A Pragmatist Account of Functions in Synthetic Biology

2019 ◽  
Vol 96 (1) ◽  
pp. 171-186
Author(s):  
Johannes Achatz
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Biology ◽  
Function Theory ◽  
Science And Technology ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Technical Functions ◽  
Biological Functionality ◽  
Biology Research ◽  
Normative Account

In fields where science and technology overlap, so do different function-ascriptions. The entities of Synthetic Biology research are a case in point, where organisms with biological functionality are altered to perform technical functions. A function theory for SynBiofacts has to address artifactual as well as biological functions of one and the same entity. Further demands on a function theory for Synthetic Biology emerge from methods of SynBiofact creation called kludging and the use-scenarios of SynBiofacts in proof-of-concept research and BioArt. After discussing intentional accounts of technical functions, etiological function theory, contextual causation and contextual selection, a pluralist and weakly normative account of function will be outlined, that, or so it will be argued, can indeed cover all function ascriptions in Synthetic Biology. Lastly, some of the advantages and disadvantages of taking this stance will be outlined.

Techniques to examine nucleotide binding by pseudokinases

2013 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 975-980 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabelle S. Lucet ◽  
Jeffrey J. Babon ◽  
James M. Murphy
Keyword(s):  
Signal Transduction ◽  
Drug Targets ◽  
Nucleotide Binding ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Binding Properties ◽  
Catalytic Activities ◽  
Functional Studies ◽  
Signalling Molecules ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Human Kinome

Approximately 10% of the human kinome has been classified as pseudokinases due to the absence of one or more of three motifs known to play key roles in the catalytic activities of protein kinases. Structural and functional studies are now emerging, reclassifying this ‘dead’ kinase family as essential signalling molecules that act as crucial modulators of signal transduction. This raises the prospect that pseudokinases may well represent an as-yet-unexplored class of drug targets. However, the extent to which nucleotide binding and catalytic activity contribute to the biological functions of pseudokinases remains an area of great controversy. In the present review, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different methods employed to characterize the nucleotide-binding properties and activity of pseudokinases.

scholarly journals Proposed Policy Frame for Development for Technology and Science Information System in Vietnam Maritime Field

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vu Huy Thang
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Swot Analysis ◽  
Science And Technology ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
The World ◽  
New Policies ◽  
Maritime Strategy ◽  
Science Information

The paper will study on the reality of the policies for development for technology and science information system in the world, the necessary discussion before the development of S&T. The author had in-depth assessment of the macroeconomic policy-oriented goals for the development of S&T information in the maritime sector and the development of Vietnamese science and technology information sources. A number of typical policies have been analyzed in the direction of practical application in the situation that Vietnam has been actively integrating with the world. Orientations for development of science and technology, maritime training and coaching to 2025 and a vision to 2030 with the case study of Vietnam Maritime University.  The article conducted researches, surveys, and interviews on the demand trend of S&T information use of information users and managers in the maritime field in the near future through the questionnaire system. From that, the paper proposed a policy framework to develop the S&T information system in Vietnam's maritime sector and analyze the advantages and disadvantages compared to the current policies. The author conducted a SWOT analysis to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges of the Maritime Science and Technology Information System. Proposal to supplement new policies and complete amendments to existing ones and assess the possible impacts when applying policies in practice. The article confirms the important role of the proposed policies in the context and the practical situation contributing to the successful implementation of the national maritime strategy.

scholarly journals Eukaryotic systems broaden the scope of synthetic biology

2009 ◽  
Vol 187 (5) ◽  
pp. 589-596 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karmella A. Haynes ◽  
Pamela A. Silver
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Biology ◽  
Nucleic Acids ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Cell Behavior ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Complex Cells ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Foundational Work ◽  
Biology Research

Synthetic biology aims to engineer novel cellular functions by assembling well-characterized molecular parts (i.e., nucleic acids and proteins) into biological “devices” that exhibit predictable behavior. Recently, efforts in eukaryotic synthetic biology have sprung from foundational work in bacteria. Designing synthetic circuits to operate reliably in the context of differentiating and morphologically complex cells presents unique challenges and opportunities for progress in the field. This review surveys recent advances in eukaryotic synthetic biology and describes how synthetic systems can be linked to natural cellular processes in order to manipulate cell behavior and to foster new discoveries in cell biology research.

Posthuman Bliss?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan B. Levin
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Psychology ◽  
Cognitive Ability ◽  
Virtue Ethics ◽  
Liberal Democracy ◽  
Science And Technology ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Holistic Perspective ◽  
Living Well ◽  
Self Transcendence ◽  
The Mind

Transhumanists urge us to pursue the biotechnological heightening of select capacities, above all, cognitive ability, so far beyond any human ceiling that the beings with those capacities would exist on a higher ontological plane. Because transhumanists tout humanity’s self-transcendence via science and technology, and suggest that bioenhancement may be morally required, the human stakes of how we respond to transhumanism are unprecedented and immense. In Posthuman Bliss? The Failed Promise of Transhumanism, Susan B. Levin challenges transhumanists’ overarching commitments regarding the mind, brain, ethics, liberal democracy, knowledge, and reality in a more thoroughgoing and integrated way than has occurred thus far. Her critique shows transhumanists’ notion of humanity’s self-transcendence into “posthumanity” to be pure, albeit seductive, fantasy. Levin’s philosophical conclusions would stand even if, as transhumanists proclaim, science and technology supported their vision of posthumanity. They offer breezy assurances that posthumans will emerge if we but allocate sufficient resources to that end. Yet, far from offering theoretical and practical “proof of concept” for the vision that they urge upon us, transhumanists engage inadequately with cognitive psychology, biology, and neuroscience, often relying on questionable or outdated views within those fields. Having shown in depth why transhumanism should be rejected, Levin defends a holistic perspective on living well that is rooted in Aristotle’s virtue ethics but adapted to liberal democracy. This holism is thoroughly human, in the best of senses. We must jettison transhumanists’ fantasy, both because their arguments fail and because transhumanism fails to do us justice.

scholarly journals Is an obesity simulation suit in an undergraduate medical communication class a valuable teaching tool? A cross-sectional proof of concept study

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. e029738
Author(s):  
Anne Herrmann-Werner ◽  
Teresa Loda ◽  
Lisa M Wiesner ◽  
Rebecca Sarah Erschens ◽  
Florian Junne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Role Play ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Teaching Tool ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Concept Study ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages

ObjectiveWith the growing prevalence of overweight and obesity, medical students should be prepared to engage in weight management and obesity-related communications in order to prevent patients from having stigmatising experiences. In addition, medical students should have training to reduce anti-fat prejudices.DesignCross-sectional proof of concept study.SettingUniversity Hospital Tuebingen, Germany.Participants246 participants (207 second-year medical students, 13 standardised patients (SPs) and 22 teachers) took part in the study.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome was the assessment of degree of reality of the encounter with the SP wearing an obesity simulation suit (OSS). The secondary outcome was the evaluation of students’ awareness and prejudice against patients with obesity in a simulated role play. Additionally, a description of the advantages and disadvantages when using such a teaching tool is delivered.ResultsThe OSS contributed to a realistic perception of the patient group depicted in a role play according to students, teachers and SPs. OSS body mass index estimation by students, teachers and SPs correctly was over 30 kg/m2—thus in the range of obesity. In a selected subscale of the Anti-Fat Attitudes Test, students showed significantly stronger anti-fat stigmatisation compared with teachers and SPs.ConclusionsAn OSS worn by an SP is a valuable teaching tool to raise awareness about patients with obesity. It gives a realistic picture of the encounter. Stigmatisation was low in general but was especially present in the students. Further research should include intervention studies to address this issue.

scholarly journals Density function theory (DFT) calculated infrared absorption spectra for nitrosamines

2019 ◽  
Vol 80 (10) ◽  
pp. 1967-1974 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Wallace ◽  
S. G. Lambrakos ◽  
L. Massa
Keyword(s):  
Density Function ◽  
Absorption Spectra ◽  
Excited States ◽  
Function Theory ◽  
Spectral Feature ◽  
Density Function Theory ◽  
Spectral Signature ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Additional Information

Abstract Absorption spectra within the infrared (IR) range of frequencies for nitrosamines in water are calculated using density function theory (DFT). Calculated in this study, are the IR spectra of C2H6N2O, C4H10N2O, C6H14N2O, C4H8N2O, C3H8N2O, and C8H18N2O. DFT calculated absorption spectra corresponding to vibration excited states of these molecules in continuous water background can be correlated with additional information obtained from laboratory measurements. The DFT software Gaussian was used for the calculations of excited states presented here. This case study provides proof of concept, viz., that such DFT calculated spectra can be used for their practical detection in environmental samples. Thus, DFT calculated spectra may be used to construct templates, for spectral-feature comparison, and thus detection of spectral-signature features associated with target materials.

The Epistemic Role of Technical Functions

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beth Preston
Keyword(s):  
Natural Kinds ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Social Functions ◽  
The Common ◽  
Technical Functions ◽  
Analysis Of Function ◽  
Epistemic Role ◽  
Special Case ◽  
The Continuum

Technical functions of artifacts are commonly distinguished from their social functions and from biological functions of organisms. Schemes for classifying functions often encounter what the author calls the continuum problem—the imperceptible merger of function kinds. This is a special case of a debate about natural kinds in philosophy of science, which has resulted in a turn to an epistemological construal of kinds, in contrast to the traditional, purely ontological construal. The author argues for an epistemic analysis of function kinds along the lines of John Dupré’s (1993) “promiscuous realism.” This provides leverage for asking new and important questions about the epistemic purposes served by our various schemes for classifying artifact functions, and about the epistemic role of technical functions in particular. The author argues that the common classification into technical, social, and biological functions has more disadvantages than it has advantages.

scholarly journals An exploration of synthetic biology: A preliminary Christian ethical assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of synthetic biology

2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Riaan A.L. Rheeder
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Biology ◽  
Genetic Manipulation ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Ethical Assessment ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Natural Function ◽  
Mycoplasma Capricolum ◽  
Mycoplasma Mycoides ◽  
Point Of Departure

On 20 May 2010, the Venter Institute in America announced that they have fully synthesised the genome of the organism Mycoplasma mycoides whilst in vitro by using a computer connected to a machine that synthesises genes. Thereafter, the genome was placed back into the casing of another organism (Mycoplasma capricolum) and it was reported that the synthesised organism and the genome functioned normally. This synthesised organism was reconstructed to function as a minute little factory with the aim of producing and secreting fuel and medicine − something that is not the natural function of this organism. There are certain potential dangers inherent in this kind of technology. Scientists fear that this technology may contaminate or infect humans, animals or the environment, and that it can as such be extremely harmful, or even lead to the destruction of humans. Other scientists are concerned that terrorists can use this technology to kill innocent citizens. Some ethicists are of the opinion that the consequences of synthetic biology is currently unpredictable and that it is therefore risky. In opposition to the potential dangers, one has to mention that synthetic biology indeed can result in far-reaching positive outcomes such as the manufacturing of biofuel and medication. Most scientists and ethicists are of the opinion that the potential dangers involved in synthetic biology should be evaluated in light of the fact that genetic manipulation has not caused any biological devastation over the last 30 years. From a Christian point of departure, the opinion is currently that synthetic biology is not an irresponsible science and technology.’n Verkenning van sintetiese biologie: ’n Voorlopige Christelik-etiese beoordeling van die voor- en nadele van sintetiese biologie. Op 20 Mei 2010 het die Venter-instituut (in Amerika) aangekondig dat hulle die genoom van die organisme Mycoplasma mycoides ten volle in vitro gesintetiseer het (deur middel van ’n rekenaar, gekoppel aan ’n masjien wat gene sintetiseer). Die berig het verder gelei dat die genoom daarna teruggeplaas is in die omhulsel van ’n ander organisme (Mycoplasma capricolum) − en dat die gesintetiseerde genoom en organisme normaal gefunksioneer het. Hierdie gesintetiseerde organisme word gerekonstrueer om as minuskule fabriek te funksioneer met die doel om brandstof en medisyne te produseer en te sekreer − wat nie die natuurlike funksie van die organisme is nie. Aan hierdie tegnologie is daar ook bepaalde potensiële gevare verbonde. Wetenskaplikes is bang dat hierdie tegnologie mens, dier en omgewing kan kontamineer of infekteer en op dié wyse groot skade kan aanrig − en selfs tot mense se dood kan lei. Ander wetenskaplikes is weer bekommerd dat hierdie tegnologie deur terroriste gebruik kan word om onskuldige burgers dood te maak. Sommige etici is oortuig dat die gevolge van sintetiese biologie tans onvoorspelbaar, en daarom riskant is. Teenoor die potensiële gevare moet gestel word dat sintetiese biologie inderdaad omvangryke positiewe uitkomste soos die vervaardiging van biobrandstof en medisyne tot gevolg kan hê. Meeste wetenskaplikes en etici is van mening dat die potensiële gevare verbonde aan sintetiese biologie beoordeel moet word in die lig van die feit dat genetiese manipulasie in die afgelope 30 jaar geen biologiese ramp veroorsaak het nie. Uit ’n Christelike oogpunt word voorlopig geoordeel dat sintetiese biologie nie ’n onverantwoordelike wetenskap en tegnologie is nie.

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