Synthetic Biology

Protein designers are preparing for quantum computers to point the way to new cures and green materials.

Student competitors turn jellyfish, microorganisms, and even hair cells into useful things.

An engineer lights up tiny tumors that doctors can’t see.

These startups are brewing up ways to save seafood, turn gas into protein, and make dairy alternatives less gross.

Hipster tea sludge is being transformed into a wonder material.

Stanford bioengineer Drew Endy doesn’t mind bringing dragons to life. What really scares him are humans. by David Ewing Duncan

This startup’s founders eat their own kibble—and they plan to feed you someday too.

A wonder material goes to work inside the body.

But it’s positive.

Forget editing genes. This guy wants to write brand-new ones. by Steven Kotler

Teleported molecules, custom genomes, and other innovations that will deliver on the technology’s biggest promises.

Sophia Roosth puts big questions to the people who are reviving extinct species and building organisms from scratch.

… where we ask the experts for reading recommendations.

Juan Enriquez bets on the end of undruggable targets, the power of programmable cells, and a machine that cooks up biological material. by David Ewing Duncan

Eventually, no one will die while waiting for a transplant. But that day is further off than you might think.