(#2|A|2)What happens when biology becomes technology?

In her 2020 presentation "What Happens When Biology Becomes Technology?", Christina Agapakis explores the fascinating intersection where biology meets technological innovation. Agapakis, a synthetic biologist, begins her discussion with a memorable anecdote about a briefcase filled with colorful, genetically engineered excrement, which illustrates the quirky and surprising aspects of biological engineering. This story serves as a springboard into a broader discussion about the capabilities and future possibilities of synthetic biology.

Agapakis challenges the traditional boundaries between the natural and the synthetic, urging the audience to reconsider what is considered 'natural' and what is 'technological'. Throughout her talk, she highlights various projects from the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition, where students worldwide engineer bacteria to perform new, useful functions, such as playing Sudoku or producing multicolored spider silk. These examples underscore the potential of synthetic biology to transform living organisms into technologies that can solve complex problems.

One of the core themes of Agapakis’s talk is the concept of engineering not just as a technical endeavor but as a deeply human and cultural activity that shapes and is shaped by societal values and ethics. She discusses the potential of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to be perceived not just as scientific tools but as entities that could be loved or integrated into daily life, thus redefining the boundaries of technology and nature.

Agapakis also reflects on the political, social, and ethical dimensions of synthetic biology. She questions the implications of creating technology that is so intimately linked with the essence of life itself, such as leather grown from living cells or bacteria engineered to monitor health from within the human gut. Her talk invites the audience to envision a future where technology is not only built but grown, where biological materials coexist and coevolve with human society, challenging us to think about the future we want to create.

The presentation not only delves into the science of synthetic biology but also engages with the philosophical and ethical questions it raises, making it a profound exploration of how humanity might navigate a future where biology and technology are indistinguishably intertwined.

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https://youtu.be/3y5f2l5yM4c?feature=shared