Synthetic Biology

Recent news:

head and shoulders photo of Keasling in lab examining a flask of fluid. photo by JBEI

Keasling Named 2025 DOE/NAI Innovator of the Year

June 27, 2025

The Department of Energy and the National Academy of Inventors have honored Professor Jay Keasling with their 2025 Innovator of the Year Award, which goes to one DOE employee who has translated research into tangible impacts that have benefited society at large. Keasling is a pioneer in synthetic biology who leads a groundbreaking research program focused on engineering microorganisms to produce advanced biofuels and chemicals.

microscope image of osteoyeast cells. The outline of the vacuole is red, the calcium inside the vacuole is green. Image by Berkeley Lab.

New Process Uses Microbes to Create Valuable Materials from Urine

June 18, 2025

A team led by BioE alumnus Yasuo Yoshikuni genetically modified yeast to create hydroxyapatite, a strong and lightweight material, from the elements present in urine. With lower production costs the material may now be practical for use in wastewater treatment, fertilizer manufacturing, building materials and plastic replacement.

Photo of Astolfi standing in front of a soapbark tree on the UC Berkeley campus, wearing an earring of macaw feathers.

Indigenous knowledge helps biotech find new drugs. This grad student wants those companies to give back.

May 6, 2025

Bioengineering doctoral student Maria Astolfi and her colleagues argue for a new type of partnership with indigenous peoples to create a more ethical bioeconomy.

aerial photo of modern farm with silos

Pivot Bio is using microbial nitrogen to make agriculture more sustainable

February 20, 2025

Co-founded by BioE alumnus Karsten Temme, Pivot is bringing cleaner nitrogen to American farmland.