Synthetic Biology: A Very Short Introduction

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Synthetic Biology (A Very Short Introduction) by Jamie A. Davies... Synthetic biology is one of the fastest-growing research fields of the 21st century. It emerged from traditional genetic engineering and uses multi-gene pathways and modular units to make significant changes to what cells can do. This book in the Very Short Introductions series provides a concise overview of synthetic biology, from its historical roots and technical tools to its practical achievements, while also outlining the limits of its technological potential and its non-technical constraints. It explains how this science is beginning to influence many technological fields, such as the development of new medicines, the production of biofuels, addressing pollution, and medical diagnostics, and also points to the possibility of creating new life from non-living materials. The author also addresses the considerable controversy surrounding synthetic biology, including concerns that the risks of synthetic life may outweigh its benefits.