Tae Seok Moon, a synthetic biologist at the J. Craig Venter Institute, shared his recent entry into ageing research. With a background in synthetic biology, he presented groundbreaking ideas and tools designed to address fundamental questions about life and ageing processes.

Key Points:

Tae Seok Moon's presentation highlighted the transformative potential of synthetic biology in ageing research. By addressing core biological questions, exploring energy dynamics, and leveraging microbiome precision, his work sets the stage for innovations that could reshape our understanding of longevity and health.

• Synthetic Biology Meets Ageing Research: Tae Seok Moon introduced his exploration of ageing research through synthetic biology, applying his expertise to investigate the biological principles that underlie ageing and cellular processes.
• Fundamental Biological Questions: He highlighted his lifelong pursuit of understanding biology’s governing principles, including entropy management and biological robustness. These concepts are critical for maintaining stability in living organisms and have direct implications for ageing.
• Heat Generation and Ageing: Moon's research on bacterial heat generation aimed to understand how cells manage energy. His findings revealed links between energy inefficiencies, ATP consumption, and ageing processes, with potential to predict physiological tipping points leading to death.
• Innovative Applications for Health: An innovative idea involved engineering heat-generating bacteria for practical use, such as aiding Navy divers in maintaining body temperature in cold conditions. This demonstrated how synthetic biology can offer creative solutions to physiological challenges.
• Microbiome and Longevity: Moon discussed advanced tools for targeting specific gut bacteria using CRISPR and machine learning. These techniques allow precise manipulation of the microbiome, potentially influencing health and extending lifespan without the drawbacks of antibiotics.
• Environmental Concerns in Synthetic Biology: Addressing the ecological impact of synthetic DNA, he emphasized the need for responsible practices. He developed antibiotic-free cloning methods, reducing the environmental risks associated with genetic engineering.
• Collaborative Opportunities in Ageing Research: Moon encouraged young researchers and trainees to integrate synthetic biology tools into ageing research. By offering resources and mentorship, he aimed to bridge the gap between disciplines and inspire innovation.
• Educational and Community Contributions: He showcased his efforts to nurture the next generation of synthetic biologists through seminar series and public engagement, emphasizing the importance of knowledge-sharing and collaboration within the scientific community.