TED: How to build synthetic DNA and send it across the internet | Dan Gibson

The video discusses the development of a biological printer and the concept of biological teleportation, which allows for the rapid creation of vaccines and other biological materials from DNA code. It highlights the creation of synthetic cells, the use of Gibson Assembly for DNA writing, and the potential applications and safety concerns of synthetic cell technologies. The development of the BioXp and DBC devices for DNA printing is also covered, along with future possibilities for biological teleportation, including personalized medicine and space exploration.

What was the primary purpose of the biological printer mentioned in the introduction?

• To manufacture electronic devices

• To print human organs

• To rapidly produce flu vaccines

• To create new species of plants

What was the shared vision of Craig Venter and Ham Smith?

• To explore outer space

• To develop a new type of computer

• To read and write DNA to reconstruct biological entities

• To create a new species of animals

What is the Human Genome Project known for?

• Identifying the genetic blueprint of a human being

• Creating synthetic cells

• Developing new vaccines

• Building a space station

What is Gibson Assembly used for?

• Creating new languages

• Assembling computer hardware

• Designing architectural structures

• Building short and long pieces of DNA

What was the name of the first synthetic cell created?

• Synthia

• Cellularis

• BioCell

• Genomix

What was a key concern regarding synthetic cell technologies?

• The difficulty in obtaining DNA samples

• The lack of available resources

• The potential for genetic manipulation to cause harm

• The high cost of production

What is the DBC capable of converting?

• Digital images into physical prints

• Digitized DNA code into biological entities

• Sound waves into visual patterns

• Mechanical energy into electrical energy

How does the DBC differ from the BioXp?

• The DBC is used for entertainment purposes

• The DBC requires manual operation

• The DBC starts from digitized DNA code

• The DBC is larger and more complex

What potential application of the DBC is mentioned for hospitals?

• Creating new hospital buildings

• Developing new surgical tools

• Printing personalized medicines at a patient's bedside

• Training medical staff

What futuristic application of the DBC is imagined?

• Developing new forms of art

• Creating virtual reality experiences

• Placing a DBC on another planet

• Building new cities on Earth