OS synthetic biology

While the machines that humans make require a knowledgeable maker with the necessary tools for replication, the machinery of life is inherently able to self-replicate. As humans have come to understand the molecules of life, the information storage capacity, and how this is converted into a tightly choreographed yet chaotic self-perpetuating series of chemical reactions, the forces of life looks less like a mystery and more like a energy that can be harnessed (just as has been done with wind, solar, tidal, geothermal and fossil fuels). The universal code of life (written in DNA->RNA->proteins) is now not only readable but writable. In the same way a computer program can be shared from one machine to another without a cost to the creator and generating more overall wealth, biological programs that provide human utility can be shared to increase wealth and the standard of living of all. Thus OS synthetic biology will be fundamental to achieving post-scarcity.

The current life science crisis

Despite the amazing technological progress in biological understanding and techniques there is an unacknowledged crisis forming in the ownership of IP and ability of individuals without institutional backing to engage in the field. Currently the majority of funding is through government programs which only fund institutionally based proposals, while these institutions foster a dependency on institutional power in established researchers and trainees. IP regulations recognize a copyright for those first to describe biological knowledge which prevents emergent implementation of the information. Additionay the IP genersted by these programs is ultimately owned by the institution and senior researchers. These situations are leading to the concentration of technical abilities in bureaucratic based organizations. This situation is diametric to the OS ethos, and will require a response to lay out an alternative path.

Open source genetics

Currently gene and genomic sequences are openly shared, however application of the information is covered by IP. This information can be shared and duplicated without cost to the initial depositor, a new approach to share genetic information and superior iterations will generate exponential improvements in the biological systems and the derived utility. Microorganisms and the tools for their manipulation can be duplicated with minimal cost as well.

See Also

• OSE gene bank
• OS synthetic biology/possible areas of utility
• List of organisms useful in OSE context
• Construction Sets Page (Lab Stuff Subdevision)

Useful Links

• BioBricks Foundation Main Site