CMA presents "Synthetic Biology: Faster, Better, Weirder"

Why are we limited to nature and evolution? Could synthetic biology be the end of natural selection? Synthetic biology is the scientific endeavor that enables the digital manipulation of DNA, which can be used to modify life, create personalized medicines, and potentially "de-extinct" animals from our past. Please join us as Andrew Hessel discusses this emerging field that combines both scientific and engineering approaches to the study and manipulation of biology.

Andrew Hessel is a Distinguished Research Scientist with Autodesk, Inc., a global leader in 3D design software. His specialization is synthetic biology—a technology based on synthetic DNA, digital design tools, and laboratory automation that makes biological engineering significantly easier, faster, and less expensive. Andrew is also the co-founder of the Pink Army Cooperative, the world's first cooperative biotechnology company, which is aiming to make open-source viral therapies for cancer. He is a fellow at the University of Ottawa, Institute for Science, Society, and Policy, and the former co-chair of bioinformatics and biotechnology at Singularity University.

This event is free. All members of the Campus and JPL communities and retirees are welcome. Caltech personnel and guests can access the auditorium via the external gate. For more information, contact Randii Wessen, (818) 354-7580. Or email [email protected].

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