German report on synthetic biology

August 11, 2009

A new report has outlined how Germany should move forward in the area of synthetic biology, the de novo creation of novel biological systems (see Nature news report). Whilst some aspects of synthetic biology are highly contentious, for example the creation of new forms of life such as artificial construction of viruses (including as potential bioweapons), some applications have obvious benefits, such as the production of drug-like molecules or biofuels. (PHG Foundation)