Whether or not the benefits of "golden rice" are overstated, I'd really like to see a DIY implementation of that experiment.
Sometimes I see "CRISPR workshops" which go over the basic theory and walk through performing individual steps like amplifying DNA with PCR and preparing it for transfection, but it's still very difficult to actually get a stable targeted mutation.
And having a goal like beta carotene would be a good opportunity to explain how to research the pathway which leads to a certain chemical, and get a plant to express each step along the way.
I get that people are suspicious of GMOs, but I'd actually like to see a simple gene lab in every home. It takes time to perform this sort of experiment, and if the work could be spread out among individuals who all have their own interests/tastes/climates/etc, we might see more progress in the practicum.
Sadly, synthetic biology is hard, and the equipment would probably take more space than a toaster or a blender. But it's a nice pipe dream.
I love that idea - AgriHack, a plant hackathon to create a new strain of rice that provides vitamin supplements. The winner has the most vitamins and uses the least water to grow.
Sometimes I see "CRISPR workshops" which go over the basic theory and walk through performing individual steps like amplifying DNA with PCR and preparing it for transfection, but it's still very difficult to actually get a stable targeted mutation.
And having a goal like beta carotene would be a good opportunity to explain how to research the pathway which leads to a certain chemical, and get a plant to express each step along the way.
I get that people are suspicious of GMOs, but I'd actually like to see a simple gene lab in every home. It takes time to perform this sort of experiment, and if the work could be spread out among individuals who all have their own interests/tastes/climates/etc, we might see more progress in the practicum.
Sadly, synthetic biology is hard, and the equipment would probably take more space than a toaster or a blender. But it's a nice pipe dream.