Synthetic biology: from mainstream to counterculture

Abstract

Existing at the interface of science and engineering, synthetic biology represents a new and emerging field of mainstream biology. However, there also exists a counterculture of Do-It-Yourself biologists, citizen scientists, who have made significant inroads, particularly in the design and development of new tools and techniques. Herein, I review the development and convergence of synthetic biology's mainstream and countercultures.

Mapping do-it-yourself science

“…Despite being mostly technical, in more than one case few considerations are drawn about the DIY paradigm and its potential in science experiments. In six other papers DIY science is conceptualized in the context of biology (frequently through the expression “DIY Bio”) whereby “a new era of DIY Biology originally evolved as a non-institutional pursuit, with practitioners – many of whom having little or no formal training either due to a lack of infrastructure, funding or indeed opportunity – operating out of garages or modified kitchens” (Sleator, 2016a, b p.278). Amateur biologists have also been defined as “individuals who conduct biological experiments as an avocation rather than a vocation”(National Science Advisory Board for ger, 2011).…”

Understanding rural Do-It-Yourself science through social learning in communities of practice

“…The premises on which conceptualizations of DIY science are based upon relies heavily on cases of high technological disruption from the realm of biology (Sleator, 2016a, Sleator, 2016b, Davies et al, 2015, Delgado, 2013, Busch et al, 2016 to general technological advancement (Tofel-Grehl et al, 2017), conducted by self-taught learners outside the conventional formality of schools or universities. Beyond the potentiality of DIY science in terms of innovation and technology advancement (Seyfried et al, 2014), there are also growing concerns over several issues, for example, regarding its ethical implications (Fiske et al, 2019), operations and regulations (Ferretti, 2019).…”

Biosafety and biosecurity in Synthetic Biology: A review

“…As an example of what these kinds of facilities can deliver, Genspace offer hands-on courses to the public, provide extracurricular experiences for students, encourage scientific entrepreneurship and host a variety of talks, workshops, and cultural events. Since this community-based laboratory was set up in 2010, at least 84 similar spaces have been established (Sleator, 2016).…”