Human Practices

Integrated Human Practices

Our team visited the BGI center with an excursion. In this center, we talked with representatives of various directions. This conversation helped us to get an idea of the current state of affairs in the field of synthetic biology, new technologies for sequencing and processing biological data. In addition, we discussed options for the implementation of our project. We have received a number of valuable instructions for the further development of the project.

Education and Communication

High school lessons

To promote the ideas of synthetic biology among young minds our team conducted engaging and educational lessons at two schools in Shenzhen.

Visit to the Experimental High School Affiliated to Shenzhen MSU-BIT University (SMBUHS)

At SMBUHS, we organized a biology lesson, starting with fundamental biological concepts, with a particular focus on the explanation of cells' structure and components. We then had a small Q&A session in order to encourage them to ask questions and to get them engaged in the learning process. Since kids tend to get easily bored with complex scientific topics, we adopted an innovative approach. Rather than overwhelming them with a bunch of complicated biological terminology, we delivered information through interactive games and real-life examples of synthetic biology in their daily lives.

As a result of our approach to make complex synthetic biology concepts engaging and relatable for students, they eagerly explored the significance of DNA and RNA within cells, especially during the Pictionary game. Our primary goal was to inspire these young minds, leaving them with curiosity about synthetic biology. As part of achieving this goal, we introduced the students to the iGEM competition. We shared our own project ideas and explained how iGEM fosters innovative solutions through synthetic biology.

To ease further exploration of the topic, we handed out the "CRISPR-Cas Handbook," a comprehensive brochure prepared by our team in collaboration with other iGEM teams. This handbook covers the basics of CRISPR-Cas technology, allowing students to delve deeper into the subject of our project presentation at their own pace.

Visit to The Longgang High School affiliated to Central China Normal University (LGHS)

Continuing in LGHS, we organized another biology lesson. With the Pictionary game proving to be a highlight of the lesson at SMBUHS we prepared more topics to play with. We also emphasized the importance of scientific communities like iGEM, showcasing the collaborative spirit that inspired us in the first place. The students actively engaged in these discussions, showcasing their enthusiasm for the subject matter. As senior mentors, we aimed to instill a passion for academic pursuits in these students, inspiring them to consider careers in scientific fields.

Step in the lab

After having successfully conducted lessons at schools and in response to the enthusiastic feedback from high schoolers, we decided to take a step further and support emerging interest in understanding of biology by inviting the most active students to our labs. This initiative was driven by our desire to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Here, they were introduced to the equipment used in scientific research. They witnessed firsthand the workings of laboratory equipment and observed real scientists in action. Our Principal Investigator, Grigory Glukhov, professor in the Biology faculty, conducted experiments such as the Beta-Lactamase Activity Assay Kit (Colorimetric). Because high school students are not able to conduct some experiments related to bacteria, we have chosen the above experiment to carry out instead, using the color change in different test tubes to simulate antibiotic resistance produced by bacteria. And lead them to think about how it works. These experiments not only fascinated the students but also provided them with valuable insights into the practical applications of biology. Our PI also provided an in-depth lecture on synthetic biology and its potential to revolutionize the future with support of our team members Liu Yu and Shun RuiJia. This hands-on experience allowed them to connect theory to practice. The students were thrilled and engaged throughout the visit, solidifying their passion for science.

By inviting them into our world of scientific exploration, we aimed not only to educate but also to inspire. We encouraged them to ask questions, explore their own scientific interests, and consider the exciting possibilities that a future in biology holds.

Conclusion

Our team achieved remarkable success with approximately 100 students influenced by our engaging lessons and laboratory visits. We believe that these early educational experiences sparked curiosity and passion in the hearts of the students we engaged with for biology and science in general. We aspire to see them grow into the scientists of tomorrow, perhaps even becoming future iGEM participants. Moreover, we, as university students ourselves, learned a lot from our PI on how to conduct lectures and experiments for students. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to repeat this experience.

Conferences and science fairs

CCiC

From 8th of July to 10th of July, as part of the knowledge exchange, the SMBU team participated in the 10th Conference of China iGEMer Community (CCiC). CCiC was held at Hainan University in Haikou City, Hainan province and was organized by the State Key Laboratory of Marine Resources Utilization in the South China Sea, College of Tropical Crops, and College of Life Sciences at Hainan University. CCiC attracted guests from academia, industry, nearly 100 iGEM Committee members and 100 chinese iGEM teams.The conference's three-day agenda featured academic lectures, team presentations, poster exhibitions, workshops, and interactive team discussions.

Our team members flew to Hainan to present and share our project ideas, to meet with representatives from other teams, as well as to attend lectures delivered by famous professors from different universities. Pang YiTing, Liu Yu and Zhumabekova Alina actively participated during the conference and shared all highlights with their team online.

Moreover, as a first-time participating team we were extremely excited for the opportunity to present our research project to experienced teams and to get feedback from them, fostering meaningful discussions and exchanging experiences related to the CRISPR-Cas system. Through this collaborative engagement, we gained valuable insights and new solutions, as well as made a lot of new connections.

In addition, during the conference, our PI, Grigory Glukhov, gave an interview that was on broadcasted on Hainan TV, he shared our project goals and objectives. Grigory also expressed the team's keenness for collaboration and partnership with teams from other universities.

Overall, the 10th CCiC conference served for us as a great platform for communication and knowledge exchange.

Synbio & SDG Science Exhibition

On September 30th, SMBU team and 11 other iGEM teams (SCUT-China, USTC, SYSU-SLS-CHINA, UM-Macau , SCU-China, SCAU- China, CSU- CHINA, XJTLU- CHINA，SUSTech-MED, SUSTech-OCE，SUSTech-Shenzhen) organized the Synbio & SDG ( Synthetic biology and Sustainable Development Goals) Science Exhibition. With a focus on engaging teenagers, children, and families, we tried to transform weekends of a regular public into educational adventure.

To showcase our project we prepared informative posters and to reach a broader audience, we printed a CRISPR-Cas system brochure in partnership with other teams, serving as informative materials for the visitors. The theme of the exhibition revolved around the applications of synthetic biology in the context of sustainable development as well as the promotion of science literacy to the broader public. The interactive element of the exhibition proved to be a hit among teenagers and children, as a specially crafted KT board invited them to take photos and fostered their interest in the world of biology. Moreover, the younger attendees were encouraged to unleash their creativity by drawing their own biological creations, igniting their imaginations in the process.

For the participating iGEM teams, the exhibition offered an opportunity to collaborate and share their work. It facilitated knowledge and ideas exchange among teams from different regions. The event further strengthened the bond between the scientific community and the public, emphasizing the importance of science in shaping a sustainable future.

Overall, the Synbio & SDG Science Exhibition not only promoted the synthetic biology concepts and benefits, but also ignited a passion for science in kids and dispeled concerns of the older generation, engaging over 500 people. This event underscored the potential of collaborative efforts in advancing scientific knowledge and fostering a shared commitment to sustainable development.

Collaborations

CRISPR-Cas Handbook

From 8th of August to 20th of August, we collaborated with WHU-China, Tongji-Software, and CJUH-JLU-China teams, who we have met on CCiC and who are also working with CRISPR-Cas systems.

In recent years, the application of CRISPR-related technologies in various biological fields have rapidly developed and widespread. However, surveys have shown that the general public possesses limited knowledge of CRISPR technology. Recognizing this knowledge gap, our teams decided to create "CRISPR-Cas Handbook '' in order to enhance public understanding of CRISPR and synthetic biology by presenting CRISPR technology and its applications in an accessible and easy-to-understand format.

Each team undertook the responsibility of explaining specific aspects of CRISPR technology and its applications, collectively making a comprehensive narrative that would serve as an educational resource for the wider audience.

The collaborative effort resulted in the creation of a brochure that serves as an instruction and first-hand handbook about CRISPR technologies. WHU-China wrote the introduction and application of CRISPR-Cas9, while CJUH-JLU-China provided insights into CRISPR-Cas13. Tongji-Software wrote the information about CRISPR and Synthetic Biology as a whole. Our team was responsible for the CRISPR-Cas12. We have carefully studied the question of how to clearly explain such complex information to a wider public and we hope that by including visual tables and examples we have succeeded.

By creating an accessible resource of information, our teams have taken a small step towards bridging the information gap surrounding CRISPR technology, ultimately empowering the public with the knowledge to appreciate the impact of synthetic biology on our world. Later, all of the teams incorporated these brochures in their human practice activities. In total, over 500 "CRISPR-Cas Handbooks" were printed and handed out by our teams.

The iGEM map

We participated in an annual event organized by NTHU_Taiwan the iGEM map. The NTHU_Taiwan team created a map with the mascots of different teams around the world. We as many other teams decided to participate and to submit our mascots for the final image. Check NTHU_Taiwan wiki to see the map with different teams' mascots. This map is a great example of how worldwide and how international this competition is. This idea of representation of different nations in science is particularly close to us as an international team ourselves.

Scientific popularization via social media platforms

In addition to different events, we used our social media, such as Instagram and Wechat, as well as the official university platforms to popularize science and to attract more students from different faculties to iGEM.

Our SMM team covered all of the events throughout the period of iGEM competition and brought light to the bts of how our team worked on the project.