H&M dives deeper into circular economy with start-up investment

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has developed what it describes as “an efficient synthetic biology toolbox for industry and research organisations.” The toolbox enables, in an unprecedented way, engineering of a diverse range of yeasts and fungi, says the group. VTT says it comprises DNA parts which can be easily combined to create new biological systems. 
The SES (Synthetic Expression System) toolbox seemingly enables expression of genes in yeasts and fungi considerably more efficiently and with better control than has been possible with previous methods. The toolbox is based on DNA components with well-defined functions and the components can be combined “as if they were Lego bricks.” In this way, molecular machines can be built, for example, for improved control of yeast cell performance in industrial bioprocesses for production of polymer precursors, fuels and medical compounds. Because the components of the SES toolbox operate the same way in different species, they can be used to engineer species that have attractive properties, but which have due to lack of engineering tools not been studied or used in biotechnology applications in the past. The SES toolbox is expected to enable development of numerous novel microbial production processes for valorization of various waste materials to higher value compounds. In doing so, the SES toolbox provides important solutions for bio- and circular economy challenges. VTT has written an article about the opportunities opened up by the toolbox, which you can read here. You can also read an article recently published in Nucleic Acids Research here.
Read the full article at: envirotecmagazine.com

October 2022 brief extended to cover more local communities to contribute towards Sustainability.  Climate change causes changes in forests, their ecological functions and ecosystem services.  SDG 13 aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change and drive adaptation actions.  Hope COP27 of the year will recognise the necessity of the simple solutions and inclusion of everyone in climatic problems just like you can start this journey by a simple step – planting a tree around us.  The effect that would have on global warming is unimaginably positive.

Synthetic biology has become a powerful tool to advance science, making processes more efficient, enabling completely new approaches to biology, and helping scientists find the right answers, faster.

These capabilities are having a ripple effect. They help researchers pursue avenues that had not been economically feasible or, in some cases, scientifically possible.

Sport for purpose championship Extreme E has teamed up with Project Everyone, a not-for-profit creative communications agency, to raise awareness of The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), better known as the Global Goals. Co-founded by film writer and director Richard Curtis to drive adoption of the 17 Global Goals, Project Everyone creates advocacy campaigns, content, programmes and events – telling stories that help multiple sectors engage with the Goals and ensure greater involvement from civil society, corporations, educators, philanthropist, activists and politicians. As part of Extreme E’s commitment to raising awareness of the climate crisis, all nine teams will display the Global Goals logo on their cars in the Jurassic X Prix next month in Dorset, UK. The Global Goals logo is a wheel representing all 17 Goals, which are designed to eliminate extreme poverty, to reduce inequalities, and to combat the threat of climate change by 2030.