The Synthetic Biology Engineering Research Center and the National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center based at the University of California at Berkeley offered expertise in the biology field and introduced their agendas to students Friday during the Synthetic Biology Symposium in the MSC lounge.
Research scientist Raul Cuero gave his presentation about biogenesis during the symposium, in which he discussed simulated biogenesis experiments that study Earth and Mars.
Cureo said, “My results show the growth of the bacteria, but differential DNA and RNA expressions due to different concentrations and levels of radiation.”
In addition, he applied the synthetic biology approach to his studies, using synthetic parts such as genes encoding for iron protein. This demonstrated that different microorganisms have the capability of surviving the initial conditions on Earth and Mars.
SynBERC brings together many scientists and engineers from across the world to working to lay the foundation for the field of biology by developing biological systems, giving researchers the ability to accomplish tasks.
They also seek to inform the general public of benefits and potential risks about synthetic biology.
Synthetic biology is the construction of new biological entities such as enzymes, genes, circuits, and cells, or the redesign of existing biological systems.
The elements that distinguish synthetic biology from traditional molecular and cellular biology is the focus on the design and construction of core components, parts of enzymes, genetic circuits, metabolic pathways, and more.
Using synthetic biology, scientists are testing models of how biology works by building systems based on models and measuring differences between expectation and observation.
Douglas H. Johnson, research statistician, also participated in the symposium, showing his PowerPoint presentation about compensatory skills for people with mental disabilities. He said that these people do have the ability to learn like others, but it is in a different way.
He made reference to the Rehabilitation Act, which is the federal legislation that authorizes the formula grant programs of vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, independent living, and client assistance.
It also authorizes a variety of training and service discretionary grants administered by the Rehabilitation Services Administration and the forces that made the act possible for people with disabilities.
In addition to the act, Douglas briefly explained the psychological and behavioral characteristics of those with disabilities, making points about the hereditary factors and also toxins in the environment. The symposium also included Prairie View A&M University graduates who returned to give expert testimony about being successful in graduate school, answering questions, and giving specific details about staying ahead in the profession they are pursuing.
Gaining knowledge about a company before working for it was another beneficial statement that each person on the panel made.