Café des Sciences: Engineering Microbes as Living Sensors

Co-organized with Chronus Art Center, swissnex China was presenting the 6th Café des Sciences Lecture with the focus on Synthetic Biology. Prof. Mario Andrea Marchisio, Post-Doctor graduated from ETH Zurich, gave us a glance at his research on engineering microbes as living sensors. His research field, Synthetic Biology, is a new discipline sometimes referred to as life engineering.

The insertion of circuits

The ETH Zürich Alumnus represented his inspiring research to bring together computational methods and wet-lab techniques for the design, modeling, and implementation of biosensors using the baker yeast S. cerevisiae. In Synthetic Biology, living cells are genetically modified in order to implement specific functions, which the natural cells do not have. Selected chemicals can “switch on” circuits made of interacting DNA sequences. Later on, these circuits can be used as biosensors. The outcome of Prof. Mario Andrea Marchisio’s research might be useful for improving circuits in higher eukaryotes.

After an active Q&A, the audience stayed late during the networking reception and continued discussions with the Swiss linked scientist. The 6th edition of Café des Sciences talk was a nice success in expanding our community.

Monthly platform

Cafe des Sciences is a format at external page swissnex China offering a monthly platform for Swiss Spotlight Scientists and Startups to present their projects and connect with the local community. The lectures will offer a casual setting in which speakers can present their work and engage with the attendees during a Q&A period. The audience is welcome to enjoy the networking reception with Swiss flavour after the talk. The lecture is scheduled to take place every third Thursday each month at swissnex China or our partner spaces. - Stay tuned for our next event on July 18th!