ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
In the foreground, a magnifying glass hovers over a strand of DNA, revealing information hidden in the sequence. Binary code and silhouettes of people are in the background.
Biotechs Bolster Biosecurity to Safeguard the Future of Nucleic Acid Sequencing
Synthetic DNA can pose significant biosecurity risks. Experts call for more screening by providers and institutions to mitigate security concerns.
Biotechs Bolster Biosecurity to Safeguard the Future of Nucleic Acid Sequencing
Biotechs Bolster Biosecurity to Safeguard the Future of Nucleic Acid Sequencing

Synthetic DNA can pose significant biosecurity risks. Experts call for more screening by providers and institutions to mitigate security concerns.

Synthetic DNA can pose significant biosecurity risks. Experts call for more screening by providers and institutions to mitigate security concerns.

DNA synthesis

Molecule of DNA, double helix, 3D illustration
Enzymatic DNA Synthesis: Going to Great Lengths
Danielle Gerhard, PhD | Jun 14, 2024 | 10+ min read
When chemical approaches for synthesizing longer DNA oligonucleotides plateaued, scientists turned to a one-of-a-kind enzyme.
Infographic showing the comparison between chemical and enzymatic DNA synthesis
Infographic: Chemical Versus Enzymatic DNA Synthesis
Danielle Gerhard, PhD | Jun 14, 2024 | 2 min read
Polymerase-driven synthesis is gaining traction as scientists look to generate longer oligonucleotides and cut back on hazardous waste.
 Explore how parallel capillary electrophoresis provides quality control for in vitro transcription RNA synthesis.
Quality Control for In Vitro Transcription RNA Synthesis
Agilent | Aug 25, 2022 | 1 min read
Parallel capillary electrophoresis is an extremely sensitive, reliable, and high throughput method for checking RNA synthesis quality.
Gene Splicing Pioneer Dale Kaiser Dies
Ashley Yeager | Jun 29, 2020 | 5 min read
Working with a virus that infects bacteria, the Stanford University biochemist and developmental biologist helped to develop a way to stitch DNA together, a discovery that gave rise to genetic engineering.
Most Extensive Synthetic Genome Project to Date
Ashley P. Taylor | May 16, 2019 | 2 min read
Study shows the viability of bacteria with human-made, recoded DNA.
Novel Method Could Accelerate DNA Synthesis
Sukanya Charuchandra | Jun 19, 2018 | 2 min read
The new technique uses an enzyme found in vertebrate immune systems to attach nucleotides to a growing strand.  
“Human Genome Project-Write” Unveiled
Jef Akst | Jun 2, 2016 | 1 min read
A proposal to synthesize entire genomes—the subject of a controversial, invitation-only meeting at Harvard last month—is formally presented in Science.
Secret Genome Meeting
Jef Akst | May 16, 2016 | 2 min read
A closed-door gathering at Harvard last week hosted researchers talking about synthesizing entire genomes, including that of humans. 
Minimal Genome Created
Ruth Williams | Mar 24, 2016 | 3 min read
Scientists build a living cellular organism with a genome smaller than any known in nature.
DNA-based Data Storage Here to Stay
Sabrina Richards | Jan 23, 2013 | 3 min read
The second example of storing digital data in DNA affirms its potential as a long-term storage medium.
DNA for the Masses
Edyta Zielinska | Oct 30, 2012 | 1 min read
An Israeli company plans to synthesize DNA on demand for anyone, including those outside of research labs.  
Venter Supports DNA Printers
Dan Cossins | Oct 16, 2012 | 2 min read
The famed geneticist says his team is testing 3-D DNA printers that could churn out vaccines at home.
DNA Data Storage
Hayley Dunning | Aug 16, 2012 | 3 min read
Researchers code a book into DNA, demonstrating the possibility of using the biological molecule for long-term data storage.
Move Over, Mother Nature
Amber Dance | Jul 1, 2012 | 8 min read
Synthetic biologists harness software to design genes and networks.
ADVERTISEMENT