Biotech Consultant Says Synthetic Biology Opportunity, Challenge U.S. Cannot Ignore

Synthetic biology is an emerging trend internationally that requires both U.S. attention and recognition that this competitiveness is a challenge to which the nation must respond, a biotechnology consultant Aug. 16 told a State Department panel discussion.

Richard A. Johnson, chief executive officer and founder of GlobalHelix, a consulting and government strategy firm, said that synthetic biology, a field of biological research that combines research and engineering to design and build novel biological functions and systems, is being utilized in the development of biofuels, vaccines, and even in manufacturing. He also said that it raises unique biosecurity and biosafety concerns. ...