Synthetic Biology Conference

In the NYT:  A topic we linked with the Santa Fe Institute on.  Also with MIT prof Neil Gershenfeld, who is quoted in the article.   "  Neil Gershenfeld,   ... a physicist who is the director of the Center for Bits and Atoms, said that the improvement in the capacity to read and write biological genes has given rise to the possibility of “spectacular advances,” like the ability to use a computer to design a complete genome, output it, insert it in a cell and in effect create life from scratch.

The new abilities, he noted, raised ethical questions that are as yet unanswered. “When the ability to convert biology to data and data into biology becomes that cheap, that agile, that easy to do, what are the consequences?” he said. ... " 

We saw this as more directional for modeling capabilities, based on biological examples, rather than about creating life.  Often using agent models inspired by biology and even swarms of animals.