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PIONEERS

          The development of biosensors and synthetic biology was only possible by the discoveries done by many hard working scientists. In addition, research at multiple institutions has presented numerous findings that better help us understand how to improve and invent more potential applications of  biosensors. 

          See below the achievements of synthetic biology's most prolific inventors and researchers! To get more information on any research laboratory or institution, click on the pictures!

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THE "GRANDFATHER OF BIOSENSORS"

          

        Dr. Leland Clark is accredited for saving thousands of lives through his biomedical inventions. Mainly known for his development of the Clark oxygen electrode which measures blood oxygen levels, Dr. Clark also created the first biosensor in 1961, which quickly determined the amount of glucose in blood. Due of his achievement in utilizing biosensors, diabetics all around the world can test and monitor their blood-sugar levels by themselves.

Click          and           to learn more about this extraodinary man!         

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          Using knowledge from his computer science background, senior research scientist Tom Knight invented the much renowned BioBricks, or "standardized DNA sequences that can be used to design synthetic biology circuits". BioBricks are uniform DNA pieces that help build complex systems and  life forms, much like the nuts and bolts in mechanical engineering. Knight's contribution to science has essentially opened up the previously unexplored field of synthetic biology and has made cell engineering and designing synthetic organisms easier.

Click the pictures on the right for more information!

THE "FATHER OF SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY"

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A molecular engineer at Harvard Medical School, George Church has been a leading pioneer in the Human Genome Project. His work which includes manipulating microbes into producing biofuels, drugs and renewable plastic has made the world know about the benefits and potential of synthetic biology.

GEORGE M. CHURCH LAB at Harvard University

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J. CRAIG VENTER INSTITUTE in La Jolla

The J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) is non-profit establishment that aims to conduct research and analysis on genomes, diseases and synthetic organisms. The organizations founder, geneticist Craig Venter, is best known for mapping and sequencing his own DNA. JCVI has recently had a huge advance in developing the "first self- replicating bacterial cell constructed entirely with synthetic DNA".

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ENDY LAB at Stanford University

Drew Endy, a synthetic biologist and professor at Stanford University, created the first biocomputer - a cell with a simple computer that can detect disease and other basic functions. Endy built his biological device by inventing the transcriptor, a DNA switch similar to a computer transistor that can turn systems on and off by using protein enzymes.

 

A firm believer that everyone should have access to genetic material, Endy established the BioBricks Foundation and the BioFab. Alongside his students at his lab, Endy programs engineered DNA systems that can store data.

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 KEASLING LABORATORY at UC Berkerley

Jay Keasling's innovations employing synthetic biology have had major impact on the world today. Keasling's tremendous breakthrough came in 2003 when he and a group of scientists reprogrammed a simple microbe, yeast, to produce an anti-malarial drug called artemisinin. This inexpensive synthetic version has now been mass produced to eradicate malaria all over Africa.

 

Keasling's new aspiration at his lab is to replace all petroleum based products with sugar-fed, engineered microbes that can sustainably create them instead. Keasling is not only the Associate Director of Biosciences at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, but he is also the chief officer of the Joint BioEnergy Institute in Emeryville, CA.

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