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SUMMARY:Programming languages for synthetic biological systems - Andrew Ph
 illips\, Microsoft Research 
DTSTART:20130822T090000Z
DTEND:20130822T094500Z
UID:TALK46782@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Janette Roberts
DESCRIPTION:Cells are the building blocks of life. If we could program liv
 ing cells as effectively as we program digital computers we could make bre
 akthroughs in medical treatment\, sustainable agriculture and clean energy
 \, while also better understanding how living systems compute. In spite of
  this potential there are still many challenges to overcome. Programming c
 ells is highly complex and error-prone\, and we are at a point where power
 ful computer software could significantly accelerate further progress. Thi
 s talk presents ongoing work to develop computer languages for programming
  cells at three levels: molecular circuits\, genetic devices and cell colo
 nies. We present a language for programming molecular circuits made of DNA
 \, and for characterising genetic parts that can be combined into devices 
 for programming cell function. Finally\, we present software for simulatin
 g cell biofilms using 3D biophysical methods\, which can be used to predic
 t the effect of cell shape on colony morphology. Just as languages for pro
 gramming digital computers heralded a new era of technology\, languages fo
 r programming cells could enable new industries in biotechnology.
LOCATION:Auditorium of The Sainsbury Laboratory (Bateman Street)
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