Pande & Conde: When (and How) Biology Becomes Engineering | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The shift from science to engineering in biology allows for a more methodical and predictable approach, reducing risk and increasing the chances of success.

Key Insights

• 👻 Biology is shifting towards engineering principles, allowing for a more predictable and methodical approach.
• 👶 Legos, or natural building blocks in biology, are being identified and utilized to create new structures and functions.
• 🏬 Academia is responding to the shift by creating departments that integrate biology and engineering disciplines.
• 🖐️ Machine learning has the potential to play a crucial role in the engineering of biological systems and solutions.
• 👶 The shift towards engineering in biology challenges traditional drug discovery approaches and offers new opportunities for success.
• 🤩 Proof of concept and predictable outcomes are key factors in gaining value and traction in the biotech industry.
• 🏃 Platforms that can improve systematically and scalably are more likely to succeed in the long run.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: Can you provide an example of how Legos are being used in biology?

Yes, companies like Asimov are developing Legos in the form of biological parts that can be combined and assembled to create new functions and structures. This approach allows for more precise and controlled engineering in biology.

Q: How does the application of engineering principles in biology challenge traditional drug discovery approaches?

Traditionally, drug discovery focused on developing molecules for specific diseases. However, with the shift towards engineering, the focus is on designing and building entire cells and systems, making Legos and engineered parts crucial for success.

Q: How is academia responding to the shift towards engineering in biology?

Academia has created new departments and programs, such as bioengineering and biological engineering, to bridge the gap between biology and engineering. This shift has accelerated the integration of engineering principles into biology research and education.

Q: How can machine learning play a role in shifting biology from science to engineering?

Machine learning offers an opportunity to apply engineering principles to biology by creating processes and models that can analyze and predict outcomes based on large datasets. This can help in designing and refining biological systems and solutions.

Summary

In this video, Joe and his partner discuss the concept of shifting biology from a science approach to an engineering approach. They explore how to move away from the high risks associated with scientific discoveries and towards a more systematic and methodical engineering process. They discuss the idea of biology as a set of Legos, where different components can be identified and manipulated, leading to the possibility of creating new and innovative solutions. They also examine the role of academia in responding to this shift and the potential impact of machine learning in transforming the field. Ultimately, they propose that the key to success in this new paradigm is proving the predictability and reproducibility of engineered biological systems.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the concept being discussed in this video?

The concept being discussed is the shift from a science approach to an engineering approach in biology.

Q: How does the engineering approach differ from the science approach in biology?

The engineering approach is characterized by a systematic and methodical process of designing, building, and testing, whereas the science approach is more stochastic and high-risk, with a focus on hypothesis testing and revision.

Q: Can biology be broken down into simpler components like Legos?

Yes, biology can be broken down into simpler components, such as atoms, molecules, proteins, cells, tissues, organs, organisms, and ecosystems. This hierarchical structure allows for the identification and manipulation of different components.

Q: Is there an example of using this Lego-like approach in biology?

Yes, companies like Asimov are creating biological Legos by designing and building individual components that can be combined to create new biological systems. This approach allows for more flexibility and customization in engineering biological solutions.

Q: How does the engineering approach reduce risk in biology?

The engineering approach reduces risk by focusing on the predictability and reproducibility of engineered biological systems. By understanding the components and their interactions, it becomes possible to design and build with more confidence and lower risk.

Q: How does academia respond to the shift towards an engineering approach in biology?

Academia has responded by creating new departments, such as bioengineering or biological engineering, that focus on the intersection of engineering and biology. This has led to the emergence of new disciplines and the integration of engineering principles into biological research.

Q: What is the role of genetic engineering in the shift towards an engineering approach in biology?

Genetic engineering is an example of how biology can be treated as an engineering discipline. With advancements in technologies like CRISPR, DNA can be manipulated and designed as a medium for creating new biological systems. This allows for more control and customization in engineering biological solutions.

Q: How does high-throughput biology fit into the context of an engineering approach?

High-throughput biology can be seen as a way to scale biology at a massive level, similar to how engineering is scaled. While there may be some experimentation involved in finding the right components, the goal is to eventually create a process that can be repeated reliably and predictably.

Q: How do different disciplines of engineering apply to biology?

Disciplines like mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, material science, and computer science are increasingly being applied to biology. These disciplines provide principles and tools that can be adapted to the unique challenges and opportunities of biological systems.

Q: How does the shift towards an engineering approach in biology affect the pharmaceutical industry?

The shift towards an engineering approach in biology could change the way pharmaceutical companies operate. Instead of focusing on single molecules or drugs, companies may need to view themselves as data generating and data science companies. This shift can lead to new ways of discovering drugs and developing treatments.

Q: Will pharmaceutical companies have as much emphasis on wet labs as they do on dry labs in the future?

The balance between wet labs and dry labs may shift as pharmaceutical companies adopt more engineering principles. While wet labs will still be necessary for certain aspects of research and development, there may be an increased focus on dry labs and computational analysis as companies seek to harness the power of data and machine learning.

Takeaways

The shift from a science approach to an engineering approach in biology has the potential to revolutionize the field. By treating biology as a set of Legos, where different components can be identified and manipulated, it becomes possible to design and build new and innovative solutions. Academia has responded to this shift by creating new departments and disciplines that integrate engineering principles into biological research. Genetic engineering, high-throughput biology, and machine learning are all tools that can be utilized in this new paradigm. The key to success lies in proving the predictability and reproducibility of engineered biological systems. By demonstrating value at a small scale and showing the ability to scale, companies can gain traction and drive innovation in the field. Ultimately, the goal is to shift from bespoke science projects to a more systematic and productive engineering approach in biology.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The concept of science involves forming and testing hypotheses, while engineering focuses on designing, building, and refining. The goal is to apply engineering principles to biology.

• "Legos" in biology refers to identifying and utilizing natural hierarchy and building blocks, such as atoms, molecules, proteins, cells, tissues, organs, organisms, and ecosystems, to create new combinations and structures.

• Academia has responded to the shift by creating departments and programs that integrate biological and engineering disciplines, facilitating the development of engineered biological solutions.