Synthetic biology manipulates the stuff of life. For synthetic biologists, living matter is programmable material. In search of carbon-neutral fuels, sustainable manufacturing techniques, and innovative drugs, these researchers aim to redesign existing organisms and even construct completely novel biological entities. Some synthetic biologists see themselves as designers, inventing new products and applications. But if biology is viewed as a malleable, engineerable, designable medium, what is the role of design and how will its values apply?
In this book, synthetic biologists, artists, designers, and social scientists investigate synthetic biology and design. After chapters that introduce the science and set the terms of the discussion, the book follows six boundary-crossing collaborations between artists and designers and synthetic biologists from around the world, helping us understand what it might mean to 'design nature.' These collaborations have resulted in biological computers that calculate form; speculative packaging that builds its own contents; algae that feeds on circuit boards; and a sampling of human cheeses. They raise intriguing questions about the scientific process, the delegation of creativity, our relationship to designed matter, and, the importance of critical engagement. Should these projects be considered art, design, synthetic biology, or something else altogether?
Synthetic biology is driven by its potential; some of these projects are fictions, beyond the current capabilities of the technology. Yet even as fictions, they help illuminate, question, and even shape the future of the field.

Synthetic Aesthetics: Investigating Synthetic Biology's Designs on Nature

Science & Math

Ginsberg, Alexandra Daisy

Calvert, Jane

Schyfter, Pablo

Elfick, Alistair

Endy, Drew

Biological Sciences

Mit Pr

Place For Science And Technology Studies

Cambridge, Massachusetts : The MIT Press

As synthetic biology transforms living matter into a medium for making, what is the role of design and its associated values? 
Synthetic biology manipulates the stuff of life. For synthetic biologists, living matter is programmable material. In search of carbon-neutral fuels, sustainable manufacturing techniques, and innovative drugs, these researchers aim to redesign existing organisms and even construct completely novel biological entities. Some synthetic biologists see themselves as designers, inventing new products and applications. But if biology is viewed as a malleable, engineerable, designable medium, what is the role of design and how will its values apply?
In this book, synthetic biologists, artists, designers, and social scientists investigate synthetic biology and design. After chapters that introduce the science and set the terms of the discussion, the book follows six boundary-crossing collaborations between artists and designers and synthetic biologists from around the world, helping us understand what it might mean to 'design nature.' These collaborations have resulted in biological computers that calculate form; speculative packaging that builds its own contents; algae that feeds on circuit boards; and a sampling of human cheeses. They raise intriguing questions about the scientific process, the delegation of creativity, our relationship to designed matter, and, the importance of critical engagement. Should these projects be considered art, design, synthetic biology, or something else altogether?
Synthetic biology is driven by its potential; some of these projects are fictions, beyond the current capabilities of the technology. Yet even as fictions, they help illuminate, question, and even shape the future of the field.

Synthetic Aesthetics: Investigating Synthetic Biology's Designs on Nature (Mit Press)

MIT Press]

A Place for Science and Technology Studies: Observation, Intervention, and Collaboration

Research

The MIT Press

Students entering university courses in the medical or biomedical sciences have a wide range of different qualifications and knowledge. According to the route of entry, different students will have covered topics in varying levels of detail. This short text aims to provide an overview of the some of important concepts that will help a student to understand and gain maximum benefit from their university course. The book takes a hierarchical approach, starting with an introduction to the molecules of life, moving on to consider cells and their functions, how cells are assembled into tissues and ultimately the various systems of the body. Biology is a huge subject so this text selects material that will be most useful to students studying courses related to medicine and the medical sciences. Building on the success of Catch Up Chemistry and Catch Up Maths & Stats, this title is an invaluable primer for any student wishing to get up to speed with the biology required for their degree.

Catch Up Biology: For the medical sciences

Bradley, Philip

Scion Publishing, Ltd.

Catch up Biology covers the basic principles and concepts in biology that you will need if you are studying medicine or a related subject, or one of the biomedical sciences. The book focuses on human biology and covers:
* the basic molecules of life, such as proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids * cells, tissues and processes, including energy metabolism, cell division, epithelial and connective tissues * the key mammalian systems, for example, homeostasis, the endocrine, respiratory and digestive systems.
Throughout the book the authors highlight clinical examples so that you can see the relevance of basic biology to your course. The book also contains questions (and answers) so that you can test your understanding of the subject as you work through the book. This new edition features two new chapters on microorganisms and on genetic disease.
Catch up Biology is the ideal book to refresh your understanding of the basic concepts of biology.

Catch Up Biology 2e: For the Medical Sciences

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Calvert, Jane. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Calvert, Jane