Bioethics & Social Justice

Who decides when to pursue life changing biotechnology: the scientists in the lab? The regulators? The marketplace? The public?

BDC Projects

modulus

Modulus is a speculative company that offers body enhancement services. The project aims to create a social conversation around identity, policy, bioethics, synthetic biology, and morphological freedom.

Keio University (2020) | Video | Website

wastr - reassessing our trash

Wastr is a critical piece that imagines a garbage can that measures users’ waste production in order to promote better disposal habits. 

University of Toledo (2020) | Video

Death on Mars

Using genome editing and a synthetic chromosome to encode DNA with computational data, the project proposes a future where plants can be used as living memorials for loved ones on Mars. Interacting with the memorial plant triggers photos, videos, stories, recipes, and memories of the deceased. 

University of Tech, Sydney (2019) | Video

Parturient

Further Resources

Janina Jeff, BDC 2021 Summit Talk

At BDC Summit 2021, population geneticist and science journalist Janina Jeff discussed how to make genetics education accessible to everyone. Learn more⟶

The Technology That’s Changing the Future of Human Reproduction, Hank Greely, Science Friday

Bioethicist Hank Greely excerpts his 2016 book, The End of Sex and the Future of Human Reproduction, which says in vitro fertilization (IVF) will become he norm and that the DNA of embryos will be sequenced and carefully analyzed before decisions are made. Learn more⟶

Love Your Monsters, Bruno Latour, The Breakthrough

Philosopher Bruno Latour evokes the story of Frankenstein as a lesson to creators that they must care for their technological creations, just as we do our children. Learn more⟶