Biology Zero
Faculty: Nuria Conde
Last updated
Faculty: Nuria Conde
Last updated
When I first encountered synthetic biology, I realized how interconnected life is with information.
Life, at its core, seeks perpetuation, constantly evolving as it interacts with external information. This fascinating concept reminded me of how languages evolve, persisting and transforming information over time.
Through the Biology Zero seminar, I’ve started diving into synthetic biology, where biology meets engineering to design and construct new life forms. We've explored the basis of the transformative technologies like GMOs and CRISPR-Cas, unpacking their immense potential alongside the ethical debates they spark. It's a thrilling field, but one that forces us to think critically about our impact on society and the environment.
The first hands-on experiment we tackled was to curate our own Petri dishes using DIY recipes prepared by Nuria. Our goal was to see microbial growth, but we also had the freedom to add whatever we wanted as an experiment. My group set up the base for a DIY yeast medium, adjusting the standard recipe for a smaller batch size of 100mL.
With the weighing machine out of order, we had to rely on our best judgment to measure ingredients accurately. This made it one of the most challenging recipes in the room.
Despite our suboptimal execution, the medium surprisingly worked, which was a relief for us and everyone else, given how great the mixture smelled. Mohit as part of my group added a pinch of clay, some toilet cleaner, and a piece of solder. To everyone’s astonishment, the most growth was observed in the sample that included the disinfectant, something that was supposed to kill the medium entirely!
Another favorite activity was learning to use a microscope. Nuria prepared slides of various samples, from fish food to our own tongue cells. Observing these tiny worlds up close was awe-inspiring, making me appreciate the complexity and beauty of life on a microscopic level.
The commercialization of DNA has introduced a range of ethical, legal, and social considerations, particularly concerning services that claim to interpret genetic data to reveal personality traits.
Ethical Implications of DNA Commercialization
The practice of monetizing DNA data raises several ethical concerns:
Privacy and Consent: Individuals may not fully understand how their genetic information is used, stored, or shared, leading to potential misuse or unauthorized access. Transparent consent processes are essential to ensure individuals are informed about the commercialization aspects of their DNA data.
Commodification of Human Biology: Treating DNA as a commercial commodity can diminish respect for human dignity. While some argue that such commercialization could lead to advancements in human health, it is crucial to balance these benefits against the potential ethical costs.
Equity and Access: There is a risk that the benefits derived from genetic research may not be equitably shared, particularly if certain populations are underrepresented in genetic databases. This disparity can lead to health inequities and a lack of access to personalized medical treatments.
Several companies offer services that analyze genetic data to provide insights into personality traits. For example, Sequencing.com offers a "Personality DNA" analysis app that claims to reveal aspects of an individual's personality, such as learning ability and academic potential, based on their DNA.
Similarly, 24Genetics provides a DNA personality test that suggests a genetic basis for certain character traits. However, it's important to note that while genetics can influence personality, environmental factors and personal experiences play a significant role as well.
When evaluating these services, consider the following:
Scientific Validity: The relationship between specific genes and complex traits like personality is not fully understood. Many traits result from interactions between multiple genes and environmental factors, making it challenging to draw definitive conclusions from genetic data alone.
Data Security: Ensure that companies have robust data protection measures in place to safeguard your genetic information from breaches or unauthorized use.
Informed Consent: Be aware of how your genetic data will be used, who will have access to it, and whether it may be shared with third parties, including for research or commercial purposes.
In conclusion, while the commercialization of DNA and the availability of genetic personality tests offer intriguing possibilities, they also present significant ethical and practical challenges. It's essential to approach these services with a critical mindset, considering the current scientific limitations and the broader implications of sharing your genetic information.
Ethical Implications of DNA Commercialization 👇
I also experimented with cultivating Kombucha and Spirulina. Both were intriguing projects that deepened my understanding of their biological properties and potential uses. These activities were not just about biology, they were about understanding ecosystems, sustainability, and how we can use biology to address pressing challenges.
