The always interesting Seed Magazine reports on the work of Mac Cowell and DIYBio to bring biology to the masses. In a long interview, Mac lays out his vision of how amateurs can contribute to biological research in a similar manner to how amateur computer scientists were, and continue to be, so influential in (silicon-based) computer programming.
As an added bonus, Seed also contains an article written by Ginkgo’s own Jason Kelly about the evolution of genetic engineering from the very first recombinant DNA experiments through to the iGEM competition today. He highlights the renewed sense of excitement and possibility about responsible and constructive engineering of biology. Much of this excitement stems from the enthusiasm, talent (and dance skills) of the iGEM teams.
