Built with Biology: Podcast

DNA powers the bioeconomy. These fundamental molecules enable us to re-program cells to produce sustainable materials and medicines. But reprogramming cells requires specific sequences of DNA that don't exist in nature--we have to make them ourselves. If that sounds easy, this episode will change your mind! Thomas Ybert, co-founder and CEO of DNA Script joins the show for a brilliant discussion on how we make DNA, what role it plays in COVID testing, producing DNA in future outbreak zones, DNA data storage and the impending Armageddon of Data.

What if we could create any cell in the human body? Imagine the diseases we might treat, the bones we could heal, and the nerves we could repair. One day, we might even be able to replace blood banks. This future is much closer than you might think. Mark Kotter, the founder and CEO of bit.bio joins the show for an inspiring discussion about how breakthrough technologies could offer hope to patients with untreatable conditions and what the future of medicine could look like.

We know life is busy - it's a challenge to keep up with the biggest trends and technologies shaping our world. So we've edited this special episode to give you the snapshot you need to understand what Deep Tech is, its role in synthetic biology, and how these technologies could build our future. On the go? No problem! Here's all you need to know in 20 minutes. From the Deep Tech Mission at Boston Consulting Group, John Paschkewitz (Partner and Associate Director) and Nico Goeldel (Project Leader) join the show for a special look into the technological forces, mindsets, and challenges shaping our future.

"Deep Tech," today's hottest technology buzzwords. But what is deep tech? How does it relate to building with biology? What will it take for deep tech innovations to make a positive impact in our world? From the Deep Tech Mission at Boston Consulting Group, John Paschkewitz (Partner and Associate Director) and Nico Goeldel (Project Leader) join the show for a special look into the technological forces, mindsets, and challenges shaping our future.

Biology is spectacularly complex. Even when we think we know which genes produce and control which proteins, we find out there are entire sections of the genome we still don't understand! So, what kind of mindset does it take to find the solutions to problems that have infinite answers? Patrick Westfall, Senior Director of the Microbe Group at Inscripta, joins to show to explore rational versus irrational biology design and share the tools and mindsets that can help us build more successfully with biology! 

CRISPR gene editing is one of the greatest scientific breakthroughs of the 21st century. But how does it work and what can it do? What kind of power--and responsibility--comes with the ability to edit 10,000 genes? Nandini Krishnamurthy, the VP of Microbial Business Area at Inscripta, joins the show for a vision-casting episode about what we can build with CRISPR, from sustainable food production to advanced medicines, equitable distribution of resources, and, of course, Oscar-winning movies starring Meryl Streep! Tune in to get inspired for all that we can build with biology.

What gives microbes superpowers? Can we program them as easily as we do computers? What could our world look like if microbe cell factories replaced petrochemical production? Ena Cratsenburg, the Chief Business Officer of Ginkgo Bioworks, joins the show to answer these questions and explore what a world built with biology could look like. Ginkgo, the bioeconomy's original unicorn company, is leveraging its platform to give scientists creative freedom and accelerate innovation. Our planet needs outside-the-box solutions as quickly as possible. So it's a good thing Superhero Microbes are suited up and ready to go!

The bioeconomy--the growing economy built with biology--may sound unwelcoming if you don't have a biology degree. The beauty of the bioeconomy is that we are all needed to create a sustainable future, from artists to marketers to engineers, and especially entrepreneurs. But how do we welcome everyone and inspire the next generation? In a special episode, Jaye Goldstein of Petri and Natalie Kuldell of BioBuilder share their insights on creating community, supporting women and underrepresented genders, and how we can inspire the next generation on their journey from classroom to founder.

Jasmine, musk, powder fresh; all our favorite fragrances typically come from petrochemicals. These scents are everywhere in daily life, from soaps and detergents to air fresheners, makeup, varnishes, the list is almost endless. As we strive to make our everyday products sustainable, what do we do about our favorite scents? A joint team from biology companies Conagen and Sensegen is making sustainable fragrances with microbes. How are these fragrance molecules made? How are scents designed by perfumers? Can biomanufactured perfumes aid animal welfare? Tune in to get all your questions answered!

Biology is reshaping our future, from our medicines to our food, fuels, homes, and even clothes. But the power to engineer and re-design biology comes with significant responsibility. How can we ensure the bio-engineering tools aren't misused or create accidentally harmful materials? How can we ensure workers, our society, and our planet are all protected? In our inaugural Built with Biology Podcast episode, host Fiona Mischel speaks with James Diggans, Head of Biosecurity at Twist Bioscience. What is biosecurity, why does it matter, and how it could impact your day-to-day life? Get all your questions answered and more!