Synthetic Biology
The ability to routinely write the software of life has ushered in a new era in science, and with it, new products and applications such as advanced biofuels, clean water technology, and new vaccines and medicines. Synthetic biology is integrated into to most of our other research areas and when combined with JCVI’s genomics expertise, holds great promise for the future. Our team is at the forefront of discoveries and important public dialogue.
First Minimal Synthetic Bacterial Cell
First Self-Replicating Synthetic Bacterial Cell
Designer Phage
Synthetic Engineering of Bacteriophage for Treatment of Wound InfectionsViral Synthetic Genomics to Engineer Large dsDNA Viruses
Rapid engineering of large dsDNA viruses using synthetic genomics assembly tools.
Assembly of HSV-1
Use of cutting-edge synthetic genomics technology to revolutionize the study of herpesvirus biology.
A Synthetic Human Cytomegalovirus Vaccine Platform
Generation of an HCMV low passage clinical isolate using synthetic genomics.
23-Feb-2023
Collaborator Release
BullFrog AI Partners with J. Craig Venter Institute to Develop Colorectal Cancer Therapeutic
Collaboration seeks to develop an oncolytic virus that incorporates a novel, precision-targeted approach to improve safety and efficacy
15-Dec-2022
Big Biology Podcast
Synthesizing life on the planet
What’s the smallest number of genes that cells need to grow and reproduce? Is it possible to synthesize minimal genomes and insert them into cells? What do minimal genomes teach us about life? An interview with John Glass, Ph.D.
21-Jul-2022
Press Release
Synthetic genomics advances and promise
Advances in DNA synthesis will enable extraordinary new opportunities in medicine, industry, agriculture, and research
20-Jan-2022
Press Release
Scientists develop most complete whole-cell computer simulation model of cell to date
J. Craig Venter Institute model organism-minimal cell platform provides robust tools for exploring first principles of life, design tools for genome
29-Mar-2021
Press Release
Genes necessary for cell division in modern bacterial cells identified
Discovery may help shape understanding of primitive cell division
22-Dec-2020
Press Release
Hamilton O. Smith, M.D., Synthetic Biology Pioneer and Nobel Laureate, to Step Down from Daily Duties at J. Craig Venter Institute
Dr. Smith will maintain advisory role as professor emeritus
19-Dec-2020
The San Diego Union-Tribune
After saving countless lives, Nobel laureate Hamilton Smith retires as his own health falters
He has been a fixture in San Diego science for decades
13-Nov-2020
Blog
Synthetic Cell-Powered Lotion to Manage Type 1 Diabetes
21-Nov-2019
Blog
2019 Summer Internship Program
27-Jun-2019
Blog
Scientist Spotlight: Lauren Oldfield
25-Mar-2019
Blog
No More Needles! Using Microbiome and Synthetic Biology Advances to Better Treat Type 1 Diabetes
16-Oct-2018
Blog
Every Day is World Food Day at JCVI
24-Sep-2018
Blog
JCVI Team Awarded Two Grants Under the National Science Foundation’s “Understanding the Rules of Life” Initiative, Building on 20 Years of JCVI Research
21-Sep-2018
Collaborator Release
NSF announces new awards for Understanding the Rules of Life
New projects address genetic, environmental causality in biological systems and processes
24-Mar-2016
Press Release
First Minimal Synthetic Bacterial Cell Designed and Constructed by Scientists at Venter Institute and Synthetic Genomics, Inc.
Cell, JCVI-syn3.0, was minimized to just 473 genes
20-May-2010
Press Release
First Self-Replicating, Synthetic Bacterial Cell Constructed by J. Craig Venter Institute Researchers
24-Jan-2008
Press Release
Venter Institute Scientists Create First Synthetic Bacterial Genome
Publication Represents Largest Chemically Defined Structure Synthesized in the Lab
Team Completes Second Step in Three Step Process to Create Synthetic Organism
28-Jun-2007
Press Release
JCVI Scientists Publish First Bacterial Genome Transplantation Changing One Species to Another
Research is important step in further advancing field of synthetic genomics
13-Nov-2003
Press Release