytMZfrsmWU

Sunday

Today’s Awesome:

We can’t forget one giant side of synthetic biology: replacing meat. That’s right, Impossible Burger is a poster child for using synthetic biology. Shoot, put that in all of McDonald’s and Burger King’s burgers.