To demonstrate feasibility, researchers digitally transmitted a file with DNA sequence information to the DBC. The DBC converted that digital sequence into oligonucleotides, and utilized synthetic biology tools developed by Synthetic Genomics such as gene synthesis, error correction, and Gibson Assembly methods to create large and complex DNA constructs with high fidelity. Utilizing this DNA as a template, the DBC further produced a series of biological materials without any human intervention, such as RNA, proteins, and viral particles. "The concept of a DBC presents a new paradigm for the manufacturing of biological materials all starting from transmitted DNA sequences," said Daniel Gibson, Ph.D., vice president of DNA technology at Synthetic Genomics and senior author of the study. "It is easy to imagine numerous high value applications for rapid on-demand production of biological materials in healthcare, such as creating truly personalized therapeutics at a patient's bedside and rapidly generating custom vaccines to counter an infectious disease outbreak." Biological products created on the DBC included DNA templates for an influenza vaccine, an RNA-based vaccine, antibody polypeptides, and a bacteriophage. The antibody polypeptides synthesized by the DBC included abatacept, ranibizumab, and trastuzumab. Biologics were created in under 2 days, which is several weeks … Continue reading →

The early bird gets the worm. But what happens when the worm is even earlier than the bird? In that case, some familiar backyard bird species dont get enough worms to feed their chicks. That's the conclusion of a recent study of changes in spring green-up dates across North America and the arrival dates of spring migratory bird species in those areas. Biologist Stephen Mayor, at the Florida Museum of Natural History of the University of Florida, and nine colleagues from other institutions reported their findings online this month in the journal Scientific Advances. The research team used satellite images to detect the date that vegetation in sample areas began to green up at the start of the growing season. They also used first sightings of the year of common migratory birds at specific locations as reported by eBird, a citizen-science website. The dates allowed the biologists to calculate when each species arrived at its breeding grounds. The team compared plant green-up and bird arrival data from 2001 to 2012 across North America. Green-up date and arrival time of 48 bird species studied usually moved in the same direction. In areas where plants began to leaf out earlier, migratory birds … Continue reading →