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Revolutionizing plastic waste management through biological upcycling
La Jolla, California—January 31, 2025—It is commonly understood that plastic waste is a tremendous problem. But how big of a problem? According to the U.N. Environment Programme, the world currently produces around 400 million metric tons of plastic waste per year—a number that is so far beyond human scale it is difficult to grasp. In terms of weight, yearly plastic waste is equivalent to about 73 million elephants or 40,000 Eiffel Towers. A significant portion of this waste is...
Risks of mirror bacteria
In this study we discuss the feasibility and potential risks of creating an alternative form of life called mirror bacteria. We call upon the broader scientific community and policymakers to engage in discussion and to implement guardrails to avert this potentially severe threat from unfolding. All known life in the natural world is homochiral — DNA and RNA are composed of right-handed nucleotides, and proteins are made from left-handed amino acids. Mirror versions of these and other...
Advocacy in Action: Effective Techniques for Shaping Science Policy
The American Society of Human Genetics will hold a workshop on “Effective Techniques for Shaping Science Policy,” led by J. Craig Venter Institute’s Anna Capria, October 16, 2024 at 12 PM EDT. Workshop details This workshop is for those passionate about human genetics who want to meaningfully impact the field through advocacy. You will gain foundational and practical skills to become an advocate, building on ASHG's ongoing efforts and highlighting available advocacy tools to the...
J. Craig Venter Institute awarded 5-year, $5M grant to lead Center for Innovative Recycling and Circular Economy (CIRCLE)
La Jolla, California—October 2, 2024—J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) has been awarded a 5-year, $5M grant to lead the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Center for Innovative Recycling and Circular Economy (CIRCLE) through their Global Centers program. CIRCLE is an ambitious international partnership with funding agencies in the U.S., Canada, Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom, jointly supporting use-inspired research addressing global challenges through the bioeconomy. JCVI...
Scientists discover molecular predictors of toxic algal blooms that pose health risk, ecological and economic harm
La Jolla, California—September 19, 2024—A team of researchers from the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI), Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego, and collaborators, have published a groundbreaking study on predicting harmful algal blooms (HABs) that contain high levels of the neurotoxin domoic acid. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms driving this type of HAB and offers potential solutions for predicting and mitigating their...
Prebys Introduces 2024 Grant Funding to Enhance Career Opportunities for Youth Across San Diego County
Background In 2023, The Conrad Prebys Foundation unveiled a strategic plan dedicated to enhancing community well-being by fostering purpose, opportunity, and belonging for every resident. This plan was shaped by over a hundred interviews and an extensive listening tour across the county. The Foundation invests in visual and performing arts, medical research, health care, and youth success, envisioning a future where San Diego County youth have their basic needs met while pursuing...
3rd Minimal Cell Workshop
View complete playlist for the workshop on YouTube. Day 1 — September 15, 2023 Time PDT Video Title Presenter Organization PI 5:00 - 5:20 Welcome and introduction John Glass (jglass@jcvi.org) JCVI John Glass 5:20 - 5:35 Building the in silico minimal cell: Achievements and a rallying call for experimental data ...
Passing of former J. Craig Venter Institute Trustee Bill Walton
La Jolla, California—May 27, 2024—We are saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend, Bill Walton, and offer our sincere condolences to his wife, Lori and sons, Adam, Nathan, Luke, and Chris. While many knew Bill for his accomplishments on the basketball court, we knew Bill as a larger-than-life advocate of basic scientific research. We are grateful for his counsel and service as a member of JCVI’s Board of Trustees and will endeavor to honor his memory by continuing our mission...
Phytoplankton Genetically Sequenced at Sea for the First Time
LOS ANGELES (May 21, 2024) – Viking® (www.viking.com) (NYSE: VIK) today announced its latest scientific advancement on board the company’s expedition fleet with the addition of real-time environmental DNA (eDNA) sequencing of phytoplankton. With scientific support from UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography and J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI), the PCR lab on board the Viking Octantis® has been converted into an advanced scientific environment where visiting scientists...
Tae Seok Moon, Ph.D. and Nan Zhu, Ph.D. join J. Craig Venter Institute faculty
La Jolla, California—May 1, 2024—J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) is pleased to announce Tae Seok Moon, Ph.D. and Nan Zhu, Ph.D. are joining its faculty effective May 1, 2024. Both will join JCVI’s synthetic biology group, under the direction of John Glass, Ph.D. in the La Jolla, California facility. Professor Moon’s research explores synthetic biology approaches to solve global agricultural, environmental, manufacturing, and health needs. Associate Professor Zhu’s research focuses on...