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Engineering biology holds great potential to transform biotechnology research to provide innovative solutions to critical challenges in health, agriculture, industry, and beyond. Scientists actively have worked to improve the design and creation of synthetic cells. Recent calls for increased predictability of designing cells that have desired functions upon their development highlight the pressing need to develop an actionable and contemplative approach to addressing environmental, safety, and security risks while maintaining research advancement and productivity. This study will analyze existing and needed approaches for assessing and reducing risks and maintaining benefits of synthetic cells to inform policy and protect public safety.
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The Risks and Benefits of Synthetic Cells: Q&A with Peter Carr
Feature Story
In an interview, synthetic biologist Peter Carr explains research on synthetic cells, their potential benefits and hazards, and how governance of this research should work. Carr co-chaired a recent National Academies study of the subject.
Featured publication
Supporting Responsible Innovation of Synthetic Cells: Biosafety, Biosecurity, and Environmental Considerations
Consensus Study Report
·2026
Synthetic cells represent a rapidly advancing frontier in engineering biology, offering new ways to understand living systems and developing innovative solutions across health, environmental management, agriculture, and manufacturing. Constructed from biomolecular components and designed to perform...
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