Biology is Technology — new book by Rob Carlson
Redesigning ribosomes — Nature paper by the Chin lab
Synthetic biology in the New York Times — Weekend feature on the 2009 iGEM competition
10 February 2010
This parts BIOFAB aims to produce thousands of free standardized DNA parts, in order to shorten the development time and lower the cost of synthetic biology for academic or biotech laboratories.
BIOFAB (International Open Facility Advancing Biotechnology) has received two years of funding from NSF, with matching support from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and the BioBricks Foundation (BBF).
BIOFAB takes its name from the fabrication, or 'Fab' service laboratories established in the early semiconductor industry to make it easier for academic and small industrial labs to design and manufacture small quantities of custom chips. With computer aided design (CAD) software, rapid-prototyping equipment and clean labs, Fab Labs could quickly produce innovative devices not yet ready for mass production.
BIOFAB aims to produce thousands of DNA parts with standardized and characterized activities. The initial focus will be on E.coli genetic control elements.
BIOFAB also will promulgate standards for technical and professional practice through application of resources such as the BioBrick Public Agreement, a new legal framework supporting open technology platforms in genetic engineering. To best accomplish its goals, the BIOFAB is also fully integrating ethics research within its production planning and operations.
BIOFAB will be looking to hire up to 30 staff - stay tuned for announcements!
