Seminar 2nd May 2012 4 p.m. Shackleton Building 44, Room 1041
IfLS Seminar Series: Programming Cells
Andrew Phillips
Head of Biological Computation Group, Microsoft Research Cambridge
- Web page
- http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/people/aphillip/
- Submitter
- Luke Goater
Andrew Phillips
Living cells are highly sophisticated computational machines, constantly processing information to survive, grow and reproduce. If we could program cells as effectively as we program digital computers, we could make fundamental breakthroughs in health and energy production, while also gaining insight into the workings of life itself. In spite of this potential, the task of programming cells remains highly complex, and we have reached a point where powerful computer software is needed to accelerate further progress. In this talk I will describe our preliminary efforts to develop computer software for programming cells. The software allows the desired behaviour of molecular components of the cell to be programmed, simulated, analysed and then automatically compiled to DNA code. I will also discuss some of the many challenges that remain, including how to accurately characterise molecular components and how to predict the dynamics of multi-cellular systems. In the same way that software for programming digital computers heralded a new era of technology, we anticipate that software for programming living cells could pave the way for a biotechnological revolution.
Refreshments available after the seminar