Presentation
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Summary of Outbrief
Discussion about the ramifications of a "social gap" between engineers and biologists characterized the efforts of Dr. Robert Eisenberg and his colleagues.
In his presentation, Dr. Eisenberg described the difficulties that result from an engineer's lack of knowledge about the structure of molecules and the role of structural biology. Similarly, molecular biologists know little about devices, including the physical laws that govern their systems.
Dr. Eisenberg asserted that bridging the social gap was a "crucial" need. He believes that progress can be made in the creation of new biomachines by using engineering techniques (not simulation), and by computation and execution of mathematical formulas (not solely by trial-and-error experimentation).
Examples of biomachines considered by the discussion group include:
Artificial cells and insects made into smaller, lighter, faster, covert sensing and surveillance devices. Engineered plants modified to be self-sustaining sensors of pathogens and toxins. Biomimetic manufacturing to support extracellular production, not in biological cells, but of materials coded by DNA from common feedstocks. Skin that can be use as a portal, not a barrier, to the body—as a way to get into the body and to force the body to make drugs for itself.
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