Synthetic Biology and Dual Use

Synthetic biology is science or technology concerning layers of life such as individuals, organs, cells. In this field, components of a layer are combined to construct a system in the upper layer. This paper focuses on studies, at a layer related to gene recombinant experiments, modifying genes and combining multiple genes. By introducing research accomplishments in synthetic biology such as gene networks and synthesis of the whole genome, this paper explains how synthetic biology is an extension of conventional gene engineering and the field of interdisciplinary open innovation. The risks of synthetic biology and risk reduction methods are also introduced.