It’s no secret that the pandemic has been both an inspiring and divisive time for biology. For those who believe science holds the key to solving our collective challenges, the COVID-19 vaccines developed in record time–and with unprecedented efficacy–offer a preview for a bright future built better with biology. 

That being said, if our goal is to fundamentally reshape our world with bio-based technologies, we will need both the input and support of governments (and the general public). 

There are growing calls for more open dialogue with the public about how technologies like synthetic biology and AI will impact our world. One of the most optimistic voices behind this call is quantitative futurist Amy Webb, founder and CEO of the Future Today Institute. 

Named as one of “five women changing the world” by Forbes , Webb uses quantitative and qualitative models to track emerging signals and establish trends. “We use that information to develop scenarios. [These] are stories that are data-driven but give us alternative views of the future,” says Webb. In Built With Biology’s opinion, the concept of data-driven, hope-filled “stories” lie at the heart of the challenge to communicate about a positive, biology-based future.

So, what stories do today’s data say are possible and which are most probable? Webb explores these questions—and demystifies the underlying science—in her new book co-written with microbiologist and geneticist Andrew Hessel, co-founder of Humane Genomics. The forthcoming book, The Genesis Machine: Our Quest to Rewrite Life in the Age of Synthetic Biology, doesn’t shy away from addressing the challenges or ethical quandaries of engineering life. It also welcomes readers who may not be familiar with the nuances of bioengineering or its long-standing impacts on our lives. For example, many may not know that producing cheap insulin for diabetes came from a genetic engineering breakthrough in 1978.

Webb and Hessel begin their narrative from a deeply personal perspective: a mutual desire to begin families with their respective partners. Both are “perfectly healthy” and yet are unable to become parents. As Web and Hessle write: their bodies “just aren’t cooperating.” Such a personal beginning speaks directly to our struggles and aspirations to build a better life for ourselves and our families. Synthetic biology, write Webb and Hessle, can help us get there. 

The authors do not shy away from the fact that not everyone will embrace the bioengineering revolution. Misinformation pitfalls aside, synthetic biology is a powerful set of tools and the risk of misuse is genuine. As a society, we will need to address ethical questions like germline editing for life-threatening diseases or the implications of creating new forms of life. As advocated by Webb and Hessel, we would best be served by engaging in dialogue, one that is honest and open about our future… and both the benefits and pitfalls of genetic engineering.

In conclusion, as methodical and data-driven as science is, it’s the stories that connect us. We are inspired by positive change, galvanized by possibility, and moved by passion. Bioengineering offers cures for life-threatening diseases, solutions that will hopefully provide more time with our loved ones. At day’s end, our humanity lies in each other. So, to communicate the possibilities of a bioengineered future, we must lead with our humanity. We must not lose sight of that as we create public dialogues. Beyond scientific complexities, financial difficulties, regulatory hurdles, misinformation and more, we are seeking to build a safer and better world. Synthetic biology is the means but not the end. 

For more information on Amy Webb and The Genesis Machine: Our Quest to Rewrite LIfe in the Age of Synthetic Biology, see https://amywebb.io/books.