Team:Pittsburgh/Education
Science Communication
The Bluetooth Bacteria Podcast
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, communication and staying connected has become more important than ever. In an effort to stay tuned on current advances in synthetic biology (while staying socially distant), we have decided to create a podcast that is able to easily communicate and share information. The podcast contains two types of episodes. In the first type, we discuss controversial topics in synthetic biology, including animal organ donation, aging, and genetic dating. In the second type, we shine the light on iGEM teams from around the world to educate our listeners on current developments in synthetic biology. The style of each podcast is casual and conversational to allow a wide general audience to learn more about synthetic biology topics. Episodes were recorded over Zoom and are available on Spotify and Apple Podcast to listen to. Two episodes are published every week.
Synopsis
The Bluetooth Bacteria Podcast presents the Pittsburgh iGEM team as they take on controversial topics in synthetic biology including bioweapons, animal organ donation, and genetic dating through the lens of five students from the University of Pittsburgh. They discuss current advances in bioengineering as well as interview different iGEM teams from around the world to learn about their project, experiences, and challenges as they navigate the world of synthetic biology.
Animal Organ Donation
There is a huge gap between organ need and organ availability for transplants due to long waitlists and organ shortages. In response, scientists have been researching how animal organ donation, or Xenotransplantation, can help close this gap. With new advances in synthetic biology, xenotransplantation is becoming a real alternative. But how does it work? Is it safe? Is it ethical? Join the Pittsburgh iGEM team as they discuss animal organ donation and the current ethical issues it faces.
William and Mary
Today, we are collaborating with Team William and Mary to learn more about their project on modeling "smart" nasal probiotic that will sense the state of inflammation and secrete polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which have various anti-viral capabilities.
Baltimore BioCrew
Phytoplankton populations are declining, causing a disruption in underwater ecosystems. To help solve this problem, the Baltimore BioCrew iGEM Team is stepping up to engineer phytoplankton to increase their ability to process iron, a vital nutrient that is rare in many parts of the ocean. Join the Pittsburgh iGEM team as learn more about the team’s project and some of the challenges they have faced so far!
IISER-Pune-India
Antibiotic resistance in Malarial parasites is a significant problem that has been observed in tropical regions. To create a long-term solution, the IISER-Pune-India iGEM team is designing a Cyclotide Drug Library for treatment, along with a Diagnostic tool for easy detection. Join the Pittsburgh iGEM team as they learn more about the team’s project and some of the challenges they have faced so far!
Toulouse
As the distance and duration of space travel is extended, the storage of vitamins for astronauts becomes more difficult. To solve this problem, the Toulouse iGEM team is designing a co-culture system with yeast and clostridium to produce vitamin A in spaceship environments. In addition, they are using an optogenetic system to produce rose and lemon flavors. Join the Pittsburgh iGEM team as they learn more about their project and some of the challenges they have faced so far!
Aging
As our lifespan becomes longer due to advances in healthcare, we spend more time dealing with struggles that comes with age. Responding to this issue, a new focus in synthetic biology aims to understand ways to “cure aging”. Is this doable? Will it be safe? What are the ethical implications? Join the Pittsburgh iGEM team as they discuss synthetic biology in aging.
BITS Pilani-Goa Idia
India is the second-largest producer of sugarcane. However, sucrose deterioration after harvesting causes significant loss of profit. To help save the sugarcane industry, BITSPilani-Goa India iGEM team is designing E. coli to prevent sucrose deterioration by targeting the invertase enzyme responsible for sucrose break down. Join the Pittsburgh iGEM team as they learn more about their project and some of the challenges they have faced so far!
King's College London
Spinal cord injury is a serious condition with no cure. To create a more effective and less invasive treatment, the King’s College London iGEM team is developing “Renervate”, a 3D bio-printing a biodegradable and biocompatible scaffolding that contains a mussel foot protein-based bio adhesive coating. Join the Pittsburgh iGEM team as they learn more about their project! .
Dating with Synthetic Biology?
Romantic dating is constantly evolving with the release of apps and platforms to help you find your “special someone.” Now there is a platform that utilizes analysis of your DNA samples to help you find your partner. Join the Pittsburgh iGEM team in their short discussion that decides whether analysis with synthetic biology has a place in this area of your lifestyle.
Performance
