Team:Edinburgh/Human/Communication

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Communication of Science - Terminology Research

As part of our investigations into the communication of science we did the task of gathering a set of terms from synthetic biology as well as a few questions to assess some attitudes to open sourcing and awareness of synthetic biology. Below are the definitions of those terms we agreed upon. This discussion within the team, between engineers, biologists, informaticians and a designer, was the start of analysing how easy it is for terms to be misunderstood. From this we gained an understanding of how each of us thought about these terms and this idea is then extended to the various disciplines involved in our team, the team's peers to lecturers with various knowledge of iGEM and synthetic biology.

More about communication of science can be found in the report in 'further thoughts'.

Agreed term definitions

Biobricks – DNA sequence with defined structure, function and standardised ends for use in easy assembly.
Vector – tool made of genetic material used to transfer foreign genetic material into a cell.
Plasmid backbone – circular vector with selection marker capable of holding a DNA insert.
Assembly – combination of parts to create a whole.
Chassis – cell used to house and hold parts together, providing an environment for propagation and function.
Open sourcing – Principle of access to source information and/or materials without obstacles of copyright or profit making.
Digestion – process of chemically breaking down larger molecules into smaller parts.
Registry of standard biological parts – catalogue of Biobricks and their characterisation and categorisation information.
Engineering – Practical application of scientific and mathematical principles.
Synthetic – made through a process that alters naturally occurring material.
Protein – molecule made from one or more amino acid chains with a specific 3D structure and function, made by and required for life.
DNA - Deoxyribonucleic acid. No simple definition despite common beliefs eg code of life.
Contains chain made up of four bases of ACTG. This sequence can contain information.

Below are some examples of what was returned from this academic probe.


     

     


     

conclusions

This questionaire illustrates well the ambiguities that lay within the language of synthetic biology and science in general. So its not just being able to discuss science with the 'average joe' its about both the obvious jargon but also the subtleties of the meanings of terms used in various ways in different scientific fields. The questions still remains, how much do the non-professionals from a particular discipline need to know, how much can they really understand and how much effort should be put in to help 'outsiders'comprehend the complexities involved in the practice of various scientific disciplines such as synthetic biology?

Throughout this wiki there are words in bold that indicate a relevance to human aspects. It will become obvious that human aspects are a part of almost everything in iGEM.