New topic session 2B: Why (Re-)Designing Biology is ∗Slightly∗ more challenging than designing electronics

Abstract

Consider a re-spin of an existing complex SoC, with a partial schematic and an incomplete specification, with limited abilities to test and observe I/O behavior. Additionally, the underlying technology used is only partially understood. Can disciplined engineering approaches yield the re-spin? What are fundamental challenges? How will automation tools enable such designs? This talk will showcase how analysis and synthesis concepts can be applied in the context of biological discovery and design. Various optimization and analysis techniques can be applied to maximize the production of ethanol within an E. Coli cell without kill it. Pathway synthesis techniques can help uncover the fate of environmental chemicals within the human gut, which is colonized by ∼1014 bacteria belonging to ∼1000 species. No biology pre-requisites are needed to attend this talk.