Bluetooth Bacteria

In biology, when discussing “dating,” we usually are directing our conversation around the concept of finding the age of some organism. In this case, however, we are looking to approach the ever-changing romantic dating scene and how synthetic biology could be used to help singles find partners. Join the Pittsburgh iGEM team as they discuss how synthetic biology is influencing romance!

Spinal cord injury is a serious condition with no cure. To create a more effective and less invasive treatment, the King’s College London iGEM team is developing “Renervate”, a 3D bio-printing a biodegradable and biocompatible scaffolding that contains a mussel foot protein-based bio adhesive coating. Join the Pittsburgh iGEM team as they learn more about their project!

India is the second-largest producer of sugarcane. However, sucrose deterioration after harvesting causes a significant loss of profit. To help save the sugarcane industry, the BITS Pilani-Goa India iGEM team is designing E. coli to prevent sucrose deterioration by targeting the invertase enzyme responsible for sucrose breakdown. Join the Pittsburgh iGEM team as they learn more about their project and some of the challenges they have faced so far!

From cosmetics industries to the health field researches, we see the phrase “anti-aging” quite frequently. This, of course, makes sense given that as society improves, our lifespan becomes longer, and we spend more time dealing with aging struggles. Aging worsens and decreases our body’s regenerative and metabolic rates. As a result, a new focus in medical research rises and aims to understand ways to cure aging. Is this doable? Will it be safe? What are the ethical implications? Well, let’s talk about it

As the distance and duration of space travel is extended, the storage of vitamins for astronauts becomes more difficult. To solve this problem, the Toulouse iGEM team is designing a co-culture system with yeast and clostridium to produce vitamin A in spaceship environments. In addition, they are using an optogenetic system to produce rose and lemon flavors. Join the Pittsburgh iGEM team as they learn more about their project and some of the challenges they have faced so far!

Antibiotic resistance in Malarial parasites is a significant problem that has been observed in tropical regions. To create a long-term solution, the IISER-Pune-India iGEM team is designing a Cyclotide Drug Library for treatment, along with a Diagnostic tool for easy detection. Join the Pittsburgh iGEM team as they learn more about the team’s project and some of the challenges they have faced so far!

Phytoplankton populations are declining, causing a disruption in underwater ecosystems. To help solve this problem, the Baltimore BioCrew iGEM Team is stepping up to engineer phytoplankton to increase their ability to process iron, a vital nutrient that is rare in many parts of the ocean. Join the Pittsburgh iGEM team as learn more about the team’s project and some of the challenges they have faced so far!

There is a huge gap between organ need and organ availability for transplants due to long waitlists and organ shortages. In response, scientists have been researching how animal organ donation, or Xenotransplantation, can help close this gap. With new advances in synthetic biology, xenotransplantation is becoming a real alternative. But how does it work? Is it safe? Is it ethical? Join the Pittsburgh iGEM team as they discuss animal organ donation and the current ethical issues it faces.

Today, we are collaborating with Team William & Mary to learn more about their project on modeling a "smart" nasal probiotic that will sense the state of inflammation and secretes polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which have various anti-viral capabilities. 

There are plenty of rumors that COVID-19 was a bioweapon leaked from a lab, leading to the pandemic we are experiencing now. These theories are completely unfounded, but whether the coronavirus is a bioweapon gone wrong. It begs the questions... What is biowarfare? How can we prepare and prevent its potentially devastating consequences? What is the role of synthetic biology in all of this? Join the Pittsburgh iGEM team as they discuss synthetic biology and bioweapons!