News & Comment

Do it yourself 'biohackers' want to break down institutional barriers and bring science to the people. But good intentions are up against the hard realities of doing science. Joe Alper reports, with additional reporting by Laura DeFrancesco.

International exchange programs for tech transfer aim to advance the field and build bridges.

An analysis of US Federal Circuit decisions shows the effects of the Supreme Court's decision in KSR v. Teleflex.

Why protein homeostasis has investors excited.

Biofuels top the list of products for many biotech companies using advanced biological engineering. Cormac Sheridan examines the diverse commercial paths being taken to reach this goal.

Two prominent ethicists provide their views on the ethical debates surrounding synthetic biology.

Defining an emerging field can be challenging. Nature Biotechnology asked 20 experts for their views on the term 'synthetic biology'.

The emergence of synthetic biology, and off-shoots such as DIYbio, make the need for a rigorous, sustained and mature approach for assessing, and preparing for, the broad range of associated dangers and risks all the more pressing.

J. Craig Venter reflects on an effort spanning decades to create a living cell from chemically synthesized building blocks.

How are the economics of synthetic biology likely to develop in the coming years?

Synthetic biology should look to other industries' models for ownership and open sharing.

Innovative community efforts in academia and non-profits to engage student researchers, encourage open sharing of DNA constructs and new methodology as well as build a Registry of Standardized Biological Parts have been central to the emergence of synthetic biology.

As the market for DNA on demand continues to grow, increases in the scale and efficiency of new genome engineering approaches promise to accelerate product discovery and even open up new commercial opportunities.