TR2024 Bioengineering FINAL LINKED

2024 TECH TRENDS REPORT • 17 TH EDITION
BIOENGINEERING
TECH BIOENGINEERING
FUTURE TODAY INSTITUTE’S 2024 TECH TREND REPORT

Our 2024 edition includes more than 700 trends, which are published individually in 16 volumes and as one comprehensive report with all trends included.
Download all sections of Future Today Institute’s 2024 Tech Trends report at http://www.futuretodayinstitute.com/trends.
2 © 2024 Future Today Institute. All Rights Reserved.

TECH BIOENGINEERING
THE YEAR AHEAD: TECH SUPERCYCLE
The theme for our 2024 re- Institute’s analysis shows that every technology—AR/ VR/ We’ve visually represented the tech supercycle on the
port is Supercycle. In eco- XR, autonomous vehicles, low Earth orbit satellites, to report’s cover, which is an undulating image reminiscent
nomics, a “supercycle” refers name a few—connects to the supercycle in some way. of a storm radar. Vertical and horizontal lines mark the
to an extended period of edges of each section’s cover. When all 16 section cov-
The ramifications are stark and undeniable. As this tech
booming demand, elevating ers converge, the trends reveal a compounding effect as
supercycle unfurls, there will be victors and vanquished,
the prices of commodities reverberating aftershocks influence every other area of
those who seize the reins of this epochal change, and
and assets to unprecedented heights. It stretches across technology and science, as well as all industries.
those who are swallowed whole. For business leaders,
years, even decades, and is driven by substantial and
investors, and policymakers, understanding this tech It’s the convergence that matters. In isolation, trends of-
sustained structural changes in the economy.
supercycle is paramount. fer limited foresight into the future. Instead, the interplay
We believe we have entered a technology supercycle. of these trends is what reveals long-term change. For
In this 17th edition of FTI’s annual Tech Trends report,
This wave of innovation is so potent and pervasive that that reason, organizations must not only remain vigilant
we’ve connected the supercycle to the nearly 700 trends
it promises to reshape the very fabric of our existence, in monitoring these evolving trends but also in cultivat-
we’ve developed. Our research is presented across 16
from the intricacies of global supply chains to the minu- ing strategic foresight—the ability to anticipate future
technology and industry-specific reports that reveal the
tiae of daily habits, from the corridors of power in global changes and plan for various scenarios.
current state of play and lists of influencers to watch,
politics to the unspoken norms that govern our social
along with detailed examples and recommendations de- Our world is changing at an unprecedented rate, and this
interactions.
signed to help executives and their teams develop their supercycle has only just begun.
Driving this seismic shift are the titans of technology strategic positioning. The trends span evolutionary ad-
and three of their inventions: artificial intelligence, bio- vancements in well-established technologies to ground-
technology, and a burgeoning ecosystem of interconnect- breaking developments at the forefront of technological
ed wearable devices for people, pets, and objects. As they and scientific exploration. You’ll see emerging epicenters Amy Webb
converge, these three macro tech segments will redefine of innovation and risk, along with a preview into their Chief Executive Officer
our relationship with everything, from our pharmacists to transformative effects across various industries. Future Today Institute
our animals, from banks to our own bodies. Future Today

TECH BIOENGINEERING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
06 Top Headlines 20 Text-to-Synthetic Compound: 29 Quantum Biology 36 Biocomputing and 43 Durable Biofilms
LLMs Automate Chemistry Cyberbiosecurity
07 State of Play 29 Using the Human Genome Map 44 Cultured Food & Drinks and
20 AI-Generated Proteins 37 Organoid Intelligence Next-Gen Agriculture
08 Key Events 29 Unlocking Bioinformatics Data
21 Generative Biology 37 Training Biocomputers to 45 Lab-Grown Meat Is Going
09 Likely Near Term 30 Sequencing Ancient Genomes
Learn New Skills Mainstream
Developments 21 Simulating Molecular 30 Programmable Gene Editing
Interactions 37 Biological Circuits 45 Synthetic Milk and Cheese
10 Why Bioengineering Trends Proteins
Matter to Your Organization 21 Spatial Biology Improves 31 Bioprinting, Organoids, and 37 Programmable DNA Machines 45 Precision Fermentation
with AI Novel Organisms
11 When Will Bioengineering 38 Using DNA to Store Data 46 Brewing Great Nonalcoholic
Trends Impact Your 23 Gene Editing & CRISPR Beers
32 Bioprinting Electronics 39 Biological Robots
Organization? 24 CRISPR Treatment for Diseases
32 Bioprinting and Tissue 46 Upgrading Photosynthesis
39 Living Sensors
13 Opportunities and Threats
24 Next-Generation Gene Editors Engineering 47 Faster Flowering
40 Cyberbiosecurity
14 Investments and Actions
25 New Editing Tools 32 Fabricating Organoids 47 A Return to Natural Farming—
To Consider 41 New Materials
33 Growing Organoids to Study With Technology
26 In Vivo Gene Editing
15 Central Themes 42 AI-Created New Materials
Long COVID 47 Regenerative Agriculture
26 Cell Therapy 2.0
16 Ones To Watch 42 Modifying Fungi for Building
33 Organ-on-a-Chip 47 A New Wave of Genetically
27 Reading and Sequencing and Packaging
17 Important Terms 34 3D Printed Drugs Modified Foods
Genomes
42 Mycelium Leathers
19 AI and Biology 48 CRISPR Animals
28 Next-Generation Genome 34 Bacterial Nanosyringes
43 Biomolecule-Based Packaging
20 Pharmaceutical Companies Sequencing 48 Genetically Engineered Space
34 Using Viruses to Deliver Big
Invest in AI 43 Intelligent and Active Farming
28 Metagenomics DNA Payloads
Packaging
20 Generative AI Gains Wide 49 Aging, Health, and Beauty
28 Faster Gene Synthesis 35 Minimum Viable Lifeforms
Acceptance 43 Biodegradable and Edible
50 Cultivated Collagen
Packaging

TECH BIOENGINEERING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
50 Growing Blood 57 Engineering Plants for Carbon 64 Posthumous Sperm Retrieval

Capture
50 Growing Sex Cells 64 Gene Editing Ethics
57 Greening Fashion
50 Human Trials of Synthetic 65 Engineering Super Soldiers
Wombs 58 De-Extincting Lost Species
66 Authors
51 Universal Cancer Vaccines 58 Rewilding Barren Terrains 68 Selected Sources
51 Upgrading Embryos 58 CRISPR Mosquitoes 74 About Future Today Institute
Before Birth
59 Reviving Ancient Viruses 75 Methodology
52 Genetic Screening
60 Regulation and Policy 76 Disclaimer
for Pregnancy
61 Regulatory Changes Toward 77 Using and Sharing the Report
52 Biobank Releases
Genome-Edited Crops
53 Microbiome Metrics at Home
61 Regulating DNA Recognition
53 Age Reversal Systems
53 Removing Zombie Cells 61 Safeguarding Genetic Privacy
53 Skin Care and Beauty 62 Defining Parenthood
54 Improving Gut Biomes 62 National DNA Drives
54 Optimizing Recreational Drugs 62 International Collaborations to
Advance Bioengineering
55 Climate and Sustainability
63 Ethics, Trust and Acceptance
56 eDNA Detection
64 Resolving Bias in Genome
56 Using CRISPR for Sustainable Research
Wood Production
64 Ethics in Indigenous Genomics
56 Better Plastics Recycling

TECH BIOENGINEERING
TOP HEADLINES 01 Lab-Grown Meat Is Going Mainstream

Cultivated meat and synthetic dairy are emerging as sustainable and ethical alternatives
to traditional animal products, and in 2024 production will start to scale.
AI breakthroughs are
set to make this year a 02 CRISPR Will Treat Disease
US and UK regulators have approved the first CRISPR therapy, marking a significant
turning point for biotech, step in gene editing’s potential to cure genetic diseases.
CRISPR, and synthetic

biology. 03 Millions of New Materials Discovered
A new AI system from Google DeepMind predicted 2.2 million novel materials, signaling
big changes ahead for batteries, computer chips, and more.
04 AI Transforms Biology Today; Biology Powers Computers Tomorrow

Scientists created organoid intelligence, a new biocomputing field using brain cells for
AI, promising major efficiency gains over traditional computer systems.
05 We Aren’t Prepared for a Cyber-Bio Attack

Cyberbiosecurity has emerged as a crucial unmet need at the intersection of AI and
life sciences, with no formal oversight yet established.

TECH BIOENGINEERING
STATE In the past year, AI breakthroughs have accelerated the convergence of

biology, information systems, and advanced platforms, with the potential
OF PLAY
to fundamentally transform businesses and societies. While today, our
focus is on generative AI, very soon that focus will shift to generative bi-
ology: Here, AI models will decipher the complexities of biology, leading to
the creation of novel molecules, drugs, materials, consumables, and living
organisms.
Our orientation to biology and the living world will change in the near
future as CRISPR products, in the form of novel drug therapies and new
Brace yourself for uncharted foods, enter the market. Soon, we will no longer be constrained by existing
impacts. This could be materials to manufacture batteries, clothing, or buildings.
a breakthrough year for Lab-grown beef, chicken, and fish will scale, making it possible to con-
sume meat without slaughter. Through cellular reprogramming, we could
biotechnology.
start to reverse the aging process. And we’re on the brink of new fertility
treatments that will challenge our ideas about parenthood.
These shifts will fundamentally alter our relationship with biology and the
natural world, but we lack comprehensive policies to navigate them. While
biotech promises to reshape our world, it also presents unprecedented
risks, underscoring the need for preparedness and governance.

TECH BIOENGINEERING
KEY EVENTS
JUNE 13, 2023 DECEMBER 8, 2023 F E B R U A RY 6 , 2 0 2 4
Pushing Limits of Embryo Models FDA OKs Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell GMO Seeds Sold Direct to Consumers
Israeli, UK, and Chinese research teams Casgevy becomes the first approved The FDA gives purple tomatoes, genetically
advance embryo models beyond legal commercial gene-editing treatment enhanced to be more nutrient-dense,
limits, prompting ethical debates. using CRISPR technology. approval for home gardening.
N OV E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 2 3 J A N U A RY 1 8 , 2 0 2 4
AI Unlocks New Material Secrets Universal Cancer Vaccine Trials

Google DeepMind’s AI predicted structures of Cancer patients in the UK receive
over 2 million potential new materials, potentially the first dose of a new mRNA
enhancing technologies like batteries, solar therapy designed to help the body
panels, and chips. Scientists could create around recognize and fight cancer cells.
400,000 of these materials in labs soon.

TECH BIOENGINEERING
LIKELY NEAR TERM DEVELOPMENTS

RAPID ACCELERATION CRISPR’s Emerging Economic Impact Life Extension Backlash Supply Chain Disruption
The rapid integration of artificial intelli- The size of the global market for CRISPR Life extension breakthroughs promise longer In the next year, new materials poised to im-
gence into bioengineering is catalyzing technologies and their associated products is lives for some, yet they will strain social ser- prove shipping’s environmental footprint may
unprecedented innovation. The near projected to exceed $4 billion by mid-decade. vices, pensions, and other support systems disrupt traditional supply and cold chain op-
future will see significant changes to In the US alone, CRISPR could contribute $19 for the elderly, challenging our preparedness erations dependent on outdated tech, posing
traditional industries such as meat, dairy, billion to GDP by 2032. for an aging population. significant threats to established companies.
textiles, and pharmaceuticals, while
advancements should pave the way for
sustainable solutions in carbon capture,
GMO Misinformation Regulatory Pressures Stark Health Divide
plastics recycling, and biodiversity en-
hancement. Near-term breakthroughs in A new GMO backlash looms as public mis- Federal Trade Commission actions spark Biotech will revolutionize health care with
healthcare will lead to cataclysmic, long- information persists, with many unaware fears of stifled innovation due to limits on novel drug therapies, yet their inaccessibility
that the latest GMOs aim to boost produce scaling therapies via acquisitions, while the to developing economies risks creating a
term disruption. Leaders should deepen
and grains with enhanced nutrients, not just US Inflation Reduction Act ushers in a harsh- stark health divide, exacerbating global
their understanding of bioengineering’s modify them for convenience or yield. er pricing climate, impacting the biopharma health inequalities.
vast potential and associated risks, en- industry’s future reimbursement strategies
abling them to spearhead innovation in for innovations.
products and services, streamline pro-
cesses, improve materials, and achieve 11 MACRO SOURCES OF DISRUPTION
cost efficiencies. This convergence also
opens up new avenues for collaboration,
allowing companies to explore untapped
markets and forge strategic partnerships
that can drive forward their competitive Technology Media & Demographics Environment Government Public Health Education Geopolitics Infrastructure Economy Wealth
Telecom Distribution
edge.

TECH BIOENGINEERING
WHY BIOTECHNOLOGY TRENDS MATTER TO YOUR ORGANIZATION
Biotech Is a General Biotech Will Change Advancements Should AI-Bio Convergence Disruption Is on Your Businesses Need
Purpose Technology Your Value Network Result in Optionality Requires New Strategy Near-Term Horizon New Policies
As a modern “general Biotech advancements Advancements in The convergence of Near-term disruptions In response to
purpose technology,” will transform the value synthetic biology, AI and biology will in the traditional bioengineering advances,
bioengineering has the network for businesses. CRISPR, AI, and impact every business. meat, dairy, textile, businesses must develop
potential to influence Without active engineering are opening Leaders will need a and pharmaceutical policies that embody
an entire economy and monitoring, disruptors up new opportunities better understanding of industries are imminent, their values, ethics, and
alter society through may emerge, threatening across health care, bioengineering’s potential with advancements culture, such as the use
political, economic, and established companies’ pharmaceuticals, and risks, so they can offering new options of genetically enhanced
social structures. By capacity to create value agriculture, food and innovate products for carbon capture, ingredients, insurance
2030, most people in and maintain their beverage, beauty, and services, develop plastics recycling, and coverage for novel genetic
developed economies will competitive edge for chemicals, sustainability, processes, enhance enhancing biodiversity, therapies, whether and
have used or consumed market share, investment, energy, and materials materials, reduce costs, signaling a pivotal how to promote genetic
a product created and talent. production. and seek out new partners shift in environmental privacy, and more.
with a bioengineering and customers. management.
technology.

TECH BIOENGINEERING
WHEN WILL BIOTECHNOLOGY DISRUPT YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Forecasted Time of Impact
Medical Devices CO2 Capture Farming Oil/Petroleum Sector Computing
Vaccines Ranching Electricity Life Extension
OTC Medications Health Diagnostics Aerospace Off-Planet Exploration
Poultry Farming Recycling Cold Chains
Defense Chemicals Living Materials
Beauty Fast Fashion
Drug Development Consumer Packaged Goods
Textiles Construction & Building Materials
Luxury Fashion Paints & Coatings
Data Storage
Grain
Automotive
0-4 YEARS 5-9 YEARS 10-14 YEARS 15+ YEARS

TECH BIOENGINEERING
WHEN WILL BIOTECHNOLOGY DISRUPT YOUR ORGANIZATION?
Advancements in bioengineering Scaling Regulations R&D developments

While the pace of innovation is fast across The pace of technology advancement typi- The pace of new research breakthroughs can’t
will disrupt every industry, to some
the spectrum of technologies, it takes time cally far exceeds any changes to regulation. be scheduled to coincide with a board meet-
degree, within the next two decades. for a promising new biotech development to Bioengineering is unique in that regulation ing or earnings report. There are factors that
The Future Today Institute categorizes scale beyond the lab. Scaling requires disci- exists, but products and processes are treat- can improve the likelihood and speed of new
bioengineering as a “general purpose pline, patience, effort, and time. ed differently in every country. Regulatory discoveries (funding, quality and size of staff,
technology.” Like the steam engine and policy uncertainty could accelerate or access to resources). We closely monitor R&D
Costs stifle growth. developments but treat them as wild cards.
and internet before it, bioengineering
Bioengineering research is still costly,
has the potential to influence an
though the price of components, equipment, Media mentions
entire economy and to alter society and materials drops every year. Once a dis- Increased awareness and enthusiasm can
through political, economic, and so- ruptor can make a product cheaper with bio- influence the momentum of a technology,
cial structures. For most industries, engineering rather than traditional produc- even when there’s been no real breakthrough.
it’s not a matter of if these trends will tion, it will push faster into the mainstream. Media bursts related to bioengineering will
disrupt their futures but when. Advancements in technology will eventually drive momentum, especially if those stories
bring down costs of production as we’ve are favorable and—importantly—easily under-
Several factors are driving the mo- seen in other fields, such as computing. stood by the general public.
mentum of bioengineering trends and
Constraints on adoption Public perception
the probable timing an industry will Even if a technology is maturing, constraints How the public understands, and responds to,
be disrupted: on its adoption can hinder its influence in bioengineering advancements will create or
an industry. For example, a business may re- quell demand. This is especially true for food
fuse to adopt an alternative bioengineering and beverage, consumer packaged goods,
technology because it challenges a proven, beauty and fashion, over-the-counter medi-
successful strategy. cines and vaccines, and new therapeutics.

TECH BIOENGINEERING
OPPORTUNITIES & THREATS
Threats Opportunities
There is no alignment on a global framework governing bioengineering. As a In the coming decade, biotech advancements will cause leaders to confront their core
result, you can anticipate geopolitical conflict stemming from the development beliefs about their business models, products, and services. In the meantime, it’s
and use of emerging bio-based technologies in the years to come. imperative that businesses seek out new partnerships, develop new pipelines for talent,
and align stakeholders on the moral and ethical uses of engineered biology.
Unresolved IP and patent issues in biotechnology raise serious concerns about
how patenting practices could hinder biotech development across various Because bioengineering has been evolving over decades, it may seem premature for
countries. action, but its advancements will compound. Like AI, which grew quietly before becoming
essential, bioengineering will soon be integral to operations. Leaders paying attention to
While new agricultural methods may benefit the environment, they pose threats its progress and harnessing strategic foresight can gain first-mover advantages.
to local communities in economies still reliant on traditional farming practices.
Biotech companies always face capital needs, particularly amid sector-wide valuation
CRISPR therapies may not be universally accessible, potentially deepening challenges. Streamlining R&D, general, and administrative expenses—as well as
global health divides and exacerbating current disparities, leading to worsened exploring new financing options, and considering mergers with other biotechs—can help
conditions and future conflicts. them navigate the current market landscape.
Engineering novel organisms and using techniques like germline editing risks Businesses should start exploring white spaces now. Where are the opportunities for
uncontrollable cascading effects in nature, potentially creating invasive species innovation and growth? What might threaten the organization’s ability to thrive? Where
or pathogens, turning a lab accident into an ecological disaster. are there downstream risks to partners or customers? Businesses that seek out and
anticipate near-term developments will gain a competitive advantage.
Generative biology (genBio) will unlock new ways to develop medicines, food, agricultural
systems, beauty and skincare products, textiles, packaging and building materials, and
more. Leaders should develop scenarios for using and scaling these genBio systems,
processes, and products.

TECH BIOENGINEERING
INVESTMENTS AND ACTIONS TO CONSIDER
1 2 3 4 5 6
As companies consider AI’s As VC investment floods As the biotech ecosystem The AI-bio convergence will The uncertain regulatory To stay competitive, com-
impact on their workforce, into groundbreaking bio- evolves, life sciences and spark myriad innovations landscape offers a unique panies must use strategic
they are neglecting to fo- tech platforms this year, other companies will need and demand unprecedent- opportunity for business foresight to understand
cus on future demands for companies must distinguish to undertake a new dig- ed agility from companies. and government to collabo- how the evolving biotech
individuals skilled in both themselves by clearly de- ital transformation that Leaders must empower ratively envision the future. ecosystem could impact
AI and biology. Compa- fining their uniqueness. Also includes AI. This should their organizations to ex- Regulation is reactive. their existing products
nies across various sectors crucial is broadening their include the creation of periment with new prod- Stakeholders can proac- and processes. Leaders
should proactively develop focus from rare to major un- a long-term strategy, an ucts and processes, and tively evolve frameworks to should prioritize moni-
insights into their future met medical needs, ensur- expanded value network ensure that they shape their address safety, update IP toring, acting, and agile
workforce requirements ing a solid value proposition map, and a comprehensive own futures rather than and copyright processes, decision-making in order
and start establishing the to secure crucial VC funding execution plan to stay com- being compelled to adapt align on commercialization to adapt to the AI-bio
necessary talent pipeline for drug approvals. petitive and innovative. to external innovations or strategies, and thwart mis- convergence.
now. react to regulatory shifts. information.

TECH BIOENGINEERING
CENTRAL THEMES
Gene Editing Realizes Its Promise AI and Biology Are Converging Businesses and Governments Aren’t Prepared
CRISPR’s journey to commercial success has been a Increasingly, AI is being used in biological systems. Businesses and governments need to catch up as AI
marathon, not a sprint. For more than a decade, the Scientists are no longer limited by a traditional human and biology converge. Biotech fields are making dis-
gene-editing technology faced many hurdles, from team’s speed: New AI models now accurately predict coveries that not only deepen our insight and create
technical challenges to patent disputes to regulatory biological structures, a capability that will accelerate new options—they also introduce novel methods to al-
approval, slowing its path to practical applications. scientific research that used to take decades. The AI- ter biological systems, with outcomes that remain un-
Finally, in 2023, CRISPR’s promise crystallized with the bio convergence extends into computing itself, and predictable. Such progress presents vast opportunities
approval of Casgevy, a first-of-its-kind therapy for sick- researchers are exploring the creation of biology-pow- for investment and for businesses to meet their ESG
le cell disease in the UK and US. This landmark therapy, ered machines. These innovative systems promise to goals. However, it poses challenges for incumbents
which deactivates a specific gene, highlights CRISPR’s be faster, more efficient, and consume significantly in supply chain management, agriculture, consumer
ability to disable genes with precision. More impor- less energy than traditional computers. Organoid in- packaged goods, health, and biosciences that may
tantly, with government clearance and a real-world telligence aims to use human brain cells in a new type not see their value networks changing early enough to
use case, Casgevy opened the door to a vast array of of computer. Programmable DNA computers execute take action. Cyberbiosecurity is a growing and unmet
possibilities for gene editing and other biotechnology complex operations through molecular manipulation. need, as increasingly companies will need to protect
applications. However, as CRISPR therapies move to- Some researchers believe this fusion of computers and the biotech ecosystem from unauthorized access,
ward broader application, challenges remain: namely, biological processes is the real future of artificial in- damage, attack, and other threats. As new biotech-
the complexity and cost of treatments, accessibility telligence; both are important because they offer novel nologies emerge, a lack of alignment on purpose and
issues, and public trust. Despite these obstacles, CRIS- approaches to problem-solving and unlock new forms policy could result in the situation we see today with
PR’s trajectory toward commercialization marks a sig- of creativity. Biological computers potentially open AI. Without strategic foresight to prepare for the future,
nificant milestone—though the marathon continues. up unprecedented opportunities to improve compute the potential risks associated with biotechnological
power, data storage, and sustainability. advancements could surpass those of AI, underscoring
the urgent need for readiness.

TECH BIOENGINEERING
ONES TO WATCH
Dr. Amy Trejo, director of R&D and responsible Eben Bayer, co-founder and CEO of Ecovative, Josh Tetrick, co-founder and CEO of Eat Just, Dr. Raymond Deshaies, senior vice president
materials innovation at Procter & Gamble, for for innovating business models to integrate for commercializing cultured meat in the US for global research at Amgen, for his work on a
leveraging bioengineering for sustainability in mycelium technology into the production of and Singapore. new frontier of small molecule design via RNA
the consumer packaged goods space. food and materials. degradation.
Dr. Kimberly Smith, R&D chief at ViiV Health-
Dr. Arthur Levin, distinguished scientist at Dr. Emily Leproust, CEO of Twist Bioscience, care, for her work to end the HIV epidemic Dr. Sarah Reisinger, chief science and research
Avidity Biosciences, for engineering a new RNA for breaking new ground in high-throughput through her visionary practices and innovative officer for DSM-Firmenich, for her continued
platform that delivers therapy to previously synthesis and sequencing of DNA. approach to clinical development. work bridging the gap between R&D, technical
inaccessible tissue and cell types. requirements, and commercialization.
Dr. Gaurab Chakrabarti, CEO of Solugen, for Dr. Lisa Dyson, founder and CEO of Air Pro-
Dr. Cheryl Cui, CEO of Bota Biosciences, for decarbonizing the chemicals industry. tein, for her work developing food from carbon Dr. Yin Ye, CEO and executive director of BGI
launching a new type of engine for biological dioxide. Group, for scaling the industrial application
programming and discovery. Dr. Hal Barron, Dr. Rick Klausner, and Hans of cutting-edge biotechnology and genomics
Bishop, founders of Altos Labs, for leading a Dr. Mary Maxon, executive director of BioFu- research.
Chris Abbott, CEO of Pivot Bio, for scaling new effort on cellular rejuvenation program- tures at Schmidt Futures, for developing and
sustainable biotech solutions to meet global ming to reverse the human aging process. leading a new program to maximize the poten-
agricultural challenges. tial of biotech for a circular bioeconomy.
Dr. J. Craig Venter, CEO of JCVI and serial en-
Dr. Demis Hassabis and Dr. Shane Legg, trepreneur, for advancing the fields of synthetic Matthew McKnight, general manager of
co-founders of DeepMind, for their ground- biology and genomic research. biosecurity at Ginkgo Bioworks, for his role in
breaking AI inventions that predict biological advancing biotechnology for national security,
structures and combinations. Dr. Jason Kelly, co-founder and CEO of Ginkgo public health, and pandemic preparedness.
Bioworks, for scaling genetic engineering to
Didier Toubia, CEO and co-founder of Aleph produce bacteria with a wide variety of applica- Niyati Gupta, CEO of Fork & Good, for building
Farms, for achieving the world’s first govern- tions. and scaling new business models in food and
ment clearance to produce and sell cultured agribusiness.
beef. Dr. Jianmin Fang, co-founder and executive
director of RemeGen, for overseeing one of the Dr. Noubar Afeyan, CEO of Flagship Pioneering,
Dror Bin, CEO for the Israel Innovation Author- largest partnership deals between a Chinese for inventing and building platform companies,
ity, for scaling innovation resources in biotech biotech company and a Western company (Se- each with the potential to transform human
and other critical technologies. agen) in history. health and the planet.

TECH BIOENGINEERING
IMPORTANT TERMS
BIOENGINEERING DOMAINS ample: a bioreplacement material that is produced ADDITIONAL TERMS Enzyme
sustainably, at a lower cost than traditional raw A biological catalyst, usually a protein. Enzymes
Innovations in biotechnology are currently defined Cas9 (CRISPR associated protein 9)
materials, and poses no harm to the environment. speed up the rate of specific chemical reactions
by five key areas: biomolecules, biosystems, bioma- A special enzyme that can cut DNA sequences.
in cells.
terials, biocomputing, and biomachine interfaces. Cas9 is part of the “molecular scissors” method
Biomolecules (also known as omics)
Major breakthroughs in one field either reinforces of genome editing made possible by CRISPR.
A group of biological sciences collectively known as Ex vivo
or accelerates breakthroughs in the others.
“–omics,” including fluxomics (metabolic reactions Outside of cells or an organism.
Chimera
Biocomputing in cells), metabolomics (chemical species involved
A living organism created by combining cells from Gain of function (GoF) research
Biology is made up of code—and the goal is to in the reactions in cells), proteomics (the decoded
at least two genetically different organisms. Research intended to modify a biological pathway
harness that code for computing. DNA and RNA can product, or proteins), transcriptomics (the RNA cre-
ated from each piece of genetic code), and genom- in a cell line or organism to enhance or increase
be used as mediums for storing information and Chromosome
ics (the DNA code that drives cellular processes) is certain biological functions.
data processing. While traditional supercomputers A thread-like structure made up of a single length
use a lot of energy, heat up quickly, and require working to analyze the structure and functions of of DNA and found in the nucleus of each cell. Gene
costly cooling centers to function properly, biolog- biological molecules that translate into the func-
The basic unit of heredity.
ical computing systems can perform computa- tion and dynamics of an organism. Learning about CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short
tions without burning excess energy—and they are and tinkering with the engineering of molecules palindromic repeats) Genome
infinitely scalable. (think: DNA, RNA) will lead to new therapeutics and A naturally occurring genetic engineering tool The complete set of DNA that makes up
innovative defenses against novel viruses, as well found in bacteria that can be programmed to target an organism.
Biomachine iInterfaces as alternatives to the ways we currently grow food. specific areas of genetic code and to edit DNA at
Innovative new interfaces are connecting living or- precise locations. Genome editing
ganisms to computers for many different purposes, Biosystems Intentionally altering cells or organisms by
from restoring a stroke victim’s ability to walk to Biology is complex. Scientists are applying engi- DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) inserting, deleting, editing, or otherwise modifying
someday controlling external computers simply neering principles to understand and influence the A self-replicating two-stranded molecule, arranged a gene or gene sequence.
using thought. pathways, connections, and interactions within bias a double helix, that contains the genetic instruc-
ological systems. Developing new processes could tions used in the development, functioning, and Heritable genetic change
Biomaterials lead to new opportunities to modify or even create reproduction of an organism. Altering genes in a way that results in changes
It is now possible to replicate or improve on raw cells, tissues, organs, and potentially complex net- that pass down through generations.
materials using bioengineering technology. One ex- works like respiratory systems.

TECH BIOENGINEERING
IMPORTANT TERMS
In vivo Stem cell
Inside of cells or a living organism. Nonspecialized cells that have the ability to
develop into other types of cells with specialized
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) functions.
Cells that have been reprogrammed back into an
embryonic-like state with the potential to develop Synthetic biology
into other types of cells that can be used for thera- A field of science rooted in both biology and
peutic or reproductive purposes. engineering that seeks to redesign organisms, or
design new organisms, to have new abilities.
Mutation
A change in a DNA sequence.
Off-target effect
Typically an unintended direct or indirect conse-
quence of altering an organism.
Regenerative medicine
An emerging field seeking to repair or replace torn,
defective, or missing tissue using stem cells, engi-
neered cells, or biological processes.
RNA (ribonucleic acid)

A messenger chemical that carries instructions or
translates the genetic code of DNA into structural
proteins.

TECH BIOENGINEERING
AI AND
BIOLOGY

TECH BIOENGINEERING
AI AND BIOLOGY
Pharmaceutical Companies Invest in AI spend roughly $50 billion a year on AI to AI symptom checkers. As genAI technologies evaluations for 12 chemistry tasks. Separately,
Historically, scientists struggled to mine big propel every stage of new drug development, continue to evolve and integrate within the Gabriel Gomes at Carnegie Mellon Universi-
biological data sets for insights using con- from ideation to compound identification to pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors, ty and his colleagues also upgraded GPT-4
ventional statistical tools. With the spotlight clinical trial design and marketing. strategic shifts in how health care and med- with similar chemistry tools—with a twist.
now on AI, drug developers now see they’re ical research are conducted and managed This model is integrated in a remotely con-
Generative AI Gains Wide Acceptance will occur. trolled chemistry lab with liquid compounds
failing to capture the value of their important
asset: their data. AI’s potential to refine the Just a few years ago, the pharmaceutical that could be mixed using robotic arms. They
and life sciences industries weren’t all that Text-to-Synthetic Compound: LLMs asked the system to perform certain reactions
often unpredictable process of drug discovery
Automate Chemistry
is significant, since even marginal enhance- interested in investing in or using AI to by writing in a prompt, which was then exe-
ments can substantially improve the speed automate and improve various processes. While you were asking GPT-4 to write the lyr- cuted by the robotic arms in the lab. But when
and efficiency of developing new drugs. Two Last year, when genAI took center stage, that ics for a rap song about avocados, research- the team asked the system to whip up sarin
years ago, DeepMind’s AlphaFold made a resistance started to fade, especially in the ers have been enhancing the capabilities of gas, the model—mercifully—refused. While
notable breakthrough in predicting protein Asia-Pacific region where genAI startups are large language models to automate compli- AI promises a new pathway to automate the
structures, an advancement that will soon particularly active. Singapore’s Integrated cated tasks in chemistry. One such research- process of synthesizing compounds, it’s not
revolutionize the process of identifying mole- Health Information Systems entered a piv- er is Philippe Schwaller, from the Swiss without potential danger. Public domain tools
cules with therapeutic potential. But the prac- otal partnership with Microsoft and OpenAI, Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, could be used to create something potentially
tical application of AI in drug development which will create a health care–specific GPT whose team gave GPT-4 access to extensive dangerous.
is already underway. AstraZeneca now uses hosted on Azure. Once it’s finished, this databases of molecules, chemical reactions,
reinforcement learning in 70% of its small initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of and scientific research. They call the new AI-Generated Proteins
molecules in development. London-based health care workers by providing valuable system ChemCrow, and they’re using it on a An AI system can now create new types of
biotech startup E-therapeutics uses AI to de- insights and automating tasks. In Japan, wide range of chemistry challenges, includ- proteins that don’t exist in nature. By focusing
sign RNA molecules and algorithms to predict the introduction of an advanced genAI tool ing drug synthesis and cost calculation. on the protein’s amino acid building blocks,
their likely activity, in an effort to thwart dis- is transforming the way doctors process ChemCrow successfully devised a practical researchers can design a protein with special
ease-causing genes. Investment bank Morgan extensive patient interviews. Tokyo-based plan for synthesizing atorvastatin, a drug for properties—like being really tough or flexible—
Stanley projects that within the upcoming Ubie is a startup that makes AI-based health high blood cholesterol. On average, Chem- to make new materials that are like plastics
decade, the pharmaceutical industry could care products, hospital SaaS products, and Crow achieved over 9 out of 10 in human but better for the environment. Recently, ex-

TECH BIOENGINEERING
AI AND BIOLOGY
perts have made AI programs that can guess Generative Biology testing of drug compound candidates. This
the 3D shape of a protein from its amino acid What if it was possible to generate novel new approach circumvents the traditional,
sequence. But figuring out the best amino protein therapeutics using new computa- often prohibitively expensive, methods of
acid sequence to engineer a certain protein tional tools, without having to discover them chemistry-based experimentation. But the
shape is much harder. Researchers from MIT, through trial and error? That’s the promise use of AI in this context is not just a matter
the MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab, and Tufts Univer- of Boston-based startup Generate Biomedi- of cost-efficiency; it marks a transformative
sity used a generative AI model not unlike cines, which trained an AI to invent proteins step in bioengineering. By simulating molec-
DALL-E 2, which generates realistic images with structures that, as far as we know, don’t ular interactions on computers, researchers
from natural language prompts. Then, they exist anywhere in nature. Inspired by DALL-E can rapidly iterate and refine drug com-
adapted the model so it generates amino acid 2, the powerful text-to-image AI system from pounds, significantly accelerating the devel-
sequences of proteins that achieve specific OpenAI, Generate’s platform asks the user opment process. This method offers a more
structural objectives. The researchers used to describe the shape, size, and function sustainable, scalable, and potentially more
this architecture to build two machine learn- of a protein they’d like to see. It then uses accurate alternative to physical testing.
ing models that can predict a variety of new diffusion modeling to generate a structure What’s on the horizon: much faster, cheaper
amino acid sequences that form proteins with the right amino acids folded correctly to R&D. Our analysis suggests that organiza-
meeting structural design targets. Meanwhile, meet the description. Our understanding of tions that adapt in silico molecular simula-
researchers at the University of Washington’s the genome, along with fundamental molec- tions powered by AI will gain a competitive
Institute for Protein Design Baker Lab creat- ular and network mechanisms, is now being edge—and be prepared for knock-on effects
ed a new program, called RFdiffusion, which enhanced by innovative tools that allow us that make up the broader movement toward
allows scientists to upload a 3D model of a to interact with, examine, and manipulate a more innovative, data-driven approach in
cell and use software to identify the most biological systems in new ways. bioengineering and health care.
likely candidates for drug testing. RFdiffusion
A close-up view of fungal hyphae and spore struc-
increases the accuracy as much as 100-fold, Simulating Molecular Interactions Spatial Biology Improves with AI
tures. As AI and biology converge, it will be possible
compared to previous protein design pro- Increasingly, companies are using AI-pow- Spatial biology is a burgeoning field predi- for scientists to iterate on nature’s designs.
grams that didn’t use AI. ered simulations in place of the physical cated on gaining a deeper understanding of

TECH BIOENGINEERING
AI AND BIOLOGY
the human body using computer modeling automation, and sophisticated data analy-
and generative AI. Spatial biology’s core lies sis capabilities researchers will gain from
in examining cells and tissues within their spatial biology will transform our under-
natural 2D or 3D habitats, akin to how GPS standing of life. The full potential of spatial
technology pinpoints locations. It leverag- biology in diagnostics and treatment devel-
es cellular and molecular data to map the opment will usher in a new era of precision
intricate architecture of cells, allowing for a medicine. This represents not just a leap in
much more comprehensive understanding of medical science but also a paradigm shift
cellular interactions in their environment—a in our approach to health care and disease
perspective traditional methods like bulk management.
sequencing cannot offer. Why bother exam-
ining cells in super-high resolution? Because
a closer look will reveal complex cellular
interactions and functions, with the potential
to reach molecular or atomic level insights
as the technology improves. And increasingly,
spatial biology will produce complex data,
and companies will need advanced algo-
rithms to help mine it for insights. The field
is at the cusp of transforming our under-
standing of cellular mechanics and disease
pathology. Just as the James Webb Telescope,
with its super-high-resolution images, is
changing our understanding of the universe,
Emerging biotechnology techniques will allow scientists to create hyphae-like structures for any number
the technological advancements, improved of new purposes.
Image credit: Future Today Institute and Dall-E.

TECH BIOENGINEERING
GENE EDITING
& CRISPR

TECH BIOENGINEERING
GENE EDITING & CRISPR

CRISPR Treatment for Diseases inhibits the production of fetal hemoglobin. Next-Generation Gene Editors
Both the US Food and Drug Administration By disrupting BCL11A, Casgevy triggers the While CRISPR-Cas9 has been groundbreaking
and the UK medicines regulator have finalized production of a stable form of hemoglobin, in enabling precise DNA cutting, its applica-
their groundbreaking approvals of the first alleviating the symptoms of these diseases. tion is somewhat limited to diseases that
CRISPR gene therapy for Casgevy, a thera- The treatment process involves preparing can be addressed by gene disruption. The
py built on the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing the patient’s bone marrow to receive the future of gene therapy lies in more versatile
tool. Casgevy targets sickle cell disease and modified cells and a subsequent period of gene editing tools that offer capabilities
β-thalassaemia, conditions characterized by hospitalization to ensure the cells’ effective such as activating genes, altering individ-
severe pain and the need for regular blood integration. While the treatment is effec- ual DNA bases, or introducing new genetic
transfusions. These approvals will pave the tive, its future widespread use is still in sequences.
way for future CRISPR therapies to potentially doubt. CRISPR therapies are expensive and
difficult to scale, due to the complexity and What’s on the horizon: an expansion of the
cure a wide range of genetic diseases. CRISPR
technological requirements of treatments, CRISPR toolkit, including base editing, prime
technology, which earned its creators Dr. Em-
including the extraction, modification, and editing, and epi-editing. Last year’s regulato-
manuelle Charpentier and Dr. Jennifer Doudna
reinsertion of blood stem cells. In the near ry approval of CRISPR/Cas9 therapies opened
the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 2020, is used
term, this will likely hinder their use in low- a new pathway to help next-gen gene edit-
in Casgevy to correct gene mutations respon-
and middle-income countries. While Casgevy ing technologies enter clinical trials faster,
sible for sickle cell disease and β-thalassae-
could serve as a catalyst for further R&D because the groundwork for navigating the
mia. These mutations affect hemoglobin
in gene editing and potentially transform regulatory and technological complexities of
in red blood cells, leading to serious health
the future of medical treatments, there is a novel gene therapies has now been estab-
complications. To administer the treatment,
pressing need for continued innovation and lished. We are finally moving from ambition
doctors first draw blood-producing stem cells
investment to make such groundbreaking and experimentation to practical application.
from patients and then use CRISPR-Cas9 to In the future, scientists will coax enzymes to
precisely edit the hemoglobin genes. Casgevy therapies more universally accessible. interact with DNA bases to produce more precise
targets the BCL11A gene, which normally molecular activity.

TECH BIOENGINEERING
New Editing Tools

Base editing
First developed in 2016 by Harvard biochemist David Liu, base editing allows for the precise
alteration of individual DNA letters. This technique has shown promise in preclinical studies
for diseases like muscular atrophy and muscular dystrophy. Beam Therapeutics, co-founded
by Liu, initiated the first US clinical trials in base editing for leukemia treatment, with initial
data expected in 2024. Meanwhile, Verve Therapeutics’ in vivo base editing trial for high
cholesterol has shown encouraging preliminary results, potentially revolutionizing coronary
disease treatment.
Prime editing
Also conceived in Liu’s lab, prime editing offers even greater precision, capable of deleting
or adding small DNA segments. As impressive as CRISPR is, it can sometimes change the
wrong genes or accidentally break apart strands of a DNA’s double helix. The refinement to
CRISPR affords more precision and versatility. Prime editing has demonstrated success in
correcting various inherited diseases in animal models.
Epi-editing
Epi-editing is yet another novel CRISPR application that modifies the epigenome to regulate
gene expression without altering the underlying DNA. This approach has already gained at-
tention for its potential in treating diseases by editing gene expression regulatory networks.
Durham, North Carolina–based Tune Therapeutics has shown promising results in gene
Next-generation gene editors will help expand the CRISPR toolkit, enabling scientists to perform more
silencing using epi-editing, and several companies, including San Francisco–based Epic Bio,
precise edits.
plan to commence clinical trials in the near future.

TECH BIOENGINEERING

In Vivo Gene Editing These promising outcomes have also been to specific proteins on the surface of cancer
It is now possible to inject CRISPR compo- replicated in a variant of the disease af- cells. Researchers at the Nanfang College
nents directly into the body and make chang- fecting heart tissues. Though the trial isn’t of Sun Yat-sen University and Huazhong
es to genetic material in vivo, or “within the expected to deliver concrete results until University of Science and Technology (both
living.” Unlike “ex vivo” editing, where cells 2027, its impact is already being felt. This is in China) loaded nanocarriers with a new
are modified outside the body and then rein- the first published instance of CRISPR being set of genetic instructions and successfully
troduced, in vivo editing involves introducing used directly in the bodies of a large group regressed leukemia in a mouse. The second
the gene-editing tools (like CRISPR-Cas9) in of individuals, marking a pivotal moment in technique involves engineering synthetic
the body using viral vectors or lipid nanopar- the field of gene editing. While this clearly gene circuits in order to protect healthy cells
ticles. Practically speaking, this means that means a big leap forward, it also raises con- when delivering cellular therapy. CAR T cells,
treating cancer would no longer require cerns about potential off-target effects and or white blood cells that have been geneti-
traditional chemotherapy—instead, cancer- the implications for germline cells, which are cally modified in a lab to help fight cancer
ous cells would be targeted and edited with critical for reproductive functions. more effectively, can be lethal to cells they
CRISPR. The FDA approved a phase 3 trial by come into contact with, whether they’re can-
Cell Therapy 2.0 cerous or not. A new method of controlling
New York–based Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
and Cambridge, Massachusetts–based Intel- For more than a decade, researchers have cell therapy, using engineered networks,
lia Therapeutics, which was co-founded by Dr. transplanted healthy, viable cells to replace would offer doctors better precision.
Jennifer Doudna. Their therapy, NTLA-2001, is or repair damaged ones. Most notably, cellu-
a groundbreaking one-time intravenous treat- lar therapy has shown promise in helping a
ment designed to target liver cells and specif- person’s immune system fight cancer. But
ically aims to disable a gene responsible for cellular therapy carries associated risks,
a progressive and fatal disease. Early clinical which range from flu-like symptoms to
Cells have complex structures that can be studied
trials of NTLA-2001 have shown remarkable death. The field is evolving, and two emerg- and manipulated using bioengineering techniques.
results, reducing disease-causing protein ing techniques are pushing cell therapy into
levels by up to 93%, with these reductions its next era. One is in vivo cell therapy, which Image credit: Future Today Institute and Dall-E.
remaining stable for at least nine months. helps patients produce cells that can bind

TECH BIOENGINEERING
READING &
SEQUENCING
GENOMES

TECH BIOENGINEERING
READING & SEQUENCING GENOMES

Next-Generation Genome Sequencing offering a new way of reading DNA that’s not in its approach, are pushing the entire field example, metagenomics can detect viruses on
When the first human genome was se- only easier and faster but also more afford- of sequencing forward. food items, like identifying viral contamina-
quenced in 2003, it cost roughly $2.7 billion able and adaptable than what we’ve had. tion on lettuce. This helps trace the source of
Just as the microprocessor revolutionized Metagenomics microbial and viral contamination, improving
and took 13 years to complete. In 2012, it cost
about $10,000 for researchers to sequence computing, shifting us from large, cen- Metagenomics represent a new approach food safety. It’s effective in cleaning up pollut-
a full genome, and today, you can sequence tralized mainframes to personal desktop in a genomic analysis. Simply put: imagine ants, by helping to identify microorganisms in
your genome from the comfort of your home computers, semiconductor technology is metagenomics is like dealing with one box polluted environments that can degrade toxic
for less than the price of a Black Friday TV set to make DNA sequencing much more full of 10 different jigsaw puzzles. In this substances more efficiently than other meth-
deal. The next generation of sequencers will accessible, allowing even small labs and analogy, each puzzle represents the DNA of ods. And it’s being used to identify how mi-
offer a monumental leap forward in speed clinics to have this powerful tool at their a different organism living in a particular croorganisms compete and communicate in
and efficiency, akin to the transition from disposal. This could transform many indus- environment. The challenge of metage- different environments, from human digestive
dial-up to high-speed internet. On the hori- tries, just like semiconductor chips did for nomics is to sort out these pieces and put tracts to deep-sea vents. Israel-based BiotaX
zon: ion semiconductor sequencing, which electronics. Oxford Nanopore makes devices together each individual puzzle correctly. As developed TaxonAI, a platform that can collect,
converts chemical information into digital for nanopore sequencing that relays infor- researchers are considering new therapies or analyze, and predict multiple disease states
data; nanopore sequencing, a technique that mation in real time. Unlike traditional DNA trying to understand how a virus or pathogen and calculate optimal interventions support-
reads molecular letters through tiny na- sequencing methods, where scientists have works, they need contextual data to under- ed by metagenomic AI analysis. Chile-based
no-size pores; and single-molecule real-time to wait until the end of the process to get any stand cause and effect. New metagenomics KITAI’s lab-on-a-chip combines AI, microfluid-
sequencing, which observes the DNA replica- data, nanopore sequencing lets them see tools help scientists solve several puzzles at ic, and metagenomics technologies to identify
tion process in real time. Ion Torrent, made by the results as they happen. This is great for once to understand the diverse range of life biological pests, monitor water sources, and
Thermo Fisher Scientific, automatically turns urgent situations, like identifying harmful forms coexisting in a specific environment. analyze environmental pathogens.
the basic building blocks of DNA (represent- bacteria or viruses quickly. And once scien- This is crucial for gaining insights into how
tists have the information they need, they these microorganisms interact with each Faster Gene Synthesis
ed by the letters A, C, G, T) into a form that
computers can understand (0s and 1s)—and can stop the sequencing. This means labs other, with humans, and with the environ- Synthesis transforms digital genetic code into
it does it right on a tiny semiconductor chip. can clean and reuse their equipment (called ment. It’s a complex task but offers valuable molecular DNA, allowing scientists to design
This method combines straightforward a flow cell), which is both time-efficient and information for various applications, from and mass-produce genetic material. Twist
chemistry with advanced chip technology cost-effective. These methods, each unique health care to environmental science. For Bioscience is a pioneer in the field; it’s formed

TECH BIOENGINEERING
as many as 300 base pairs of DNA, and these diseases at a molecular level. In technology, they had repeating segments or were sim- of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. With this move, NIH is
snippets, or oligos, can be joined together it could inspire new, more efficient ways of ply too challenging to be recognized and targeting colleges and universities with a his-
to form genes. Both the price for oligos and data processing and energy storage. It’s an cataloged. As technology improves, so will tory of serving underrepresented communities
the time to produce them is decreasing— exciting frontier that blends the most basic our ability to map a more detailed version of that haven’t recently received significant NIH
while base pairs are getting even longer and elements of our universe with the complexi- human life on a granular scale. The Telo- funding; the goal is that these centers will
more complex. It now costs an average of ty of life, opening up a world of possibilities mere-to-Telomere Consortium, aptly named enhance the universities’ research capabili-
just 7 cents per base pair—a 22% decrease for innovation and advancement in multiple after what’s called the end caps of chromo- ties and inspire students from diverse back-
year-over-year. Twist’s DNA snippets can be fields. One experiment has already yielded somes, published a new set of papers in grounds to pursue genomics. This initiative,
ordered online and shipped to a lab within results: At the Johns Hopkins University 2022 that identified all but five of the hidden part of the National Human Genome Research
days; the synthetic DNA is then inserted into Applied Physics Laboratory in Maryland, areas of the map. Using various sequencing Institute’s $32.7 million commitment over the
cells to create target molecules, which are the researchers found striking similarities be- technologies, including a novel nanopore next five to seven years, reflects a strategic
basis for new food products, fertilizers, indus- tween an enzyme central to human metab- device capable of reading 100,000 bases at move to diversify the genomics field, recogniz-
trial products, and medicine. olism and a magnetically sensitive protein a time alongside a sequencer with improved ing that diverse perspectives spur creativity
found in birds. This deepens our understand- accuracy, researchers discovered new areas and innovation.
Quantum Biology ing of magnetosensitivity—but in practical for gene evolution. In 2024 and beyond,
Quantum biology is an emerging field that terms, it also potentially transforms our scientists will gain new insights into regions Unlocking Bioinformatics Data
combines quantum physics—the science approach to studying biological navigation of the human genome that haven’t been Rapid advancements in technology and a
of the very small—with biology, the study of mechanisms. fully explored, and that should in turn reveal steep decline in sequencing costs are advanc-
living things. Researchers apply the princi- discoveries about human evolution, longev- ing the use of bioinformatics data. Scientists
ples that govern subatomic particles and to Using the Human Genome Map ity, and resiliency. Meanwhile, the National use this data—biological information stored
understand how living organisms work at a When the first human genome was deci- Institutes of Health has initiated a ground- digitally, primarily focusing on genetic and
fundamental level. For business leaders, this phered two decades ago, it was mostly—but breaking program with an initial investment molecular data—to investigate all sorts of
matters because quantum biology has the not entirely—complete. That’s because of $6.4 million to establish Diversity Centers questions: How do certain diseases affect our
potential to revolutionize various industries. roughly 200 million base pairs of DNA, or for Genome Research at three institutions: bodies at the molecular level? Can we design
It can lead to breakthroughs in medicine, about 8% of the human genome, weren’t yet the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, new medicines to treat these diseases? How
by improving drug design or understanding readable by sequencing machines because Meharry Medical College, and the University do different species evolve and adapt to their

TECH BIOENGINEERING
environments? But there are challenges in high accuracy at a much lower cost. Reading, cently analyzed the DNA of a 10,000-year-old Programmable Gene Editing Proteins
understanding it. Sequencing an individual’s sequencing, and analyzing bioinformatics skeleton found in Somerset, England. The Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of
entire genome now generates a staggering data using technological breakthroughs sequence showed that he likely had dark Technology found that certain eukaryotic or-
100 gigabytes of raw data, a figure that more have practical, real-world applications, such skin and blue eyes, a genetic combination ganisms (like plants, animals, and fungi) have
than doubles post-analysis with the applica- as quickly identifying genetic disorders in that might have been common millennia special enzymes that can cut DNA, similar to
tion of deep learning and natural language newborns or discovering new targets for ago but today is rare. This expansion of the how CRISPR technology works. These enzymes,
processing tools. This will result in a deluge of drug development. genetic diversity map goes beyond modern which seem to be related to some CRISPR pro-
data that experts estimate will need 40 exa- populations, offering insights into how spe- teins, could potentially be used to edit human
bytes for storage by 2025—that’s eight times Sequencing Ancient Genomes cies have evolved and adapted over millen- DNA, which means they could play a big role in
the storage required for every spoken word in Archaeology and genetics are merging, nia. But the impact of aDNA extends beyond future medical treatments and research. One
human history. Genome analysis pipelines hoping to surface new insights about the biology and archaeology; it fosters cultural team at MIT, led by Feng Zhang, focused on
are struggling to keep pace with this explo- history of life on Earth. The field of ancient and political connections, enhancing our systems in eukaryotes called OMEGAs (Obli-
sion of data. The complexity and computa- DNA (aDNA) research is starting to uncover collective understanding of the human gate Mobile Element Guided Activity), which
tional intensity of sequencing analysis, which a wealth of insights, from identifying new journey. Sequencing ancient genomes will could move small bits of DNA throughout
involves myriad steps to identify genetic branches of the human family tree to reveal- help historians develop a more accurate bacterial genomes. They discovered proteins
variations, are monumental tasks requiring ing the genomes of long-extinct species. For understanding of what society might have called Fanzors in various organisms, which
sophisticated technological solutions. example, recent breakthroughs have traced been like thousands of years ago and how are capable of editing DNA. These Fanzors are
the origins of the Black Death to present-day we compare today. As technology evolves, smaller than typical CRISPR proteins, making
Recent advances in deep learning and AI gen- aDNA research not only allows us to revisit
Kyrgyzstan and revealed lost Indigenous them potentially easier to use in therapies.
erally are significantly improving the process the past, it holds the key to unlocking future
populations. The sequencing of ancient ani- Although they’re not as efficient as current
of DNA sequencing, making it faster, more discoveries, making it an invaluable asset
mals and humans, from woolly mammoths CRISPR methods yet, the team has already
accurate, and less expensive. Nvidia, which in the quest for knowledge about the human
to Neanderthals, has provided a genetic improved their performance significantly. This
makes powerful GPUs, is applying AI to both experience.
window into bygone eras. The 1000 Ancient research could lead to new ways of editing
traditional (short-read) and newer (long-read)
Genomes project, led by Pontus Skoglund at genomes more efficiently and perhaps with
DNA sequencing methods. This is making it
the Francis Crick Institute in London, re- fewer side effects.
possible to sequence human genomes with

TECH BIOENGINEERING
BIOPRINTING,
ORGANOIDS,
AND NOVEL
ORGANISMS

TECH BIOENGINEERING
BIOPRINTING, ORGANOIDS, AND NOVEL ORGANISMS

Bioprinting Electronics Bioprinting and Tissue Engineering printed human hearts will be transplanted tive, scientists are creating organoids—tiny
In a groundbreaking development that blurs There is a critical shortage of organ dona- into live pigs to see if they can keep the ani- three-dimensional, multicellular clusters
the lines between biology and technology, tions, and until now, the only path to organ mals alive. Meanwhile, scientists at Harvard grown from human stem cells that resemble
researchers at UK-based Lancaster Univer- transplantation involved matching with a University’s Wyss Institute have developed a complex tissues like the heart and kidney. In
sity successfully 3D printed glowing shapes donor, making sure the recipient’s immune new 3D bioprinting technique for tissue. This December 2023, scientists at Weill Cornell
inside nematode worms, demonstrating the response doesn’t reject the organ, and mit- method creates thick, vascularized tissues Medicine used an organoid model to identify
potential to embed electronics directly within igating the risk of infection. An emerging using living human cells consisting of a spe- a new pancreatic cancer treatment. A month
living organisms. The team leveraged a pho- solution is organ bioprinting, which leverag- cial silicone mold to shape and support tis- later, scientists at the Princess Máxima Cen-
tonic 3D printer and a special ink that shapes es stem cell technology to fabricate organs sue on a chip. In the mold, they first print a ter for Pediatric Oncology in the Netherlands
and activates the material within the organ- tailored to the recipient’s cellular profile, and network of large blood vessel channels with successfully grew tiny brain organoids in a
ism. By feeding this ink to nematode worms, in turn, should reduce the risk of rejection. endothelial cells in silicone ink. Then, they dish from human fetal brain tissue. They also
the team was able to create intricate conduc- Researchers at Stanford University received add another layer with mesenchymal stem revealed that the tiny blobs of tissue could
tive circuits in the form of stars and squares a landmark federal contract from the Ad- cells in a different print. Finally, they fill the be reprogrammed to have certain diseases,
inside the living worms. This technique vanced Research Projects Agency for Health remaining spaces with a liquid containing in order to study developmental disorders or
suggests potential for improving traditional to grow human organs inside of bioreactors, fibroblasts and extracellular matrix, creating brain cancers. Scientists are already exper-
electronic implants, such as pacemakers and which are machines that provide a biologi- a connective tissue that strengthens the imenting with transplantation: In separate
bionic ears, which have transformed medi- cally active environment where cells, tissues, whole structure. Tissues are about 10 times experiments, researchers at Stanford and the
cal treatments but come with their own set or microorganisms can be grown or main- thicker than those made before and can last University of Pennsylvania successfully trans-
of challenges, including infection risks and tained under controlled conditions. The team up to six weeks. planted human brain organoids into damaged
maintenance difficulties. The Lancaster Uni- will grow all the cell types needed to produce rat brains. The organoid made connections to
Fabricating Organoids the rest of the brain and responded to flashing
versity team’s work is part of a growing trend a human heart inside the bioreactor and
in bioprinting electronic implants and com- eventually feed the cells into a bioprinter to It’s difficult and dangerous for scientists light stimuli. This raises both complex ethical
puter-brain interfaces, which could replace fabricate a fully functional human heart. It’s to study how living human tissue responds concerns and, perhaps, fears of a day when
the medical devices we use today. estimated that bioreactors could produce to viruses, medications, or other stimu- super-rats emerge that can process informa-
needed cells by the billions, and eventual- li, because brain or heart tissue can’t be tion as well as humans. This area of research
ly print a heart every two weeks. This year, removed from a living person. As an alterna- is controversial in some countries, including

TECH BIOENGINEERING
the US, where bills introduced into both the to-treat pneumonia by forming biofilms, or processes, and physiological responses.
Senate and in many state legislatures call for thick layers, in our lungs. Understanding how It turns out that these chips are better at
a ban on any research involving fetal tissue, these biofilms develop has been difficult. To predicting real-world responses in humans
even if it was cultivated in a lab. better study this, the researchers grew mini than the animals typically used in the lab.
lung-like structures from stem cells, called Researchers in South Korea developed an
Growing Organoids to Study Long COVID AirGels, that mimic the actual environment artificial nervous system that can simulate
Organoids are being used to research the of our airways, including the presence of a conscious response to external stimuli. It
lasting effects of SARS-CoV-2, the COVID-19 mucus and the air-liquid interface found in includes an artificial neuron circuit, which
virus, in addition to other respiratory diseas- our lungs. The team discovered that Pseudo- acts like a brain; a photodiode that converts
es. Miniature brains, lungs, guts, and livers monas aeruginosa quickly forms biofilms in light into electrical signals; and a transistor
are being grown in high-security labs and connection with lung mucus by pulling the that acts as a synapse. All these compo-
infected with the virus, as are combinations mucus together using tiny, retractable fila- nents are connected to a robotic hand. Think
of different organs to test therapies and the ments, called type IV pili. This study shows of this as “wetware” rather than computer
lasting impacts of long-haul Covid. Scientists that while mucus normally protects our lung hardware. This type of a system could help
at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden infected cells, it can also provide a place for harmful people with certain neurological conditions
brain organoids with SARS-CoV-2 and discov- biofilms to grow. regain control of their limbs. It could even-
ered that brain fog could be caused by the tually be worn or even embedded. Emulate,
destruction of connections between neurons. Organ-on-a-Chip a company that makes OoCs, tested 870
Neurobiologists at the UK’s MRC Laboratory of Picture something like a computer chip human liver-chips across a blinded set of
Molecular Biology in Cambridge used organ- but with a transparent circuit board that’s 27 drugs with known toxicity issues—and
oids to learn that SARS-CoV-2 damages the connected to a biological system pumping the chips did a better job of predicting drug
protective barrier of the brain. Meanwhile, sci- a blood substitute through tiny blobs of safety than the usual methods of studying
Originally intended for manufacturing, 3D printing
entists at the Global Health Institute at Swiss tissue. Organ-on-a-chip systems (OoCs) are drug interactions. A team of bioengineers techniques are being applied for human tissue
Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne synthetic organs made of multichannel, at Harvard made a vagina-on-a-chip using production and printable drugs.
are studying a harmful bacteria called Pseu- three-dimensional microfluidic cell culture donated vaginal cells. The chip successfully
domonas aeruginosa, which can cause tough- technology that promotes organ functions, mimicked the vaginal microbiome and is Image credit: Future Today Institute and Dall-E.

TECH BIOENGINEERING
actually more realistic than other existing to carry out specific reactions. Adding the Bacterial Nanosyringes phaFold AI program to adapt nanosyringes to
models currently used in labs. OoC academic right starting compounds would set off a In an emerging advancement bridging bind to specific human proteins. This break-
research and startups are attractive to both reaction resulting in the desired end product. microbiology and medicine, researchers are through technique has already demonstrat-
venture funding and foundations, which view A decade later, Cronin and his team have 3D transforming bacteria into nanosyringes ed its potential in lab settings, successfully
the technology as foundational to new drug printed a series of connected containers that capable of targeting human cells for precise delivering various proteins to targeted human
discovery. perform a variety of chemical reactions. This protein delivery. This innovative approach, cells and even to neurons in mice.
setup involves 12 different steps, including redefining the boundaries of targeted medi-
3D Printed Drugs filtering and evaporating solutions. By care- Using Viruses to Deliver Big DNA Payloads
cal treatments, could dramatically improve
Drug manufacturing today requires enormous fully adding specific chemicals and liquids the effectiveness and safety of therapies for Bacteriophages, also known as phages,
facilities and doesn’t allow for customiza- at the right times and in the correct order, many different health conditions, including are viruses that infect and replicate only in
tion. Emerging techniques using 3D print- they transformed basic, easily accessible cancer. Some of our most powerful drugs are bacterial cells. They are ubiquitous in the
ing technology could improve the variety of ingredients into a muscle relaxant known made up of small molecules that indiscrimi- environment and are recognized as the most
medicines offered to patients. For example, as baclofen. Additionally, by changing the nately enter cells and cause unintended side abundant biological agent on earth. Last year,
Chinese bioprinting company Triastek devel- design of these containers and using dif- effects. Large molecules like proteins could researchers modified a phage to deliver 20
ops 3D printed medicines and operates the ferent chemicals, they were able to produce offer targeted and potent therapeutic ben- times more DNA to human cells than has
production facilities to manufacture them. other medications, such as an anticonvul- efits, but have one big challenge: they can’t ever been possible before in gene therapies.
Laxxon Medical, based in New York, developed sant and a drug used to treat ulcers and acid get through cell membranes. This is where This breakthrough, led by Dr. Venigalla Rao
3D screen printing technology that results in reflux. But it’s not clear yet if the authorities the bacterial nanosyringes come into play, at The Catholic University of America, could
medicines in a variety of shapes intended for that check drug safety will agree to this new offering a solution already found in nature. unlock new frontiers in cell and gene thera-
oral, transdermal, and implantable formats. Or method of making medicines. Regulators Bacteria like Photorhabdus have evolved pies, enabling complex, multifaceted modifi-
what about printing medicine at home? Back like the FDA would have to change their safe- cylindrical structures that function like mi- cations to human cells in a single treatment
in 2012, Leroy Cronin, a chemist at the Univer- ty rules: Rather than just checking the place croscopic syringes, injecting their contents step. The virus, equipped to carry DNA strands
sity of Glasgow in the UK, published a paper in where drugs are made and the drugs them- directly into targeted cells. Researchers at up to 171,000 base pairs in length, offers an
the journal Nature Chemistry describing “re- selves, they would need to make sure that the Zheng Lab at MIT, led by Joe Kreitz and unprecedented capacity to transport not only
actionware,” which are 3D-printed chemical the new equipment used for making drugs his team, managed to harness this natural large DNA sequences but also over a thousand
vessels containing the components needed actually makes the right medicine. mechanism, using Google DeepMind’s Al- additional molecular components like RNAs

TECH BIOENGINEERING
and proteins. This capability could transition a single-celled organism with even fewer
gene therapy from mere treatment to po- genes—just 473—which made it the sim-
tential cures, especially for complex genetic plest life-form ever known. But the organism
conditions like muscular dystrophy, which acted in ways scientists hadn’t predicted,
have previously been hindered by the DNA producing oddly shaped cells as it self-repli-
size limitations of existing viral vectors. cated. Scientists came to believe that they’d
taken away too many genes, including those
Minimum Viable Lifeforms responsible for normal cell division. They
To understand how new organisms might be remixed the code once again, and in 2021
created, scientists have long pursued devel- announced a new variant, JCVI-syn3A. It still
oping an MVP—minimum viable product—for has fewer than 500 genes, but it behaves
biology. In 2010, scientist J. Craig Venter more like a normal cell. Now, researchers are
and his team announced an astonishing working to strip down the cell even further.
discovery: They could destroy the DNA of an They developed a new synthetic organ-
organism called Mycoplasma capricolum ism called, M. mycoides JCVI-syn3B, which
and replace it with DNA they had written on a evolved for 300 days, proving that it could
computer that was based on a similar bac- still mutate. Researchers at Osaka Metropoli-
terium, Mycoplasma mycoides. They named tan University created a synthetic bacterium
their 907-gene creature JCVI-syn1.0, or Syn- capable of swimming by introducing seven
thia, for short. It was the first self-replicating proteins into it. With minimal genetic infor-
species on the planet whose parents were, mation, the spherical synthetic bacteria are
technically, computers, and the project was thought to be the smallest mobile lifeform
designed to help the team understand the to date. These minimal viable organisms
basic principles of life, from the minimal cell will help researchers design the future of life
Organs-on-a-chip are small devices that have tiny pieces of human tissue inside them, and they are spe-
up. In 2016, Venter’s team created JCVI-syn3.0, from first principles. cially made to keep the tissues working like they would in the human body.
Image credit: Penn Medicine News.

TECH BIOENGINEERING
BIOCOMPUTING &
CYBERBIOSECURITY

TECH BIOENGINEERING
BIOCOMPUTING AND CYBERBIOSECURITY

Organoid Intelligence an sci-fi novel? As the world demands more squares—and after eight sessions, the bac- and the software that operates them. A pro-
In February 2023, scientists formed a new AI applications like ChatGPT, we’ll need more teria played at an expert level. While the bac- gram called DNAr, developed at the Federal
field, called organoid intelligence (OI), which energy-intensive computers and networks to teria haven’t yet beat humans at the game, University of Mato Grosso do Sul in Brazil,
is now considered the next frontier of biocom- crunch all that data. OI might be able to per- there’s an interesting analogy worth remem- simulates chemical reactions, while another
puting. To meet AI’s growing computational form all of those tasks using a fraction of the bering: The benchmarks in computing and called DNAr-Logic enables scientists to design
needs, there’s a shift away from traditional resources required of a traditional computer. specifically in AI have always been gameplay. circuits. A high-level description of a logical
Von Neumann architecture toward more This isn’t the only biological computer. A circuit is then converted into a chemical-re-
Training Biocomputers to Learn New Skills biocomputer called DishBrain learned how to action network, which can be synthesized into
innovative approaches. One is neuromorphic
computing, inspired by the brain’s structure, Scientists at the Spanish National Research play the 1980s video game Pong. DishBrain DNA strands. Dramatically speeding up the
which efficiently handles simultaneous infor- Council genetically modified a strain of E. is made of ~1 million live human and mouse design process for biological circuits could
mation storage and processing. That’s what coli called Marionette so that it could sense brain cells grown on a microelectric array drastically reduce the time it takes to discover
led researchers at Johns Hopkins to create OI, different chemicals and respond to them. that can receive electrical signals. The sig- health treatments and new drugs.
which uses biological materials—most often But that wasn’t all. They modified the strain nals tell the neurons where the Pong ball is,
so its plasmids each encoded for a different and the cells respond. The more the system Programmable DNA Machines
human brain cells—for information process-
ing, leveraging their inherent capabilities be- fluorescent protein (red and green). While played, the more it improved. Cortical Labs In a breakthrough that could redefine comput-
yond silicon-based systems. This represents the researchers could alter the ratio of the is now developing a new kind of software, ing, scientists at Shanghai Jiao Tong Universi-
a significant step in harnessing the brain’s red and green with future chemical inputs, a Biological Intelligence Operating System ty in China unveiled what might be the world’s
natural efficiency for AI applications. Late in without inputs, the ratio would simply stay (biOS for short), which would allow anyone first programmable DNA computer, capable
2023, a biocomputing system made of living constant and, in a way, was a form of mem- with basic coding skills to program their of executing billions of unique circuits. This
brain cells learned to recognize the voice of ory. Here’s where things got interesting: The own DishBrains. Further demonstrations of could usher in a new era where computers
one person from a set of 240 audio clips of team grew the Marionette strain in eight new, simple forms of neural networks made could solve complex mathematical problems
eight people pronouncing Japanese vowel wells that correspond with the outer squares from biology will likely occur this year. and potentially aid in diagnosing diseases.
sounds. The clips were sent to the organoids of a grid and taught it how to play tic-tac-toe. Rather than relying on a traditional silicon
Initially, the bacteria played randomly, but Biological Circuits microchip-based framework, DNA computers
as sequences of signals arranged in spatial
patterns. Why bother inventing technology the Spanish National Research Council team Scientists are in the process of building operate using the very molecules that have
that sounds like it was inspired by a dystopi- trained the strain by adding chemicals to the biological circuits, made of synthetic DNA, been nature’s medium for storing life’s blue-

TECH BIOENGINEERING
prints for eons. After all, biology has a code— Using DNA to Store Data storage method involves converting digital problems. It’s durable, too: Evolutionary sci-
ACTG—not unlike binary code (1s and 0s) in In 2018, scientists from Microsoft Research data into DNA sequences made of the ACTGs entists routinely study DNA that is thousands
conventional computing. But while biology and the University of Washington achieved a (adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine) of years old to learn more about our human
can be expressed in code, DNA is organic—and new milestone: They discovered how to cre- you learned about in high school. The pro- ancestors. In China, scientists at Tianjin
molecules have a habit of moving around ran- ate random access memory on DNA at scale. cess, which takes about eight hours for 1 University stored 445 kilobytes of data in an E.
domly. For that reason, the researchers took They encoded 200 megabytes of data on hu- kilobyte, involves chemically synthesizing coli cell. In the US, Twist Bioscience is making
inspiration from origami and designed DNA man DNA—including 35 video, image, audio, a unique DNA strand to match the desired hyperdense, stable, affordable DNA storage by
sequences to fold into specific shapes, allow- and text files ranging from 29 kilobytes to 44 sequence, then drying and sealing it on a using robots to create a million short strands
ing them to function like parts in a computer, megabytes. In 2021, the team built a molec- chip to protect against oxygen. To access of DNA at a time from microscopic drops of
guiding the flow of data. In experiments, they ular controller and DNA writer on a chip, with the stored data, customers must send one nucleotides on silicon chips. The end result
built a DNA computer with 30 logic gates a PCIe interface. Microsoft used the system of their DNA cards to Biomemory’s partner, will be a tiny, pill-size container that could
and 500 DNA strands, capable of calculating to store a version of the company’s mission US-based Eurofins Genomics. The retrieved someday hold hundreds of terabytes of ca-
square roots and identifying genetic markers statement in DNA: “Empowering each person data, in the form of DNA sequences, is then pacity. Now, a consortium called the DNA Data
of kidney cancer. to store more!” Flash forward to 2024, and emailed back and can be decoded using Storage Alliance is developing an interoper-
Paris-based startup Biomemory has intro- Biomemory’s DNA translation feature. Cards able storage ecosystem using DNA as a data
To be fair, this new DNA computer takes aren’t rewritable—meaning, they can only be storage medium. Founders include Microsoft,
duced DNA cards, a new form of data storage,
hours to perform simple computations and decoded once. as well as Western Digital, Twist Bioscience,
priced at $500. Each card offers one kilobyte
won’t replace regular computers anytime and Illumina. Members of the Alliance, includ-
of storage, equivalent to a short email. This
soon. But the research does hold promise for The Intelligence Advanced Research Proj- ing Los Alamos National Laboratory, Seagate,
could be useful for anyone wanting to save
certain biomedical applications. For example, ects Activity, a group in the Office of the FujiFilm, Dell Technologies, Lenovo, IBM, and
ultrasensitive data. DNA storage is recog-
a DNA machine could detect specific genes Director of National Intelligence, intends to the University of Arizona’s Center for Applied
nized for its remarkable longevity, with a
and respond with a DNA strand that triggers store an exabyte of data—roughly a million Nanobioscience and Medicine are hoping to
potential lifespan of hundreds of thousands
biological reactions, useful in environmental terabyte-size hard drives—in a blob of DNA. A write megabytes of data per second on syn-
of years in optimal conditions, far exceeding
monitoring or disease treatment. What’s next: weird branch of biological science, yes, but thetic DNA that will be readable for thousands
traditional storage devices like hard drives.
cajoling DNA to perform complex algorithms human computing has practical purposes: of years.
(Biomemory’s DNA cards guarantee a mini-
and disease diagnosis. DNA could solve our future data storage
mum lifespan of 150 years.) This innovative

TECH BIOENGINEERING

Biological Robots derstand how defects in the hairlike struc- that don’t already exist in natural organisms.
In 2020, a cluster of stem cells from an tures in our lungs, called cilia, can result in These characteristics will someday enable
African clawed frog served as the base for a diseases. Also in progress: xenobots that can their use as a biorobotics platform for vari-
fortuitous experiment involving a supercom- travel to a damaged spinal cord and repair it ous medical and other purposes. For exam-
puter, a virtual environment, and evolutionary with regenerative compounds. ple, with some modifications, it’s possible to
algorithms. Researchers created 100 genera- build cell clusters that could be dispatched
Meanwhile, another type of living robot,
tions of prototypes before they had a tiny blob to repair damaged tissues within the body.
anthrobots, were developed in 2022 from
of programmable tissue called a xenobot.
donated human tracheal cells. Covered in Living Sensors
These living robots can undulate, swim, and
cilia, these anthrobots harnessed the struc-
walk. They work collaboratively and can even Research is already underway to develop bi-
tures like flexible oars to propel themselves
self-heal. And they’re tiny enough to be inject- osensors that can detect deadly bioweapons
around. When grown in a petri dish, scien-
ed into human bodies, travel around, and— on the battlefield and harmful chemicals
tists discovered the bots could be assem-
maybe someday—deliver targeted medicines. in factories by identifying the presence of
bled into super-anthrobots to perform tasks.
While technically they’re made up of living specific DNA sequences. Researchers at the
A team at Tufts University grew a sheet of
cells, researchers are quick to point out that University of California San Diego created a
human neural cells and scratched a few off,
xenobots lack the characteristics of a tradi- bacterium called Acinetobacter baylyi capa-
to create a defect roughly a millimeter wide.
tional biological life-form. In 2021, xenobots ble of detecting a single DNA letter mutation
With super-anthrobots on the other side,
got a design upgrade and new capabilities. in a gene that’s present in many cancers.
bots catalyzed healing. While some skep-
While before they needed the contraction of With a focus on the microbiome, they en-
tics claim that the significance of biologi-
heart muscle cells to move forward, upgraded gineered the bacterium to detect mutated
cal robots are overhyped—they’re not really
xenobots can self-propel using tiny hairs on DNA sequences while living inside of the gut.
programmable robots after all—it’s useful to
their surfaces. The current crop of xenobots While still very early in development, living
think about this tissue in a broader context. General DNA integrated circuits can solve math
live longer, and they can sense what’s in their sensors could someday be used to detect problems and identify molecular biomarkers, show-
Instead of viewing the cell clusters merely as
environment. They can also operate in robot viral outbreaks in a community’s sewage ing promise that DNA computers might one day
tiny tissue samples for studying human biol-
swarms to complete a collaborative task. Xe- system, cholera in drinking water, and other prove useful for clinical and diagnostic applications.
ogy, they have distinct shapes and behaviors
nobots are being used to help researchers un- pathogens.

TECH BIOENGINEERING

Cyberbiosecurity is no formal governing organization yet. (If
Cyberbiosecurity is a relatively new inter- this sounds somewhat familiar, it’s because
section between biology, biosecurity, and it happened before with AI. More than two
cybersecurity that will soon become a criti- decades ago, there were calls to establish a
cal frontier in the safeguarding of the global similar governing organization for AI. Today,
bioeconomy against burgeoning threats. the regulatory landscape is a mishmash of
As AI continues to mesh with life scienc- different policies often in conflict and hard
es, advancements underscore a dual-edge to enforce.)
potential: On the one hand, we’ll see faster
development of new vaccines, therapeu-
tics, and materials, which stand to promote
economic growth while improving health
and creating more options to battle climate
change. On the other hand, these new tools
could be misused. Technologies with AI-bio
capabilities bear the risk of triggering biologi-
cal catastrophes. As of now, there is no single
body charged with overseeing cyberbiosecu-
rity. The Nuclear Threat Initiative, a nonpar-
tisan global security organization focused
on reducing nuclear and biological threats
imperiling humanity, convened a panel of
This magnified image shows a brain organoid produced in the lab of Dr. Thomas Hartung, a professor of en-
leading experts on synthetic biology, machine vironmental health and engineering at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Whiting
learning, bioinformatics, and international School of Engineering in Baltimore. The culture was dyed to show neurons in magenta, cell nuclei in blue
security policy in January 2024, however there and other supporting cells in red and green.
Image credit: Courtesy Jesse Plotkin and Johns Hopkins University.

TECH BIOENGINEERING
NEW
MATERIALS

TECH BIOENGINEERING
NEW MATERIALS
AI-Created New Materials make better solar cells, batteries, computer able, novel solution for fire retardation within durable, lightweight material that is heat-treat-
Last year, the Google DeepMind team revealed chips, and more. Meanwhile the Lawrence building materials. Researchers at RMIT ed to halt growth, yielding a completely natural
its Graphical Networks for Material Explo- Berkeley National Laboratory created a new University in Melbourne, Australia, have used and compostable packaging solution. It’s an
ration (GNoME)—a sort of AlphaFold, but for autonomous lab using GNoME called A-Lab. this technology to develop a new biological eco-friendly alternative to conventional styro-
new materials. Remarkably, it predicted the It uses a materials database, incorporates material for fire retardancy. Unlike asbestos, foam or bubble packaging.
structures of 2.2 million new materials, and findings from GNoME, and employs ma- which has terrific fire retardant properties
chine learning along with robotic arms to but releases harmful particles upon com- Mycelium Leathers
some 700 have already been created in labs
for testing. GNoME has significantly expanded create new materials autonomously, with- bustion, engineered mycelium are safe and Besides fire retardancy and packaging, luxury
the repository of stable materials to 421,000, out human intervention. A-Lab was able to effective. Fire retardant sheets are grown and companies are eying mycelium as an alter-
a nearly tenfold increase, showcasing its synthesize 41 out of 58 proposed compounds then layered into protective mats only a few native to leather. Hermès created a myceli-
efficiency in identifying viable new materials. over 17 days, showcasing a much faster pace millimeters thick. This innovative fabrication um version of its classic luxury Victoria bag,
Here’s why this is significant: the tradition- of material creation compared to traditional process results in a material that not only while Adidas launched a pair of Stan Smith
al methods used to discover new materials labs. This efficiency is critical in a field where delays the ignition of building components, shoes made out of the leather alternative. Bolt
involve experimenting with element combina- experimentation can otherwise be dauntingly but also exhibits a unique fire response Threads and Ginkgo Bioworks announced a
tions from the periodic table, a slow, tedious, slow. AI will significantly enhance the pro- mechanism. In case of a fire, the mycelium multi-project collaboration to optimize the
and inefficient process. DeepMind uses cess of discovering and creating new materi- sheets momentarily ignite, discharging water production efficiency of mycelium leathers
two deep-learning models instead: the first als, which will ultimately lead to better solar vapor and carbon dioxide, thereby reducing and to develop novel proteins for biomaterials.
generates structures by tweaking existing cells, batteries, computer chips, and more. the oxygen available for the fire to sustain Research and Markets, a provider of data and
materials, while the second predicts material itself. This reaction culminates in the forma- analysis, forecasts that the global market for
Modifying Fungi for Building and Packaging tion of a carbonaceous layer, which effectively synthetic leather materials could approach
stability based purely on chemical formulas.
This dual-model strategy broadens the search In an era marked by escalating fire risks to stops the propagation of flames. New York– $67 billion by 2030. Meanwhile, the market for
for new materials. GNoME’s role is to evaluate residential structures, synthetic biology may based Ecovative is also harnessing fungi bio-based leather, which comprises materials
these candidates, focusing on their decompo- help enhance the safety of buildings. Ultra- in its Mushroom Packaging, using organic of natural origin, was valued at approximately
sition energy to determine material stability, thin sheets can be made from the expansive, waste and mycelium grown in custom molds $650 million in 2021, according to Polaris Mar-
a crucial factor for engineering applications. root-like networks beneath mushrooms without light, water, or chemicals. This pro- ket Research. Until now, there have been many
Newly discovered materials can be used to known as mycelium—and they may be a scal- cess takes five to seven days and results in a leather alternatives made from plastics such

TECH BIOENGINEERING
NEW MATERIALS
as polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride, common- Intelligent and Active Packaging color when the product is no longer safe to Durable Biofilms
ly referred to as PVC, leading to the somewhat Active packaging works by incorporating consume, giving consumers a clear, visual A biofilm is essentially a community of bacte-
disparaging nickname “pleather.” Mycelium substances like antimicrobials and antiox- signal about the state of their food. ria living together in a structured formation.
offers a viable, sustainable alternative. idants directly into the packaging to extend While biofilms can be beneficial, such as
Biodegradable and Edible Packaging
the food’s shelf life and enhance its safety in treating wastewater, they can also cause
Biomolecule-Based Packaging Smart packaging will drive agricultural
and taste. For example, a company might significant problems, including damaging
Packaging made from natural materials like use packaging with built-in antimicrobials advances and investment. Biopolymers such infrastructure through corrosion and being
plants or proteins is biodegradable and safe to keep bread fresher for longer by prevent- as polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids can involved in up to 60% of infectious diseases.
for the environment. However, single-material ing mold growth. Intelligent packaging, on be used to fabricate edible films or coatings Bacteria in biofilms become tougher, harder to
packages can have drawbacks, so research- the other hand, includes smart indicators as packaging. Rather than throwing away remove from surfaces, and more resistant to
ers are mixing different natural substances that show changes in the food’s condition, your strawberries’ packaging, you can eat the antibiotics compared to their solitary counter-
to make stronger, better packaging. Depend- such as freshness, quality, or safety. These wrapping. University of Minnesota research- parts. Researchers at the University of Roches-
ing on the food and storage method, these indicators can react to environmental ers are developing polymers that self-de- ter have developed a method to create bio-
eco-friendly packages can protect food by changes like temperature, humidity, or the struct or “unzip” when exposed to light, heat, films through 3D printing. They’ve genetically
keeping out germs, preventing spoilage, and presence of certain gasses. Researchers at or acid. Saltwater Brewery designed biode- modified bacteria to produce biofilm compo-
reducing water loss, among other things. the NOVA School of Science and Technology gradable and edible plastic rings for six- nents, allowing these bacteria to be printed in
There’s also a new type of packaging that in Portugal are developing bio-based sensors packs of beer—so sea turtles can eat them a hydrogel. This process forms biofilms with a
includes natural preservatives to keep food made from natural extracts and biopolymers rather than get tangled in them. Infarm cre- dense network that mimics natural biofilms’
fresh longer by stopping bacteria growth or that can act as smart food packaging, with ated a renewable plastic that folds around structure. The technique offers precise control
preventing the food from going bad. Another indicators showing various factors such as objects. It uses seaweed-based agar-agar gel over the bacteria’s distribution and density,
innovative idea in development is “smart” freshness. Eventually, this could mean the to grow microgreens and herbs that don’t enabling detailed studies on biofilm behav-
packaging that changes color or shows signs end of expiration dates, which aren’t actu- need water. At the end of 2022, Prince Wil- ior and the creation of biofilms with specific
to indicate how fresh the food is, helping ally connected to whether food is spoiled liam awarded a $1.2 million Earthshot Prize patterns for various applications, opening up
everyone from producers to consumers keep or fresh. Expect to see meat packaging that to Notpla, a startup that uses seaweed to a wide array of practical applications in man-
track of food quality. changes color if the meat starts to spoil, produce naturally biodegradable packaging. ufacturing, supply chain, transportation, food
or a milk carton with a label that shifts and beverage, and beyond.

TECH BIOENGINEERING
CULTURED
FOOD & DRINKS
AND NEXT-GEN
AGRICULTURE

TECH BIOENGINEERING
CULTURED FOOD & DRINKS AND NEXT-GEN AGRICULTURE

Lab-Grown Meat Is Going Mainstream startup ecosystem. Israel is a global leader developed by Beyond Meat and Impossible Israeli company, has established a large-scale
There is growing interest in cultivated meat, in the cultured meat sector, with groups Foods, cell-based meat cultivation results in production facility in Denmark dedicated to
which is produced from animal cells in a lab like Aleph Farms, which got regulatory muscle tissue that is molecularly identical manufacturing cheese, yogurt, and ice cream.
or biomanufacturing plant, which offers an approval to sell cultured steaks, and Steak- to animals grown for our consumption—and Nestle and Danone, two of the world’s largest
environmentally friendly (and, let’s face it, holder Foods, which teamed up with Singa- in some cases, improved. Lab-grown meat food and beverage corporations, have been on
animal-friendly) alternative to traditional pore-based Umami Meats to produce fish also doesn’t require the hormones and anti- an acquisition spree, buying lab-grown dairy
meat production. Concerns about food secu- filets without contributing to the overfishing biotics used at conventional facilities. startups around the world. In the next few
rity underline this push into bloodless meat of declining fish stocks. On the infrastruc- years, the focus will be on scaling cultured
ture side, Turkey-based Biftek is working on Synthetic Milk and Cheese dairy operations and lowering costs of produc-
cultivation. Late in 2020, Singapore approved
a competitor to the slaughterhouse by allow- new technologies and serums to reduce the Synthetic milk is coming. It’s a promising tion. New Culture, which makes animal-free
ing a bioreactor—a high-tech vat for growing cost of lab-grown meat, and in Mexico, Micro substitute for cow’s milk, offering a similar cheeses for pizza that stretch, melt, and of
organisms—run by a US company to produce Meat creates technologies to scale up pro- taste, look, and texture that plant-based course, taste like what you’d find at your
cultured chicken nuggets for its residents. duction. In Israel, MeaTech uses 3D printing options like oat, nut, and soy milks don’t favorite local restaurant, upgraded its fermen-
The company, Eat Just, manufactured chicken to produce whole cuts of cell-based meat, match. Hailed as the milk of the future, tation process last year. It can produce 25,000
in bioreactors using cells taken from healthy, while Israel-based SuperMeat has developed synthetic milk is considered an eco-friendly pizzas’ worth of cheese in a single run.
live chickens. In 2023, the company opened what it calls a “crispy cultured chicken.” Sev- choice that could disrupt the dairy sector
eral startups are bringing cultured meat to and potentially disadvantage small-scale Precision Fermentation
a 30,000-square-foot facility in Singapore,
and its bioreactors now have the capacity market. Finless Foods, based in California, is dairy farmers. Synthetic cow’s milk is culti- Precision fermentation is an advanced version
to produce tens of thousands of pounds of developing cultured bluefin tuna meat, from vated by artificially reproducing the proteins of a very old technology: brewing. For hundreds
slaughter-free meat. By 2030, Eat Just plans the sought-after species now threatened by in casein and whey. Casein genes are added of years, it’s been used to multiply microbes
for cultured meat products to cost at or lower long-standing overfishing. Other companies, to yeast and other microflora to produce to create specific products, from beers to
the current price points for chicken, beef, and including Mosa Meat (in the Netherlands) proteins, which are purified and transformed medicines. Today, precision fermentation can
pork. Its successful entry into Singapore, a and Upside Foods (in California, formerly using plant-based fats and sugars. Perfect be used for a host of purposes. Food technol-
highly regulated country that’s also one of the known as Memphis Meats) are cultivating Day makes lab-grown dairy products—yogurt, ogists can use genome sequencing and gene
world’s most important innovation hotspots, meats in factory-scale labs. Unlike the exist- cheese, and ice cream—that are now sold in editing as part of a precision fermentation
is accelerating interest in cultured meat’s ing plant-based protein meat alternatives thousands of US grocery stores. Remilk, an process, which results in microbes engineered

TECH BIOENGINEERING
for specific purposes. For example, feeding process early to avoid creating alcohol, or Upgrading Photosynthesis
engineered microbes into a precisely tuned they let the beer ferment and then remove Genetically modifying crops with upgrades
fermenter could create synthetic coconut oil or the alcohol. Both methods tend to remove could dramatically increase crop yields with-
palm oil. Genetically altered microbes, which the hop aromas, which are important for out needing to increase the other resources
are already in use to produce plant-based meat making beer smell good. But biotech startup required for cultivation. Researchers are
substitutes, could soon form the basis for non- EvodiaBio seems to have found a solution. working on a number of projects that would
dairy cheeses. With more consumers seeking Its scientists developed a method to create increase photosynthesis—the biological
out vegan options and climate change impact- monoterpenoids, the compounds respon- process green plants and some organisms
ing dairy production, Nestle, Danone, Mars, sible for the hoppy flavor, and add them to use to harness sunlight to produce energy
General Mills, and Unilever are developing pre- beer after brewing, restoring the flavor that out of CO2 and water. Simply over-exposing
cision fermentation platforms to meet future usually gets lost. By using baker’s yeast cells plants to sunlight doesn’t have the same ef-
supply chain constraints and market needs. as tiny biofactories, the team can generate fect—more light can damage cells unless they
Precision fermentation can also produce new these hop aromas in fermenters, avoiding turn on a biological system called quenching
forms of stabilizers and preservatives. the waste of expensive hops that typically that’s capable of flushing out the excess en-
lose their flavor during the brewing process. ergy. On cloudy days, plans turn off quenching
Brewing Great Nonalcoholic Beers This approach not only enhances the taste to retain the excess energy, but the process
People are becoming more interested in of nonalcoholic beer but is also much more of turning quenching on and off is time-con-
healthier, more responsible ways of drink- eco-friendly compared to using tradition- suming, unpredictable, and inefficient. Scien-
ing, leading to a big increase in nonalcoholic al hops. For example, in the US, aroma hop tists hope that with genetic engineering, they
beers. But anyone who’s tried a nonalcoholic farming happens mainly on the West Coast— can speed up the quenching process, which
beer will be quick to complain that it doesn’t which means that anyone outside the area would lead to more efficient photosynthesis.
taste or smell as good as beer fermented the must rely on an extensive transportation In 2022, modified soybean plants were shown Bioluminescent Firefly petunias give off an eerie
traditional way: The beers typically lack the and refrigeration cold chain, not to mention to yield 20% more thanks to a jacked-up glow in the dark.
pungent, hoppy smell and can leave an odd the considerable amount of water needed photosynthesis system. Researchers are also
aftertaste. The reason has to do with how they for cultivation (about 2.7 tons of water to working on cowpeas and rice. Image credit: Light Bio
are made. Brewers either stop the brewing produce just 1 kilogram of hops).

TECH BIOENGINEERING

Faster Flowering wash away or evaporate. Healthy soil, full of resistance to flooding and drought. In 2017, the US, 91% of domestic corn production used
Using the CRISPR gene-editing tool, research- microbes like bacteria and fungi, naturally the Rodale Institute launched the Regen- these herbicide tolerant seeds. So, it’s under-
ers at the University of Georgia Warnell School supports plant growth by recycling nutri- erative Organic Certified program to start standable that people are wary of a new crop
of Forestry and Natural Resources and at ents, but chemicals can harm this balance. creating an official standard. It builds on the of GMOs. But the promise of supercharged
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences figured Synthetic biology offers a solution. Pivot Bio, USDA certified organic seal by adding soil foods enhanced to produce additional nutri-
out how to make trees mature faster. They a biotech company, has developed a way to health, animal welfare, and human rights ents—rather than modified to respond to a
used CRISPR to edit a flower repressor gene enhance a soil microbe’s ability to supply requirements. General Mills announced that particular fertilizer or pesticide—may change
and drastically shortened the time it takes a nitrogen directly to plants, offering a steady it would accelerate regenerative agriculture people’s minds. Biofortified foods are genet-
poplar tree to flower—from 10 years down to and environmentally friendly source of this by dedicating a million acres of farmland ically enhanced to provide a denser dose of
just three months. It would typically take the crucial nutrient throughout the growing sea- to it by 2030. Meanwhile, several brands, nutrients. California-based Fresh Del Monte
plant a year to develop the systems to even son without genetic modification from other including Patagonia, Timberland, Allbirds, created a pink pineapple that’s been modified
produce flowers, and the team engineered the organisms. Gucci, and Balenciaga, have launched efforts to have a higher level of lycopene, an antioxi-
plant to mature in just a few days. The prom- to promote regenerative agriculture. dant that gives peaches, tomatoes, and water-
Regenerative Agriculture melon their rosy hues. Early in 2024, the Purple
ise of this research is an accelerated time
Regenerative agriculture describes farm- A New Wave of Genetically Modified Foods Tomato, developed by Norfolk Plant Sciences,
frame for tree breeding, as well as to enhance
the natural defenses of trees from extreme ing and grazing practices that rebuild soil A recent Pew Research study showed that was approved to be marketed directly to home
heat, cold, and drought. organic matter and restore degraded soil most Americans see food using genetical- gardeners. It was the first time that genetical-
biodiversity. There’s a clear need for this ly modified organisms as worse for their ly modified foods were available to noncom-
A Return to Natural Farming—With Technology technology-led practice: Decades of using health than a food that has no genetic mercial producers in the US. The tomatoes
Farming faces a big challenge: how to provide chemicals, salt-based fertilizers, carbon modification at all, while just 7% see them are bright purple thanks to color genes from
plants with nitrogen to feed more people with- mining, and harsh insecticides deplete soil. as healthier than other foods. GMOs have a a snapdragon flower that were added to the
out harming the environment or reducing crop Planting multiple types of crops together, public perception problem because some of plant. They’re not only unusual looking, they
sizes. Nitrogen is essential but expensive, and rotating crops, cutting back on tilling, and the earliest modified crops (corn and soy- have high levels of anthocyanin, which has
the usual synthetic fertilizers cause pollution reducing reliance on harsh chemicals can beans) were genetically changed to tolerate antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory,
and contribute to climate change. They’re revitalize depleted soil, leading to improved herbicides like glyphosate, which sells under antimicrobial, and anti-obesity effects and is
also not very reliable because they can easily yields, nutrient-rich crops, and improved the brand name Roundup, and last year in used to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

TECH BIOENGINEERING

CRISPR Animals Genetically Engineered Space Farming
CRISPR is making farmed animals bigger, Growing plants in space, on the moon, and
stronger, and (hopefully) healthier. Research- Mars is important for keeping astronauts
ers at Auburn University in Alabama intro- healthy and happy. NASA has been looking
duced a gene from alligators into catfish, not into this for years, focusing on building the
aiming to give the catfish alligator charac- right equipment to grow plants, choosing the
teristics, but rather to boost their ability to best types of plants for space nutrition, and
resist diseases. This is because alligators studying how plants react to being in space,
are exceptionally good at warding off infec- including how they interact with microbes. Re-
tions, and a slight increase in resilience could cent advances in gene-editing technology, like
significantly impact fish farming. Currently, CRISPR and other tools, have made it easier
about 40% of fish raised in farms globally to tweak plant genes for space needs. These
don’t survive until harvest, so reducing even a tools, along with new ways to deliver gene-ed-
fraction of this loss could be transformative. iting materials to plants and the use of big
Scientists in Japan used CRISPR to modify the data and machine learning to analyze plant
myostatin gene in red sea bream, resulting in genes, are opening up possibilities for creating
fish that are larger and heavier by about 17% plants that can thrive in space. Looking ahead,
compared to nonmodified fish, even though experts believe it’s crucial to focus on using
both groups were fed the same quantity of these technologies to develop plants that meet
food. Researchers have long experimented the specific needs of space missions, mak-
with CRISPR on animals, and so far have used ing space agriculture more sustainable and
it to create super-muscly pigs, cattle, sheep, effective. Space agriculture is quickly becom-
rabbits, and goats. But most animals did ing a multibillion-dollar industry. NASA and Researchers in China created double-muscled pigs by introducing a mutation into the pigs’ genetics that
not live past infancy, and, somewhat weirdly, Germany’s space agency are now investing in keeps the muscles developing beyond the point they would naturally. Note: this image is AI-generated, and
many developed unusually large tongues. a variety of space agricultural projects that does not show a live animal.
could someday support off-planet habitats.

TECH BIOENGINEERING
AGING, HEALTH,
AND BEAUTY

TECH BIOENGINEERING
AGING, HEALTH, AND BEAUTY

Cultivated Collagen Growing Blood go longer between treatments. After that, quick and relatively painless). Those cells are
Israel-based Aleph Farms has already brought For people who live with rare blood types researchers will set their sights on manufac- turned into stem cells, grown in a medium
cultured steak to market. Their next goal: (AB negative, AB positive, B negative) or who turing lab-grown blood for rare blood types that resembles what would exist in a human
cell-cultured collagen, which is part of a have blood disorders, acquiring blood for that don’t typically have large donor pools. womb, and developed into precursor sex cells,
broader strategy to replace the entire cow. surgery or a transfusion can mean the dif- which mature into sperm or stem cells. Then,
Growing Sex Cells once IVF kicks in, those cells are used to create
The company is developing a way to produce ference between life and death. For decades,
collagen directly from cow cells, avoiding the scientists have attempted to grow blood Last year, Dr. Katsuhiko Hayashi from Osaka an embryo. One or more of the healthiest em-
need to raise and harvest livestock. Tradition- cells in a lab at scale, but until recently, the University successfully created eggs from bryos are then implanted into the uterus and,
ally, collagen is derived by boiling cow hides process has failed to produce enough blood cells harvested from male mice, with the if all goes well, develop into a healthy, viable
and bones, a process used across various cells to make an impact. But late in 2022, eventual goal of developing new fertility fetus. The idea is that someday soon, couples
industries. Aleph Farms will use techniques scientists at the National Health Service treatments. The process begins with taking a suffering from infertility or individuals who
from its steak production, such as bovine cell Blood and Transplant in the UK announced skin cell from a male mouse and converting desire to have a baby without a partner would
sources and a growth medium free of ani- that they had grown red blood cells in a lab it into a stem cell, which has the potential to have access to a reliable fertility treatment.
mal components, to create different types of and successfully transfused them into a develop into various cell types. Since these
cells are male, they carry XY chromosomes. Human Trials of Synthetic Wombs
collagen that are identical to those found in living person, a world first. It took 500,000
nature. This cultivated collagen will include a stem cells to generate 50 billion red blood The team then removes the Y chromosome, Researchers at the Children’s Hospital of
full range of proteins found in the extracellu- cells, which then needed to develop. (In a replicates the X chromosome, and combines Philadelphia (CHOP) created an artificial womb
lar matrix, which makes up skin, bones, and healthy adult, 50 billion red blood cells rep- the two X chromosomes—a modification that called a biobag and used it to successfully
joints. There are other startups now working resents about 1% of their total blood volume.) enables the stem cell to develop into an egg. keep premature lambs alive and developing
on collagen cultivation, too. Jellatech, a North Last year, the same researchers transfused Hayashi’s work builds on groundbreaking re- normally for 28 days. Now, CHOP researchers
Carolina–based startup, created a full length, red blood cells that were grown in a lab into search from fellow Japanese scientist Shinya are seeking approval to begin the first human
triple helical, bio-identical and functional another person requiring that blood. This Yamanaka, who in 2006 showed that it was clinical trials for a device they’ve developed,
human collagen made from its proprietary technique is a pioneer in transferring lab- possible to make gametes derived from called the EXTra-uterine Environment for Neo-
cell line. grown cells to another person as a part of a human-induced pluripotent stem cells. Ya- natal Development, or EXTEND. The team has
blood transfusion. Going forward, patients manaka’s process includes harvesting cells clarified that this technology is not designed
who need regular blood transfusions could from a skin biopsy or blood sample (both or capable of supporting the full spectrum of

TECH BIOENGINEERING
development from conception to birth, but this treatment is for people who have already analyses to develop custom mRNA vaccines, hope to make accurate gene-based predic-
is intended to increase survival and improve developed a tumor.) Called mRNA-4359, the which encode protein-containing mutations tions about an individual’s future. SNPs are
outcomes for extremely premature babies by treatment contains a molecule that can relay unique to the tumor. The immune system important markers of genomic variants at a
replicating a natural womb environment. The instructions to cells. It works by directing uses those instructions to search and single base position in the DNA—and these
FDA is still working with independent advisers cells to produce proteins typically found on destroy similar cells throughout the body, single letter changes to our genetic code are
to determine regulatory and ethical consider- the surface of solid cancer tumors. Once which is similar to how the Covid vaccines contributors to conditions like diabetes. If
ations for synthetic wombs and ethical con- these proteins are made, they are introduced work. BioNTech is running clinical trials for SNPs were read in vitro, before embryos were
siderations for what human trials could look to the immune system, training it to recog- personalized vaccines for many cancers, implanted, they could reveal whether that ge-
like. Other teams around the world are devel- nize and attack cancer cells. including ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and netic combination had a higher probability of
oping similar devices, while bioethicists are melanoma. Moderna is developing similar developing diabetes or even heart disease. If
This vaccine is classified as a “universal”
working out the broader implications. What cancer vaccines and announced that its per- an embryo were edited using CRISPR, embryos
cancer vaccine, meaning it is premade and
if synthetic wombs aren’t available to low- sonalized cancer vaccine, when combined could also be optimized with the best possible
can be administered to patients with certain
er-income people? How might they factor into with Merck & Co.’s immunotherapy treat- traits, given the raw genetic material. Theoret-
types of cancer straight from the shelf. In
debates over reproductive rights? And what if, ment Keytruda, cut recurrence and risk of ically, parents could influence myriad traits
contrast, other mRNA cancer vaccines being
further in the future, they eliminate the need death of the most deadly skin cancer com- for their offspring, including hair texture,
developed are customized based on the indi-
for a person to carry a pregnancy at all? pared with immunotherapy treatment alone. resistance to a virus such as HIV, or protection
vidual patient’s cancer, such as a pancreatic
In the trial, the mRNA vaccine revved up the against Alzheimer’s disease. This intervention,
Universal Cancer Vaccines cancer vaccine that uses genetic material
immune response. like the gene drive edit to make mosquitos
from the patient’s own tumors for a more
Early in 2024, the first patient in the UK re- unable to transmit malaria, would have a
personalized approach. Upgrading Embryos Before Birth
ceived a dose of a cancer vaccine as part of permanent, heritable effect. It could eradi-
a larger clinical trial. Designed to treat sol- Long before they were making Covid vac- Researchers are developing a new tech- cate certain diseases passed from parents to
id-state tumor cancers, such as melanoma, cines, both Moderna and BioNTech were nique that might someday enable people children, and in the process improve the entire
this application of immunotherapy harness- researching immunotherapies for cancer. to optimize their children’s genes before gene pool.
es the immune system to fight cancer cells. After analyzing a tissue sample from a can- birth. Using algorithms to understand the
(“Vaccine” is a bit confusing here, since most cerous tumor, the companies ran genetic tiny variations in DNA—single nucleotide
vaccines are designed for prevention, while polymorphisms, or SNPs—these researchers

TECH BIOENGINEERING

Genetic Screening for Pregnancy aim to clarify that the FDA has the authority cal research projects last year. This extensive
Genetic screening tests promise a kind of to regulate the noninvasive prenatal tests collection of sequences offers an invaluable
prenatal fortune-telling: Many companies developed and used by individual laborato- tool for exploring the genetic foundations
say they can predict the health outcomes of ries. These tests have rapidly evolved from of human health and various diseases. Labs
growing embryos. California-based MyOme niche laboratory trials to a major indus- worldwide have the opportunity to access
and New Jersey–based LifeView use the ge- try; over a third of pregnant women in the these data sets, with the UK Biobank having
netic sequences of parents, along with cells US receive a simple blood test in the first granted approval to over 30,000 researchers
retrieved during a biopsy, to generate an trimester to check for fetal genetic abnor- from around 90 countries to date. Scientists
embryo’s entire genome. Next, they use algo- malities. While these tests are highly reliable have published more than 9,000 peer-re-
rithms to calculate the probabilities of cer- for detecting common genetic conditions viewed studies using Biobank data, investi-
tain ailments. Couples going through fertility such as Down syndrome, the accuracy of gating genetic influences on a range of con-
treatments have a limited number of embryos newer tests for rare abnormalities is often ditions and traits, including Alzheimer’s risk,
to choose from and would be able to select questionable, frequently producing incorrect heart disease, personality traits, and even
the embryos they like based on those results. positive results. Such inaccuracies can lead sexual orientation—though that last one has
Other startups offer to calculate scores and to significant anxiety for expectant parents, sparked debate. Whole genome analysis, un-
optimize for other genetic traits such as sometimes prompting unnecessary and like exome studies, lets scientists examine
height and intelligence. LifeView provides costly follow-up procedures. Under the new associations between traits and rare genetic
genetic report cards to would-be parents: they FDA oversight, the marketing and availability variations in both the protein-coding and
deliver a report showing whether the embryo of such tests would require government ap- noncoding segments of the genome. While
has the right number of chromosomes, risk proval, especially for tests considered “high it’s understood that noncoding regions
assessment grades for heart attacks, certain risk” because they could influence critical play roles in gene regulation among other
cancers, diabetes and more. medical decisions. functions, much about their contribution
Soon, it may be possible to upgrade embryos before
to human biology remains to be discovered. birth using new biotechnology techniques.
Genetic screening is a booming market in the Biobank Releases The expansion of this data set should drive
US—and last year, the FDA moved to regulate The UK Biobank made 500,000 genome se- significant breakthroughs in the near future. Image credit: Future Today Institute and Dall-E.
prenatal testing. The proposed regulations quences available to scientists for biomedi-

TECH BIOENGINEERING

Microbiome Metrics at Home Age Reversal Labs is developing biological reprogramming lytic drugs, the treated mice showed a 65%
The human microbiome is a mini-universe of As we age, while our DNA sequence might technology. In 2022, Altos, which raised a greater increase in a myelin-rebuilding protein
the genetic materials living on and inside our stay constant, chemical changes do occur. staggering $3 billion in funding over just compared to untreated mice. This finding
bodies, inherited from our gestational moth- Observing those changes could lead to new one round, announced a partnership with the indicates that removing senescent cells could
ers. It’s vast: there are 200 times more genes techniques to halt or even reverse age-relat- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application improve myelin repair, and could mean that
in the bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses ed disease. Columbia University research- at Japan’s Kyoto University to study cellular senolytic drugs offer a new treatment strategy
that make up our microbiomes than in the hu- ers discovered that it might be possible to rejuvenation programming. for MS, particularly in its progressive stage—if
man genome. That microbiome weighs nearly record and store information about cells as it works in humans as well as it does mice,
Removing Zombie Cells which for now is a big if. But if human trials
5 pounds, and it lives mostly in your gut and they age. The technique, a sort of biological
on your skin. Microbiomes differ greatly from DVR, uses the CRISPR-Cas system over a pe- Senescent cells are damaged cells that stop show promising results, it is plausible that
person to person, even if you’re comparing sib- riod of days. In the future, if we can quantify functioning but don’t die, accumulating in senolytic drugs could be developed to treat
lings who live in the same city. How well you aging at a cellular level, we might be able to the body like cellular zombies—and they’re a host of diseases and ailments, along with
digest lactose, how vulnerable you are to skin reverse it. Synthetic biologist George Church linked to aging. But scientists are research- conditions associated with aging.
cancer, how well you sleep, your probability of and a team at Harvard’s Wyss Institute coming the use of senolytic drugs, which remove
these worn-out immune cells, as a way to Skin Care and Beauty
developing anxiety or becoming obese—all of bined three different gene therapies related
these traits are linked to the microbiome and to cellular decay into a single compound. The treat diseases like multiple sclerosis. In Synthetic biology–derived compounds are
influenced by what you eat and drink, whether intent: reverse obesity and diabetes while MS, the immune system attacks the myelin producing improved ingredients in skin care
you smoke, what chemicals your body comes also improving kidney and heart function. sheath around nerves, and while it’s charac- products. Amyris, one of the first commercial
into contact with, and what medications you Remarkably, the technique seemed to work terized by phases of relapse and recovery, it synthetic biology companies, created a suite
take. Data about your microbiome used to be (in mice, at least). Maybe that’s why last year can eventually progress into a phase where of products developed with biosynthesis to
collected over several visits to an allergist, but there were so many funding and partnership symptoms continuously worsen without pe- create squalene, a key antioxidant found
today, at-home tests can determine its genetic announcements in the field. The Saudi royal riods of remission. In older animals, myelin in moisturizers. Bay Area startup Geltor is
makeup. Some companies will mix together family launched the Hevolution Foundation, damage leads to lots of senescent cells. But engineering animal-free collagen for use in
special probiotic compounds to mitigate con- a not-for-profit with an annual budget of $1 when researchers at Georgetown University serums and creams, designed to plump skin
ditions or optimize the symbiotic relationship billion to support basic research on the bi- injected older mice with a toxin to damage and reduce the appearance of fine lines and
your body has with all those microorganisms. ology of aging. Meanwhile, the startup Altos myelin and then treated some with seno- wrinkles. Conventional collagen is usual-

TECH BIOENGINEERING
ly drawn from bovine sources, but modern microbiota had 50% more bacterial species & Melinda Gates Foundation as one of its
bioengineering means it can be grown in a than those in the West today. Unlike those investors. The American Gastroenterological
lab. Skin care brand Algenist uses bio-fer- tribes, we no longer hunt and eat wild flora Association and OpenBiome will track 4,000
mented microalgae in its antiaging products, and fauna. Those from wealthier countries patients over 10 years to learn about fecal
and it developed alguronic acid that makes now eat very little dietary fiber, a limited microbiomes.
skin look more youthful. One Ocean Beauty, variety of fruits and vegetables, and only four
founded by former Burberry Beauty President species of livestock: sheep, poultry, cattle, Optimizing Recreational Drugs
Marcella Cacci, produces a bio-fermented ex- and pigs. Worse, widespread use of antibiot- When it comes to recreational drugs like
opolysaccharide isolated from brown kelp, an ics in farm animals—used not necessarily to marijuana, genetic factors can determine
elasticity-promoting glycoprotein, and a blue prevent disease but to increase weight gain whether someone feels pleasantly relaxed or
light-repellant microorganism—all from cells and therefore the volume of meat available— anxious and listless. New diagnostic tests
found naturally in the ocean. means that we’re ingesting compounds that promise to optimize recreational drugs for
are helping to destroy our own microbiomes. someone’s unique genetic profile. Atai Life
Improving Gut Biomes Humans are complex, composite organ- Sciences NV, based in Berlin, is researching
A mass extinction event is happening right isms, made up of layers and layers of cells. genetics, depression, and small molecules
now in our guts and in the environment. The Researchers now think that our gut micro- within cells in an effort to repurpose psyche-
widespread use of antibiotics, along with biome is directly linked to our metabolism, delics as therapies for depression and PTSD.
diets rich in processed foods, have led to a our immune systems, our central nervous MindMed in New York is developing a plat-
staggering decline of microorganisms inside systems, and even the cognitive functions form to help patients determine which drugs
the people and animals living in wealthy na- inside our brains. It’s an inherited problem: to take—therapeutics based on MDMA and
tions. During the past 12,000 years of human Most of our microbiomes come to us from DMT—depending on genetics and other data.
evolution, we’ve shifted nature’s balance—our our mothers as we pass through the birth
Scientists are learning more every day about the
diets are now relatively narrow, compared to canal. A number of researchers are now look- relationship between our gut microbes and our
our far-distant ancestors. Recently, scientists ing at the future of our microbiomes. Vedan- bodies.
studied modern hunter-gatherer tribes in Tan- ta Biosciences is making gut bacteria that
zania, Peru, and Venezuela, and found their can be turned into drugs and counts the Bill Image credit: Future Today Institute and Dall-E.

TECH BIOENGINEERING
CLIMATE AND
SUSTAINABILITY

TECH BIOENGINEERING
CLIMATE AND SUSTAINABILITY

eDNA Detection al forest with conifers, black geese, horse- ments could make forestry more sustainable Now, an emerging synthetic biology process
Environmental DNA, or eDNA, is genetic ma- shoe crabs, lemmings, and mastodons—a and efficient, offering new economic and offers a new solution. France-based Carbios
terial found in the environment. Feces and fur natural wonderland unlike any in existence environmental benefits. developed a process using an enzyme that’s
from animals, as well as hair and saliva from today. especially good at breaking down PET plastic
Better Plastics Recycling into its basic building blocks, making it possi-
humans are just some of the organic matter
Using CRISPR for Sustainable Wood Despite global efforts to recycle plastic prod- ble to recycle PET into high-quality new plastic.
found in soil, seawater, snow, and air. As a
Production
fish moves through water, it’s continuously ucts, there are numerous barriers: Consum- After improving the enzyme and testing it in
shedding bits of itself. Likewise, when a cyclist Trees are a valuable natural resource, but er-facing plastics come in different varieties, an industrial setting, Carbios is now building
rides on a trail, her sweat, mucus, and dead improving their wood through traditional they’re often coated with labels or print, and its first site dedicated to this bio-recycling
skin cells wind up mixed into the gravel and breeding is slow and complicated due to their they have colors and other added features. process. Meanwhile, researchers at SLAC Na-
dirt. These fragments of nuclear or mitochon- complex genetics. CRISPR technology offers The mess of waste—used iPhone cases, emp- tional Accelerator Laboratory and the National
drial DNA can reveal invaluable insights about a way to quickly change trees to improve ty shampoo containers, soda bottles—can’t Renewable Energy Laboratory used a microp-
an environment. Scientists from the United their wood—optimizing it for paper-making or be easily managed at scale, so a lot of it piles orous material called a zeolite that contains
States Geological Survey and the Monterey Bay reduced carbon emissions, for example. Sci- up. A potential solution is microorganisms cobalt nanoparticles as a catalyst to break
Aquarium Research Institute are developing entists have used CRISPR to change multiple like some bacteria and fungi that use spe- down different polymer molecules, turning
a new mobile eDNA sampler that can float genes in poplar trees, resulting in wood that’s cial enzymes to break down various types of the majority into propane. At the University of
through rivers and streams, collecting materi- easier to process and better for the environ- plastics. But turning plastic into something Texas at Austin, researchers used a machine
al and detecting pathogens or invasive species ment. This breakthrough means we can now these microbes can eat isn’t as simple as learning model to generate novel mutations to
autonomously. As detection systems advance, grow trees that are more suited for our needs just mixing them together. The plastics need natural enzymes that allow bacteria to break
eDNA detection will serve as early warning while also helping the planet. The key chal- to be pre-damaged by sunlight or chemicals, down the plastics found in soda bottles and
systems for potential outbreaks. But there’s lenge has been dealing with lignin, a natural and the microbes need just the right condi- most consumer packaging. The enzyme, called
another interesting use for eDNA: reconstruct- part of wood that’s tough to break down. But tions to do their work. Even so, each type of FAST-PETase (functional, active, stable, and
ing ancient ecosystems. Scientists excavated by precisely editing genes related to lignin, microbe can only eat certain plastics, and tolerant PETase), could operate efficiently and
eDNA from frozen soil in the Arctic desert, and researchers at North Carolina State University it can take them weeks or months to break work at an industrial scale. The first real-world
were able to piece together a lost world nearly have created poplar trees with wood that’s down just a small amount. application: setting the enzyme loose to clean
2 million years old. The eDNA revealed a coast- much easier to turn into fiber. These advance- up landfills.

TECH BIOENGINEERING

Engineering Plants for Carbon Capture 30% of their body weight is excess energy— veloped silks that are stronger, tougher, and
Carbon dioxide is the undisputed culprit stored CO2 and nitrogen. These microbes lighter than previous versions, with an eight-
when it comes to climate change. But what if then get mixed into soil, and release all that fold increase in yield. This innovation could
we could just suck it out of the air? Trees do nitrogen near the roots of plants, acting as provide an eco-friendly alternative to tradi-
that naturally, but with deforestation, there’s an organic fertilizer. At that point, they also tional textiles, drastically reducing waste
not enough to make a sizable impact. The release the CO2, yet it remains trapped un- in the fashion industry. The engineered
Salk Institute’s Harnessing Plants Initiative is derground. The result: enormous crop yields silk, combining mussel foot proteins with
working on an innovative approach that relies without the environmentally poisonous side spider silk properties, has already reached
on our existing carbon storage mechanisms effects typically associated with chemical production levels sufficient for real-world
to help solve climate change. It’s developing fertilizers. product testing, marking a significant step
engineered crops that can store more carbon toward its commercial use. Already, several
Greening Fashion other successful trials of synthesized tex-
in the ground for long periods of time. The
crops have a larger root mass, are deeper, The textile and clothing industry is a noto- tiles have occurred: Bolt Threads developed
and contain more suberin, a plant tissue that rious polluter but is making steps toward a synthetic fabric called Microsilk that’s
already relies on CO2 and can store signifi- more sustainable practices. Fuzhong Zhang, engineered from spider DNA, and Japanese
cant amounts without causing harm to the a professor at Washington University in startup Spiber synthesized enough fibers to
plant. Salk researchers are hoping to develop St. Louis, has advanced the production of manufacture a limited-edition parka. While
strains of rice, wheat, corn, and other plants synthetic spider silk, which could lead to manufacturing new textiles is on the hori-
that both produce edible crops and store car- sustainable clothing manufacturing. Using zon, getting bio-sourced materials such as
bon, for improved soil health. Meanwhile, an synthetic biology, his team created a process PHAs, spider silk, and chitosan into the sup-
artificial leaf developed at Harvard harnesses to yield more silk from microbes, aiming ply chain process remains a challenge. Mills
solar energy. When connected to a strain of to meet the fashion industry’s demand for and manufacturers don’t have incentives to
The Salk Institute’s Harnessing Plants Initiative is
bacteria, it converts atmospheric CO2 and renewable materials and reduce the envi- risk using new materials that may not work working on an innovative approach that relies on
nitrogen into organic forms that can benefit ronmental impact associated with clothing seamlessly with their existing production our existing carbon storage mechanisms to help
living organisms. Those hungry, solar-fed bac- production. By incorporating a protein from equipment. solve climate change.
teria essentially overeat, to the point where a common shellfish—mussels—the team de-
Image credit: Salk Institute.

TECH BIOENGINEERING

De-Extincting Lost Species Rewilding Barren Terrains bison were released in a woodland near Can- disease. There have now been several pilots
Woolly mammoths were once a “keystone Rewilding is a direct human intervention terbury—the hope is that over time, the her- around the world to edit mosquitoes so they
species,” one that other species in the eco- into nature using technology and science, bivores will revitalize a stretch of southeast no longer carry malaria. In 2021, biotech com-
system depended on in many ways for stabil- a holistic approach to conservation that England and allow vegetation to grow again, pany Oxitec launched a controversial field test
ity. They stomped around in herds, knocking focuses on restoring the natural phenom- which should in turn boost biodiversity. of specially engineered mosquitoes in Flori-
down trees and packing down snow layers ena of wilderness ecosystems, providing da in a move toward reducing the spread of
CRISPR Mosquitoes deadly diseases such as dengue, yellow fever,
as they searched for dead grasses to eat, and connective corridors between wild spaces,
that helped keep the permafrost layer stable. and reintroducing keystone species to their Gene-drive technology, which has the po- and the Zika virus. Its tiny capsules contain
Once the mammoths and other large grazing natural habitats. A term coined more than 30 tential to spread antimalarial genes among an engineered form of the Aedes aegypti
animals stopped compacting the snow and years ago, “rewilding” has gained renewed mosquito populations, is showing prom- mosquito, called OX5034. Because only female
eating dead grasses, the ecosystem began to attention in the past few years as the cli- ise. Malaria kills hundreds of thousands of Aedes aegypti bite and spread disease, Oxitec
change: The snow melted more easily, which mate crisis has grown more dire and new people every year; 96% of the deaths are in engineered males to pass on a gene that kills
allowed the sun to reach the permafrost. The technologies have promised to protect and African countries, and particularly impact female offspring before they mature. Male
permafrost layer is now melting at an alarm- rehabilitate ecosystems. In 2017, research- children under age 5. The idea of gene drive, offspring then continue mating and passing
ing rate and releasing greenhouse gasses into ers plunged into the waters off Lizard Island which uses special DNA pieces that copy on the altered gene, which should change the
the atmosphere, which creates a vicious cycle: on the northeastern coast of Australia with themselves and spread quickly through an population of disease-carrying mosquitoes.
Hotter temperatures lead to more melting, some unexpected equipment in tow—a set organism’s genes, was thought of years ago. The US Environmental Protection Agency
which releases more gasses, which causes of underwater loudspeakers. Their destina- However, it had problems because these said this pilot poses no human threat, while
hotter temperatures, and on and on it goes. Re- tion was a coral reef that had been all but DNA pieces could end up in important parts local authorities, who have been dealing with
searchers are helping to de-extinct the woolly abandoned by a once-thriving population of the genes and cause harm. CRISPR-Cas9 steadily growing cases of dengue fever and
mammoth and other species using synthetic of sea life. The researchers hoped that by technology, which allows for precise genetic West Nile virus, hope that a smaller mosqui-
biology techniques: Starting with a fully intact broadcasting the telltale sounds of a healthy edits, enables the safe transfer of antimalar- to population will curb the diseases without
healthy cell from a closely related species and reef, they might lure back some of its vital ial genes from one generation of mosquitos insecticides or poisonous chemicals. The EPA
working backward, with genetic fragments inhabitants. Remarkably, it worked. This to the next. This advancement offers hope later approved an expanded plan to release
from preserved specimens, they could develop experiment was a unique instance of rewild- for controlling malaria by genetically modi- 2.4 million genetically engineered mosquitoes
a version of the animals that once existed. ing, but there have been others. In 2022, four fying mosquitoes to resist or eliminate the in more US sites, including California. Similar

TECH BIOENGINEERING
experiments are underway in Malaysia and permafrost frozen. The permafrost acts as
Panama. While they can transmit malaria, re- a natural time capsule, preserving not only
searchers are also thinking about how to use viruses but also extinct animals, which
engineered mosquitoes to deliver a defense scientists have been able to study. The rapid
against deadly viruses. What if in the future warming of the Arctic threatens to disrupt
mosquitoes are flying syringes capable of de- this frozen archive, with temperatures there
livering vaccines? University of Washington rising up to four times faster than the global
scientists are working on a weakened form average. Research into “zombie viruses”
of malaria-causing Plasmodium parasites found in Siberian permafrost has shown that
that won’t get people sick but will cause the some of these viruses are still infectious,
body to create antibodies. On the other hand, which could mean a potential future risk of
could meddling in the genetic code of in- outbreaks from ancient pathogens. Global
sects, reptiles, and animals have catastrophic warming and increased activity in the region
consequences that no one anticipates? If that could heighten the possibility of a spillover
sounds familiar, it’s because you’ve seen that event. Scientists advocate for proactive
movie before: “Jurassic Park.” surveillance and research to understand the
risks posed by thawing permafrost and to
Reviving Ancient Viruses mitigate the impact of climate change on
As the Arctic warms, the thawing perma- the release of pathogens.
frost is raising concerns about the release of
ancient viruses that could pose health risks
to animals and humans. Scientists highlight
the potential danger of these long-dormant
viruses, along with the release of chemical As the permafrost layer melts, ancient viruses could thaw and release pathogens harmful to the
and radioactive waste from the Cold War modern world.
era, emphasizing the importance of keeping
Image credit: Image credit: Future Today Institute and Dall-E.

TECH BIOENGINEERING
REGULATION
AND POLICY

TECH BIOENGINEERING
REGULATION AND POLICY

Regulatory Changes Toward Genome-Edited we’ve seen already, biology has a tendency to produced a 3D image of a potential suspect dispatched workers, who often had no medical
Crops
replicate and evolve in unpredictable ways. based on the DNA evidence—not a real photo- training, to vans or small tents to administer
Starting last year, countries have been reeval- The developments in China and the EU reflect graph but a predicted appearance including PCR or rapid response tests. It wasn’t immedi-
uating their regulatory stance on genome-ed- an urgent global need to update and reform skin tone, eye and hair color, and other facial ately clear where the test results would be sent,
ited crops, marking a significant change in regulatory frameworks for genome-edited features. The company even incorporated a or who might also gain access to the data. With
agricultural biotechnology policies. China’s crops, driven by a desire to foster innovation haircut and mustache based on a witness’ the growing size and scale of third-party test
recent safety assessment guidelines for while ensuring safety and maintaining public description, not the DNA. In a move to gather results and genetic databases, anyone with the
these crops show a partial shift from tradi- confidence. As countries continue to adapt public tips, the police department released right skills could identify individuals—and we
tional regulations on genetically modified their policies, further changes will shape the this generated face, leading (unsurprisingly) don’t yet have safeguards against widespread
organisms, signaling a move toward a more future of agricultural biotechnology, poten- to controversy. In 2020, more controversy genetic surveillance. As of the start of 2024,
nuanced approach that seeks to balance tially making genome-edited crops more ensued when a detective requested to run there are few restrictions on private companies
scientific innovation with public trust. Last accessible and widely used across the globe. the DNA-based facial reconstruction through buying and selling genetic data in the US and
July, the European Commission proposed facial recognition software, a move consid- in many places around the world.
legislative changes to relax the rules on gene Regulating DNA Recognition Systems ered problematic by civil liberties experts and
editing, suggesting a departure from stringent Can you produce a photo of someone’s face against Parabon NanoLabs’ policies. But while Safeguarding Genetic Privacy
GMO laws for certain next-generation tech- solely from their DNA? In the US, police de- this was one of the first known instances of Genetic privacy will be increasingly difficult
niques. This proposed legislation argues that tectives used a DNA sample to generate a 3D a police department using this tactic, the to safeguard—yet big genetic data sets are
edits achievable through traditional breeding model of a suspect’s face using facial recog- question of how and when to use someone’s required to perform the kind of research that
methods should not be subject to the same nition tools. Detectives from California’s East DNA is increasingly common. The COVID-19 leads to new therapeutics. Sharing a person’s
stringent regulations as GMOs, streamlining Bay Regional Park District Police Department pandemic accelerated widespread use of complete genetic code online can help scien-
the approval process for these innovations. decided to use genetic information from a infectious disease surveillance techniques, tists but also poses privacy risks, as people
Still, more complex modifications involving 1990 cold case involving the death of Maria from saliva tests at airports and border cross- with bad intentions might use it to learn about
foreign DNA would still fall under existing GMO Jane Weidhofer to create a lead. They sent the ings, to nasal swabbing at testing centers. To the health of an individual or their family.
regulations, maintaining a layer of oversight DNA from the crime scene to Parabon Nano- ease testing bottlenecks, which sometimes Recently, experts have started using AI to
on more radical genetic alterations. Howev- Labs, which specializes in generating faces resulted in hours-long lines, alternative generate artificial, but scientifically useful, ge-
er, there is still no global framework, and as from DNA. Using machine learning, Parabon testing centers opened up: Private companies netic data that keeps people’s identities safe.

TECH BIOENGINEERING
REGULATION AND POLICY
Scientists at the University of Tartu, Estonia, synthetic eggs and sperm or grown in arti- National DNA Drives without clear consent and raising concerns
use neural networks to develop novel seg- ficial wombs, challenging society’s current Several countries are in the process of de- over privacy and human rights violations. As
ments on human genomes. Because genetic ideas about procreation and parenthood. In veloping their own national DNA databases, China builds a vast and unparalleled genetic
data is sensitive, the hope is that an artificial the UK, regulators are considering reforms notably for the purpose of medical research database, encompassing both minority groups
human genome will allow researchers to study to make surrogacy simpler and to address advancement. The United Arab Emirates is and the majority Han Chinese population, it
DNA without infringing on anyone’s privacy. the issue of commercial surrogacy, which is currently working to sequence its entire pop- faces minimal domestic opposition to its ge-
Researchers at the University of Montpellier technically illegal but practiced in a gray area. ulation; the goal is to aid scientific research, netic research and surveillance practices, con-
in France developed a novel method that uses One controversial proposal is to allow surro- as well as to map and sequence the genes of trasting with the ongoing debates over genetic
both AI and known information about how gacy without a genetic link between the child UAE nationals, which will assist in prevent- privacy in the US, Canada, the EU, and the UK.
genes change in our bodies to work with big and the commissioning parents, which raises ing and treating chronic illnesses. Because
data sets more easily. They cut genetic data questions about whether this constitutes as- International Collaborations to Advance
existing databases are overwhelmingly made
Bioengineering
from thousands of people from different back- sisted reproduction or a form of adoption. The up of Caucasian Americans and Europeans,
grounds into pieces, based on where genes reforms also consider granting commission- people of Arab descent have been exclud- Researchers are building the first-ever com-
often mix during reproduction, and used it to ing parents full parental rights from birth, ed from the benefits of genetic research. prehensive map of all 37.2 trillion human cells
train the AI system. It now creates artificial moving away from the surrogate’s default While the UAE’s program is voluntary, there in the body. The effort includes 130 software
populations of genetic data that are diverse parental rights. These discussions highlight is a different strategy being used in China. engineers, mathematicians, computational
and realistic but don’t risk anyone’s privacy. the tension between the desire for genetic Over the last decade, China has launched a scientists, biologists, clinicians, and physicists
parenthood and reproductive freedom, espe- comprehensive national effort to collect, se- hailing from Israel, the Netherlands, Japan, the
Defining Parenthood cially in cases where a biological connection quence, and store the genetic information of UK, the US, and Sweden. Although a cell atlas
The relationship between creating a child and to the child does not exist. Such debates will its citizens, integrating DNA databases into has long been theorized, new biological tools
being the parent of that child is becoming become increasingly relevant with the intro- a broader surveillance system fueled by the and more powerful computers have turned this
more complex due to advances in reproductive duction of technologies like ectogenesis, po- government’s ambitions in artificial intelli- one-time vision into a reality. These scientists
technology and changes in the law. Emerg- tentially redefining what it means to “make” gence. This initiative has particularly targeted believe this mapping will give the medical
ing technologies like induced pluripotent a baby and become a parent. the Uyghur population, under the guise of community a new way of understanding how
stem cells (see: Growing Sex Cells trend) will public health programs like “Physicals for our bodies work and will help diagnose, moni-
someday allow children to be conceived with All,” leading to the collection of genetic data tor, and treat disease.

TECH BIOENGINEERING
ETHICS,
TRUST AND
ACCEPTANCE

TECH BIOENGINEERING
ETHICS, TRUST AND ACCEPTANCE

Resolving Bias in Genome Research reason why can be traced back to how mem- to another problem: The pool of genetic data ing and freezing their sperm, hoping for the
Overwhelmingly, the majority of people who bers of the Havasupai tribe were treated by in the US doesn’t include Indigenous peoples. possibility of conceiving a child in the future.
have had their genomes sequenced come from Arizona State University (ASU) in the late 20th New initiatives could make genetic datasets As a previously rare procedure, PSR required a
affluent Caucasian Americans and Europeans; century. In 1990, Havasupai were grappling and research more inclusive. The Summer In- family court order in Israel for unmarried men,
fewer than 2% are from Africa. This excludes with an increase in diabetes. They allowed ternship for Indigenous Peoples in Genomics while the spouse of a married individual could
an enormous number of people from the ASU researchers to collect blood samples, trains budding scientists, while the Center for directly request the procedure. But the crisis
benefits of genetic research, so there is now hoping the research would help them eradi- the Ethics of Indigenous Genomic Research led to Israel’s Ministry of Health easing regula-
increased attention and funding to diversify cate the disease. But then, unbeknownst to works to promote Indigenous-led research in tions, allowing hospitals to process requests
this pool. H3Africa works with African investi- the Havasupai, the researchers changed the biobanking and precision medicine. Canada from parents without court involvement. It also
gators to determine genomic and environmen- scope of the project to encompass genetic and New Zealand are both working on gov- brought PSR into mainstream view, raising
tal determinants of common diseases. The markers for alcoholism and various mental erning frameworks and libraries to include questions about whether it is ethical to retrieve
Non-Communicable Diseases Genetic Heritage disorders. They went on to publish many Indigenous peoples, relying on direction from and use sperm after death.
Study consortium, based in Nigeria, is creating papers in academic journals highlighting local communities.
their results, which led to news stories about Gene Editing Ethics
a comprehensive catalog of human genetic
inbreeding and schizophrenia among tribe Posthumous Sperm Retrieval In 2018, Chinese scientist He Jiankui caused
variation among Nigerians. A decade-long
Three Million African Genomes project is also members. The Havasupai were, understand- In the wake of the Hamas terrorist attack on a global uproar by announcing he had created
underway to locate missing genetic variants ably, horrified and humiliated, and they filed October 7, 2023, when hundreds of young the world’s first gene-edited children using
from ancestral genomes in Africa. It would a lawsuit against ASU in 2004. ASU eventually men were among the Israelis who lost their CRISPR technology, targeting embryos to make
build an African biobank of clinical informa- settled the suit in 2010, returned the blood lives, there was an unprecedented surge in them resistant to HIV. This led to the birth of
tion and could lead to a more equitable future samples to the tribe, and promised not to requests for posthumous sperm retrieval twins, marking a controversial milestone in
of genetic research. publish any more research. Subsequently, (PSR) by embryologists and IVF special- genetic editing. Jiankui’s actions, deemed
the Navajo Nation, the second-largest group ists. This process involves retrieving viable “illegal medical practices” in China, resulted
Ethics in Indigenous Genomics of Indigenous peoples in the US, banned all sperm from the deceased’s testicular tis- in a three-year prison sentence for him and
Biological materials from Indigenous peoples genetic sequencing, analysis, and related re- sue shortly after death and preserving it in his two associates, partly because the genetic
are still missing from genetic databases, search on its members. Although their objec- liquid nitrogen. Families sought to preserve alterations could be passed down to future
basic research, and clinical studies. One major tions were absolutely warranted, they’ve led their loved one’s genetic legacy by extract- generations. Following the scandal, China

TECH BIOENGINEERING
ETHICS, TRUST AND ACCEPTANCE
tightened regulations on human gene editing pool would be a crime against human dignity immune responses. The team plans to further
and banned He from conducting any repro- and human rights. But all those declarations their research by transforming these mod-
ductive technology services. Despite these were made before it was actually possible to ified cells into blood-making cells to help
restrictions, late in 2023, He proposed a new precisely engineer the germ line. Now, with humans survive acute radiation sickness,
study focused on editing mouse and human CRISPR, it is possible. suggesting additional benefits in protecting
embryos to investigate potential protection against diseases such as cancer and dia-
against Alzheimer’s disease, citing the ur- Engineering Super Soldiers betes. The experiment was deemed legal as
gent need to address the challenges posed by Last year, a team of military medical sci- it was conducted on cultured cell lines in a
an aging population and the current lack of entists in China reported that they had lab. But what happens when that research is
effective treatments for Alzheimer’s. His latest enhanced human embryonic stem cells’ ready to leave the lab for the real world?
proposal has reignited ethical debates and resistance to radiation by inserting a gene
concerns within the scientific community. The from the water bear, a microorganism known
proposal’s reception remains mixed, reflect- for its extreme survivability. Using CRISPR
ing ongoing dilemmas over the boundaries of technology, they achieved a high survival rate
genetic research. of these modified cells under lethal radiation
exposure. The research, led by professor Yue
A dozen countries have now banned germ line
Wen at the Academy of Military Sciences in
engineering in humans, though their ranks
Beijing, has sparked interest (read: alarm)
do not include China, which tightened regula-
since its publication, because of the impli-
tions without banning the practice outright.
cation: What if this is used to create a new
Federal law in the US regulates the use of
version of superhumans, capable of surviv-
federal funds for research on human germline
ing extreme conditions like nuclear fallout?
gene therapy—laws are notoriously politicized Some researchers are concerned that biological ex-
Scientists around the world raised concerns perimentation could someday produce supersoldiers
and have changed a few times in the past
about the safety and ethical implications who have been enhanced with special capabilities.
decade. The EU’s Convention on Human Rights
of transferring genes across species, with
and Biomedicine said tampering with the gene Image credit: Image credit: Future Today Institute
the risk of harmful mutations or unknown
and Dall-E.

TECH BIOENGINEERING
AUTHORS &
CONTRIBUTORS

TECH BIOENGINEERING
AUTHORS & CONTRIBUTORS
AMY WEBB Managing Director

Chief Executive Officer MELANIE SUBIN
Recognized as the global leader in strategic fore- Amy also serves as a professor of strategic foresight at New York University’s Stern Creative Director
sight, Amy Webb advises business leaders through School of Business, where she developed and teaches the MBA-level strategic fore- EMILY CAUFIELD
disruptive change, enabling them to navigate an sight course with live case studies. She is a Visiting Fellow at Oxford University’s Säid
unpredictable future with confidence and take School of Business. She was elected a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations Editor
actions that address global challenges, create and is a member of the Bretton Woods Committee. She is a Steward and Steering ERICA PETERSON
sustainable value, and ensure a company’s long-term growth. As founder and CEO of Committee Member for the World Economic Forum, a founding member of the Forum’s
the Future Today Institute, Amy pioneered a unique quantitative modeling approach Strategic Foresight Council, a member of the Forum’s Risk Advisory Council, and serves Copy Editor
and data-driven foresight methodology that identifies signals of change and emerg- on the Forum’s Global Futures Council. She was a Delegate on the former U.S.-Russia SARAH JOHNSON
ing patterns very early. Using that information, Amy and her colleagues identify white Bilateral Presidential Commission, representing US interests in technology.
Director of Operations
spaces, opportunities, and threats early enough for action. They develop predictive
Regarded as one of the most important voices on the futures of technology (with spe- CHERYL COONEY
scenarios, along with executable strategy, for their global client base. In 2023, Amy
cializations in both AI and synthetic biology), Amy is the author of four books, including
was recognized as the #4 most influential management thinker in the world by
the international bestseller The Big Nine and her most recent, The Genesis Machine,
Thinkers50, a biannual ranking of global business thinkers. She was also featured on
which was listed as one of the best nonfiction books of 2022 by The New Yorker. To
the 2021 Thinkers 50 list, was shortlisted for the 2021 Digital Thinking Award, and re-
date, her books have been translated into 19 languages. A widely published and quoted
ceived the 2017 Thinkers50 Radar Award. Forbes called Amy “one of the five women
thought leader, Amy regularly appears in a wide range of publications and broadcasts.
changing the world,” and she was honored as one of the BBC’s 100 Women of 2020.

TECH BIOENGINEERING
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2024 TECH TRENDS REPORT • 17 TH EDITION

FUTURE TODAY INSTITUTE’S 2024 TECH TREND REPORT

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THE YEAR AHEAD: TECH SUPERCYCLE

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50 Growing Blood 57 Engineering Plants for Carbon 64 Posthumous Sperm Retrieval

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TOP HEADLINES 01 Lab-Grown Meat Is Going Mainstream

CRISPR, and synthetic

04 AI Transforms Biology Today; Biology Powers Computers Tomorrow

05 We Aren’t Prepared for a Cyber-Bio Attack

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STATE In the past year, AI breakthroughs have accelerated the convergence of

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JUNE 13, 2023 DECEMBER 8, 2023 F E B R U A RY 6 , 2 0 2 4

AI Unlocks New Material Secrets Universal Cancer Vaccine Trials

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LIKELY NEAR TERM DEVELOPMENTS

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WHY BIOTECHNOLOGY TRENDS MATTER TO YOUR ORGANIZATION

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WHEN WILL BIOTECHNOLOGY DISRUPT YOUR ORGANIZATION?

Forecasted Time of Impact

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Defense Chemicals Living Materials

Beauty Fast Fashion

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0-4 YEARS 5-9 YEARS 10-14 YEARS 15+ YEARS

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WHEN WILL BIOTECHNOLOGY DISRUPT YOUR ORGANIZATION?

Advancements in bioengineering Scaling Regulations R&D developments

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OPPORTUNITIES & THREATS

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INVESTMENTS AND ACTIONS TO CONSIDER

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RNA (ribonucleic acid)

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GENE EDITING & CRISPR

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GENE EDITING & CRISPR

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READING & SEQUENCING GENOMES