Researchers are making modular genetic circuits that can perform more complex tasks by swapping protein building blocks. The modular genetic circuits engineered from parts of otherwise unrelated bacterial genomes can be set up to handle multiple chemical inputs simultaneously with a minimum of interference from their neighbors. The work gives scientists more options as they design synthetic cells for specific tasks, such as the production of biofuels, environmental remediation or the treatment of human diseases.

Source: New tools advance bio-logic