Team:Brown-Stanford/SynEthics/Videos/LynnRothschild

Dr. Lynn Rothschild is the dedicated faculty advisor of the Brown-Stanford iGEM team, Chief Scientist for Synthetic Biology at NASA Ames Research Center, and career astrobiologist. Her research interests include extremophiles and the effects of UV radiation, altitude, and other stresses on microorganisms.

(0:06) Why is synthetic biology good for space exploration?
Dr. Rothschild covers the three primary advantages of biological systems over mechanical ones in space- they can grow, self repair, and self replicate.

(1:51) What are the ethics of space exploration?

Dr. Rothschild expresses the belief that going into space is ethically sound. She also frames the concern about disturbing alien life in terms of scientific value.

(4:12) Could we genetically engineer alien lifeforms?

Dr. Rothschild discusses the possibility of engineering alien organisms, drawing parallels to research on Earth.

(5:40) What if life in the universe is truly rare?

Dr. Rothschild describes the ethical responsibility we would have to humanity, life on Earth, and life in the Universe.

(6:23) Any last words for iGEMers?
Dr. Rothschild’s advice on how to use the tools of synthetic biology.