HP & Implement
1. Highlights
- All activities serve two major directions: Implement in space and sustainable development goals on Earth.
- We have carried out human practice activities nationwide, providing effective experimental suggestions for dry and wet labs; providing new directions for project Implement; centered on sustainable development goals (SDGs), we have assessed the potential impact of the project; we have also established connections with the public through several activities, introducing our project while spreading the concept of sustainable development.
- Explore the "Support" page to discover further contributions from the HP team in implementation and human practices, such as user manuals for astronauts, cultural products, original artwork, and our Human Practices Maturity Model.
- Explore the "SDGs" page to see our efforts on the Sustainable Development Impact.
- The project records follow the STAR-L rule.
2. Overview
Our HP activity arrangement follows the "PPPP" principle: Professional, Producer, Public, Policymaker.
- Professional: Experts and scholars in the field of synthetic biology, including our cooperation with other iGEM teams.
- Producer: End users who use the project for production, including aerospace departments and agricultural producers on Earth.
- Public: The public who may come into contact with synthetic biology.
- Policymaker: Administrative agencies and legal consulting agencies related to relevant policies.
Through research on these groups, we will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the project's value, impact, application prospects, and implement methods.
3. Professionals
3.1 Background Research: Insights and Inspiration from NASA's Work
HP & Implement
Prior to the commencement of the project, HP team members performed in-depth background research, with NASA's 2018 Micro-12 project emerging as one of the most significant sources of inspiration.
The Micro-12 investigation was conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and included three specific aims:
- Measure EET Rates and Mechanisms: Utilizing biochemical and genetic approaches to assess how microgravity influences EET rates and the mechanisms involved in S. oneidensis MR-1.
- Characterize Biofilm Development: Comparing biofilm formation under microgravity and Earth conditions using post-flight confocal laser scanning microscopy to determine the effects on biofilm morphology and extent.
- Identify Genetic Components Affected by Microgravity: Employing genome-wide gene expression analysis and mutant fitness profiling to pinpoint genetic factors that confer advantages or disadvantages in biofilm formation and EET during spaceflight.
The experiment used BioServe's Fluid Processing Apparatus (FPA) housed in Group Activation Packs (GAPs), allowing for controlled mixing of microbial media, inoculum, and fixatives at specific time points during the flight.
The project revealed several key insights:
- In space, the EET process of Shewanella becomes more efficient, its redox metabolism remains unaffected, gene expression may undergo some changes, though without biological significance, and the formation of Shewanella biofilms is not impacted.
- This means that no further space simulation experiments are required to assess Shewanella's space adaptability. Shewanella is a highly adaptable microorganism suited for space environments.
- Successful bacterial cultivation in space may require the development of user-friendly, specialized hardware. (See more at our 'Hardware' page.)
- NASA's project report, by Michael, Adam, Natalie et al, provided us with valuable insights, highlighting the need to create clear and accessible protocols for astronauts.
3.2 Teaching Workshop: iGEM and Innovative Talent Cultivation
HP & Implement
SDGs(See more at our "SDGs" page)
Situation
On March 12, 2024, the Nanjing-China team of Nanjing University, in conjunction with the NJU-China team, and the ShanghaiTech-China team of ShanghaiTech University, held an academic event called "Teaching Workshop: iGEM and Innovative Talent Cultivation." The core theme of the workshop was to explore how to cultivate innovative talents through the iGEM competition, enhance academic strength, and help the development of participating teams.
Task
The event aimed to promote in-depth exchanges among the three teams through experience sharing and project display, helping the teams achieve better results in the iGEM competition. At the same time, the event also hoped to promote the cultivation of innovative talents, promote cooperation between universities and teams, and further improve the quality and results of the iGEM competition.
Action
Professor Wei Shen, the instructor of the ShanghaiTech-China team, summarized his team's experience over the years, shared how to cultivate students' innovative abilities through the iGEM competition, and discussed how to combine iGEM with academic development.
The former leaders of the ShanghaiTech-China team presented excellent iGEM projects from previous years, analyzed the highlights and challenges of each project, and provided valuable experience for participants.
The Nanjing-China team briefly introduced the planning of the 2024 iGEM project and conducted in-depth discussions with the ShanghaiTech team on how to optimize the project and improve the performance of the competition. Both sides discussed key issues in innovative thinking and project implementation, laying a solid foundation for future cooperation.
Result
Through the teaching workshop, the participating teams not only gained valuable experience from the iGEM competition but also stimulated potential opportunities for cross-university cooperation. Both sides reached a consensus on how to cultivate innovative talents through the iGEM competition and provided new ideas for the respective teams' 2024 iGEM project establishment and implementation. The event laid the foundation for improving the quality of the competition and promoting the overall level of the participating teams. The Nanjing-China team realized that sufficient innovation is the key to gaining an advantage.
Learning
This event demonstrated the great potential of the iGEM competition as a platform for cultivating innovative talents. Through cross-university experience exchange, participating teams can learn from others' experiences, avoid common mistakes in projects, and gain new inspiration and strategies. The successful holding of the workshop shows that open communication and cooperation between teams are important means to improve the level of competition, and also provides a beneficial reference for future academic exchange and cooperation.
3.3 Collaboration with NAU-China
HP & Implement
Situation
In June 2024, our iGEM Nanjing-China team was invited to participate in the iGEM team exchange meeting held at Nanjing Agricultural University. The exchange meeting brought together six teams, including HUBU, NAU, NJTech-China-A, NJTech-China-B, WHU, and our team, aiming to provide a platform for each team to share project progress, learn from each other, and discuss solutions to technical problems.
Task
Our task at the exchange meeting was to present our team's research project, introduce how we construct a symbiotic system of humans, plants, and microorganisms in space through synthetic biology. In addition, we also needed to actively participate in the presentations and discussions of other teams, absorb beneficial experience, and raise questions about the challenges encountered in our team's project implementation to seek new ideas.
Action
At the exchange meeting, each team presented their projects. We introduced our project concept, the functions of the engineered bacteria we chose, the expected goals and paths of the project in detail. Subsequently, we actively participated in the questioning and discussion of other teams' projects. In addition, HUBU shared their team's valuable experience in fund management.
Result
Through this exchange, we not only gained new insights in technology and management but also established connections with other teams, facilitating potential cooperation opportunities in the future. Our project presentation also received recognition and positive feedback from other teams, helping us to establish the future project direction.
Learning
Q: What was the main content of the iGEM team exchange meeting in Nanjing Agricultural University?
A: The exchange meeting, hosted by Nanjing Agricultural University, brought together six iGEM teams from different universities, including HUBU, NAU, NJTech-China-A, NJTech-China-B, WHU, and Nanjing-China. The main content of the exchange meeting included each team presenting their projects in turn, sharing their research progress in the field of synthetic biology. Each team introduced its project background, technical methods, research results, and challenges through presentations, covering themes such as agriculture, food, space, and therapy. After the meeting, in-depth questioning and discussion took place among the teams, exploring problems encountered in technology implementation and solutions.
3.4 Communication with ZJU-China Team
HP & Implement
Situation
We learned that the School of Life Sciences at Zhejiang University, led by Professor Yu Luyang, established the Space Biology Research Center at the beginning of 2024. Its main research content and key tasks include a series of metabolic regulation changes and molecular mechanisms of cells and other living organisms under radiation and microgravity environments.
Task
According to Mr. Zhang's advice from CASC, the Nanjing-China team had a blank in the specific impact of microgravity on the metabolism of Shewanella currently, and lacked the conditions for simulate microgravity experiments. Therefore, we hoped to get in touch with the relevant professors of the Space Biology Research Center to obtain relevant suggestions or theoretical guidance.
Action
Considering the difficulty of contacting the professor directly, we contacted the ZJU-China iGEM team through the Chinese iGEM community and had an exchange meeting on the campus of Zhejiang University on July 2, 2024. After explaining the intention, the leader of ZJU-China, Huang Chenchen, expressed his willingness to help us contact Professor Yu Luyang. At the same time, taking this opportunity, both teams had further discussions on their respective projects, on the plans, implementation, and current progress, and expressed the intention of future HP-related cooperation.
We learned that the ZJU-China team selected Escherichia coli K-12 as the chassis microorganism, and through engineered transformation, achieved the production of violacein, and achieved a new dye design with memory and random two major modules, hoping to form a complete production line to achieve personalized customization services. At that time, ZJU-China had completed the wet experiment gene screening work, and the front-end platform construction responsible for the dry experiment group had a high degree of completion. In terms of HP, we shared the completed and pending activities and made some suggestions, looking forward to the popular science picture book that is being cooperated with.
Result
The exchange with the ZJU-China team enriched both teams' ideas and details about their respective projects. However, unfortunately, a few days later, the leader of ZJU-China, Huang Chenchen, fed back that Professor Yu Luyang did not express the attitude of accepting our visit and exchange.
3.5 11thConference of China iGEMer Community, CCiC
HP & Implement
Situation
From July 11th to 14th, 2024, the 11th China iGEMer Communication Conference (CCiC), hosted by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and the National Biomedical Innovation Center, was held in the International Business School Building of Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University. CCiC is a national communication conference independently initiated by Chinese iGEM participating teams, aiming to provide a platform for participating iGEM teams and young enthusiasts of synthetic biology in China to share resources and promote mutual learning and communication.
Action
Before the official start of the conference, we first registered our team information with the organizers and submitted our presentation poster. All participating teams' posters were displayed in the BSG lobby of the International Business School Building of Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University from the morning of July 12th to the afternoon of July 14th, 2024. Throughout this process, we arranged team members to explain the content next to the poster at different times, communicate with other teams, and participated in the "Most Popular Poster Award" specially set up for this conference.
According to the organizer's arrangement, the Nanjing-China team's project report presentation was scheduled for 14:35 on July 14, 2024, lasting for 15 minutes. We reported to the judges and the attending teams about the background of our project, the design and results of wet labs, the process of dry experiment modeling, and the progress of HP activities. During the entire conference, we arranged different team members to go to the main venue and branch venues to listen to other teams' reports, record and organize parts that can be followed up for communication and learning. At the welcome dinner, we also communicated with other teams and received a lot of valuable suggestions.
Learning
In the process of communicating with other teams, we found the missing links in the project introduction and streamlined the narrative, making the project report more concise and easy to understand.
3.6 2024 Space Village Meet-up
HP & Implement
We would like to thank Lucas Boldrini, the head of the iGEM Space Network, for providing valuable opportunities for communication between teams. On August 30, 2024, we were fortunate to witness the diverse and remarkable solutions proposed by different teams for the future of space exploration.
In this meeting, we shared our latest achievement-EGOAL, a powerful tool designed to assist in synthetic biology by leveraging existing knowledge bases to analyze the survival of microorganisms under complex conditions, particularly in space environments. During the conference, teams introduced their project plans and discussed common issues faced by the Space Village teams, such as how to obtain professional support and how to conduct simulation experiments.
After the meeting, we also reviewed iGEM's Statement at COPUOS 2024. The HP group from Nanjing-China believes that, as a responsible iGEM team, it is essential to focus on the sustainable development of space. At the same time, human space engineering consumes significant social resources, and while exploring space, we must not forget that there are still numerous issues on Earth that need to be addressed. Therefore, we believe that space technology should give back to the Earth.
This is also why we chose the sustainable development impact project.
4. Producers
4.1 End User:CASC Department 'A'
HP & Implement
Situation
CASC is China's main aerospace service provider, engaged in the research, design, production, and launch services of carrier rockets, various satellites, manned spacecraft, cargo spacecraft, deep-space probes, space stations, and other space products. In 2021, CASC ranked 307th in the Fortune Global 500. In 2022, it ranked 322nd in the Fortune Global 500. It can be said that CASC is the most important and most likely end user of our project, and we are honored to receive suggestions from CASC engineers.
On June 30, 2024, Nanjing-China HP team members held a discussion with CASC engineer Mr. Zhang.
Task
The task of the discussion was to clarify the types of technologies urgently needed in the aerospace field through dialogue with Mr. Zhang, and guide the experimental group to adjust the research direction to ensure that the project can meet the actual application needs of the aerospace field, especially the needs of CASC as a potential end user.
Action
Mr. Zhang first inquired about the current project progress and basic project ideas, and expressed appreciation for the current project concept. Subsequently, HP team members consulted the current aerospace enterprises' urgent technical directions, especially the frontier needs related to the space life support system. He pointed out that the space life support system is currently a hot topic of research, and the development of recycling systems has become a focus. He suggested that our experimental group focus on verifying the stability of the microbial system in space and studying how to combine related components with spacecraft to ensure the feasibility and safety of the technology.
Result
Based on Mr. Zhang's feedback, HP team members analyzed and discussed how to improve existing technologies to better meet the environmental needs in space, especially focusing on the stability of the microbial system.
This dialogue directly led to the birth of the Shivacosmic Greens Hardware module(See more at our 'Hardware' page), which is used to ensure that microbial components can be combined with existing spacecraft electronic systems.
This discussion enhanced the team's understanding of the technical needs in the aerospace field, especially the research direction of the space life support system. Through the exchange with CASC engineers, the team realized that in technology development, it is necessary to pay attention to the results in the laboratory, but also to consider how to apply the technology in the actual space environment. This activity provided key guidance for the team's subsequent experimental adjustments, demonstrating the high standards of aerospace companies for innovative technology, and also provided valuable experience for the team's future cooperation and research and development.
At the same time, Mr. Zhang also suggested that we seek help from more professional departments within CASC.
Department 'A' is a pseudonym.
4.2 End User:CASC Department 'B'
HP & Implement
Task
After hearing Mr. Zhang's advice, in order to further optimize the project and obtain feedback from professionals, Nanjing-China HP team members held a discussion with Manager Lin from another department of CASC.
On July 4, 2024, the Nanjing-China iGEM team had a conversation with Manager Lin. Following the last discussion with Mr. Zhang, Nanjing-China further optimized the project plan, shifting the focus from single microbial construction to a comprehensive and systematic solution to the environmental control and life support system problems.
Action
Nanjing-China team first introduced the optimization plan of the project after the last discussion. The team shifted the focus from single microbial construction to a comprehensive solution to the environmental control and life support system problems, integrating microbial engineering and electronic engineering, developing new microbial modules and hardware modules(See more at our 'Hardware' page) to provide a more complete systematic solution. Manager Lin highly recognized the optimization of the project, especially praising the team's idea of combining biology and engineering technology. At the same time, he shared the current situation that the liquid recycling in the spacecraft has achieved good results, but emphasized that the recycling of solid waste is still a technical challenge. If the team can make a breakthrough in solid waste recycling, it will provide great help for future space missions. Manager Lin said that as the project is further improved, CASC may provide the team with the opportunity to conduct simulated experiments to help the team verify the technical plan in an environment close to real space.
Result
Through this discussion, Nanjing-China team not only received professional affirmation and encouragement but also clarified a new direction for project development - solid waste recycling will become one of the key points in optimizing the environmental control and life support system. In addition, Manager Lin provided the team with potential simulated experimental opportunities, laying the foundation for the actual landing and technical verification of the project. This exchange made the team more clearly realize that in the space life support system, liquid recycling has made certain progress, and solid waste recycling is still an unsolved problem. The team realized that combining microbial engineering with electronic engineering and applying it to solid waste recycling is the key direction for future breakthroughs. Through the conversation with Manager Lin, the team not only obtained technical feedback but also saw the possibility of promoting the project to practical application, enhancing confidence, and also providing important guidance for subsequent technology research and development and experimental design.
In the end, Manager Lin introduced the Space Science and Technology Institute(Shenzhen) as an institution that can provide further support for the Shivacosmic Greens project.
Department 'B' is a pseudonym.
4.3 Changshu National Agricultural Science Park
HP & Implement
SDGs(See more at our "SDGs" page)
Situation
The Changshu National Agricultural Science Park is an agricultural base in Jiangsu Province that integrates the transformation and application of agricultural science and technology achievements and demonstrates the development of ecological agriculture. We communicated with the researcher, Mr. Lu, from the park to understand the advanced technologies in ecological agriculture currently applied in the park.
Task
On July 3, 2024, the iGEM 2024 Nanjing-China team arrived at the Changshu National Agricultural Science Park in Changshu City, Jiangsu Province, to conduct a one-day visit to explore advanced technologies and facilities such as soilless cultivation techniques and space agriculture laboratories. The activity aimed to understand the application and development trends of modern agricultural science and technology. At the same time, it sought to find application directions for the Shivacosmic Greens project on Earth.
It is worth mentioning that the space agriculture simulation system set up in the agricultural park is also an object of study for Nanjing-China.
Action
During the visit, the staff introduced that soilless cultivation means not using soil but using substrate blocks for planting. The substrate blocks contain the nutrients required for plant growth and can also play a role in fixing, greatly improving the dilemma of low nutrient utilization in traditional agricultural cultivation methods. The soilless cultivation model can achieve "three no's," which are no pesticides, no harm, and no residue, while also saving water sources.
Researcher Mr. Lu specifically introduced that the nutrient solution used in the greenhouse is a working solution diluted from the mother solution. The lower end of the terrain is connected with two pipes, one of which can recycle the nutrient solution for reuse after supplementing nutrients, and the other can be directly discharged.
In addition, the team gained a deeper understanding of the physical control methods for pests in the park, the operation of the tidal root domain temperature control cultivation system, and the simulation environment and planting techniques of space agriculture.
Result
Through communication with Researcher Mr. Lu from the Changshu National Agricultural Science Park, the Nanjing-China team gained a deeper understanding of the application status of modern agricultural science and technology such as soilless cultivation in the park, and had more thoughts on the challenges and solutions of space agriculture. We realized that establishing a space agriculture system is not just about providing an excellent microorganism, but about establishing a complete set of solutions.
Learning
Q: What problems does the operation of the park's space agriculture laboratory still face?
A: At present, the laboratory's fertilizer utilization still has the problem of incomplete fertilizer release and poor plant absorption. Regarding the selection of fertilizer sources, the laboratory uses one type of fertilizer for one container (laboratory), and selects by observing the size and luster of plant roots and leaves, and measures to prepare the mother solution and slow-release fertilizer are also being carried out at the same time.
In addition, soil pollutants produced during the cultivation process are difficult to completely remove and the cost is too high. Currently, the park mainly uses a passivator to prevent heavy metals from being released and decomposed.
Shivacosmic Greens is working hard to solve the above problems.
4.4 End User: Space Science and Technology Institute (Shenzhen)
HP & Implement
SDGs(See more at our "SDGs" page)
Situation
Through the introduction of Manager Lin, we came to the Space Science and Technology Institute (Shenzhen). The Space Science and Technology Institute (Shenzhen) was established in December 2014 and is a private non-enterprise research entity established to implement the strategic cooperation agreement between the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government and the China Astronaut Research and Training Center. The institute focuses on technology fields such as space ecology and environmental control, gravity environment effects and health maintenance, and aerospace nutrition and food engineering. It carries out applied basic research, key technology research, and aerospace civilian technology development, actively promotes the transformation of aerospace technology achievements, explores the cooperative research model of "using the sky for the ground" and "using the ground for the sky", and achieves the integration development of aerospace technology and civilian technology.
The Space Science and Technology Institute (Shenzhen) is a strategic partner of China's lunar exploration project and is one of the important end users of Shivacosmic Greens.
Task
The research content of the Space Science and Technology Institute (Shenzhen) coincides with the content of Nanjing-China's project this year, and it has a more mature and complete research system. Therefore, in-depth exchanges with the institute may provide great help for our project. We hope to exchange and obtain some suggestions on technical details, and if possible, visit the institute's life support cabin for on-site visits.
Action
Nanjing-China contacted Mr. Wen RuCong, the person in charge of the aerospace engineering department of the institute, and agreed to have an exchange on Tencent Meeting on the morning of July 24, 2024. During the meeting, our team members first introduced the space recycling agricultural system of Nanjing-China project with Shewanella as the main body, and then discussed the specific technical details with Mr. Wen.
Result
Mr. Wen pointed out that the current idea of the project is in the initial stage. If it needs to be applied in practice, it should consider the actual supply and demand of feces and the power output rate under specific circumstances. At the same time, Mr. Wen suggested that in the microgravity environment of space, there are certain difficulties in preserving the liquid environment where bacteria live. For this, we believe that a closed small hardware processed on Earth can be used to solve the problem, which is also suitable for the anaerobic characteristics of Shewanella.
In addition, Mr. Wen also believes that as an aerospace vehicle itself needs to have comprehensive processing capabilities, it cannot focus solely on developing a certain type of waste treatment method. It should consider the overall practicality of the system as the basis. Generally speaking, the waste treatment in the space cabin is a comprehensive process, in other words, the microorganisms in the treatment system should have multiple processing capabilities, not just a single metabolic process. For this, if our Shewanella cannot achieve multifunctionality, it is likely to be greatly discounted in terms of benefits, and practicality and cost are just the key issues that the aerospace vehicle considers.
For specific experimental details, Mr. Wen suggested that the effectiveness of electricity collection should be tested on the ground first, without considering the microgravity situation, by calculating the efficiency, that is, how much electricity can be generated from a fixed amount of feces, thereby determining whether the project has the merit of further realization. After that, engineering practice should be carried out to explore how to design and package pressure vessels, and finally, consider the impact of microgravity.
For current applications in life support cabins of the aerospace vehicle, Mr. Wen said that all the third-generation experimental cabins that are completely internally recycled and self-sufficient have not yet been put into real use, and the method adopted is still to collect and then process and bring food from the Earth. The third-generation experimental cabin has completed ground verification, and realizes the internal ecosystem cycle by providing oxygen and food sources through plants.
In summary, the current important issue is to carry out a calculation and analysis of the circulation supply and demand of various material flows, including the supply and demand of feces, the circulation of oxygen and other gases in the system, water circulation, and the supply level of crops as food, to ultimately present the feasibility of the project. In this regard, after the meeting, Mr. Wen also provided a copy of the internal material flow circulation analysis data of the institute for our reference.
Unfortunately, as the life support cabin will undergo a closed experiment for more than forty days at the end of July, there is no opportunity to visit the institute on-site.
Learning
Nanjing-China fully realized the importance of numerical calculation and cooperated with the Dry Lab to fully calculate and form a report on the material flow related to Shivacosmic Greens.
4.5 Changzheng Engineering Technology Co., Ltd.
HP & Implement
SDGs(See more at our "SDGs" page)
Situation
Changzheng Engineering Technology Co., Ltd.(hereinafter referred to as "Aerospace Engineering Company") is a subsidiary of the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. It is professionally engaged in the research and development of gasification technology and key equipment, engineering design, technical services, equipment supply, and engineering contracting.
Aerospace Engineering Company is currently using aerospace technology to develop a brand-new domestic waste treatment technology. Nanjing-China keenly perceives the infinite potential of this technology and is curious about the path of promoting sustainable development with aerospace technology.
Task
We want to know the current method of handling garbage in space, and further understand whether our project can effectively handle space garbage, thereby making space cleaner and energy utilization more efficient. Therefore, we are honored to invite Aerospace Engineer Li Honghai to have an online discussion with him.
We first introduced our research project to Engineer Li. Based on the engineered microorganism Shewanella with phosphorus accumulation, we hope to use this engineered microorganism to handle the living waste of astronauts in space and the waste in the plant cultivation process, and ultimately achieve the enrichment of phosphorus in waste and the generation of electricity, making the utilization of energy and matter in space more efficient. Subsequently, we asked Engineer Li for his views and suggestions on the effectiveness of our project in handling space garbage. Engineer Li expressed high attention and affirmation to our grand vision. He believes that the potential of biological methods in waste treatment is very large, and has unique advantages in certain specific scenarios, such as sewage treatment and kitchen waste treatment. However, the application may be limited by external environmental conditions, such as temperature. He suggested that biotechnology can be combined with thermal energy treatment technology to improve treatment efficiency and ensure the stability of the biological process. Subsequently, we asked about the current situation of technology in the field of garbage treatment. He pointed out that garbage incineration power generation is currently the mainstream method for handling domestic waste in China, with significant advantages in reduction. However, it still faces challenges in pollutant emissions and resource utilization. The fly ash produced during the garbage incineration process contains heavy metals and dioxins and other harmful substances, and is defined as hazardous waste by the country, which needs to be strictly treated. In addition, the main part of garbage incineration recovery is the energy part of the garbage, and the material part is not well recovered.
Result
Engineer Li affirmed our project's recovery of phosphorus in garbage, which can make up for the inability of traditional incineration to recover materials. Engineer Li said that Aerospace Engineering Company is currently developing a domestic waste treatment system and method, which is to transform aerospace technology into civilian technology, and use high temperature to decompose domestic waste. He suggested that we can explore the application of our project in the field of domestic waste treatment on the ground, combined with the garbage treatment methods mentioned just now. We told Engineer Li about a limitation we have at the current stage, that is, the power generation of our genetically edited microorganisms is still low. Engineer Li said that our project generally cannot be well applied in some large power supply fields. However, he then encouraged us that every project and every application has its most appropriate application scenario, and we need to find its most appropriate application scenario to maximize its use. He pointed out that microbial power generation may find suitable applications in some niche areas, such as power supply for water quality monitoring instruments. This activity has broadened our thinking and allowed us to start thinking and exploring the application scenarios of our space technology in the field of domestic waste treatment on the ground.
Learning
Through this activity, we realized that every technology has its most appropriate application scenario. When implementing technology, we must consider the inherent advantages and disadvantages of the technology and find the most suitable application scenario. In addition, the biggest gain from this activity is that we began to think and explore the application scenarios of our space technology in the field of domestic waste treatment on the ground.
5. Public
5.1 Starlight Fair
SDGs(See more at our "SDGs" page)
Situation
On May 18, 2024, the iGEM team Nanjing-China cooperated with the Nature Society of Nanjing University and the NJU-China team to jointly set up a booth, holding a synthetic biology game night.
Task
Our team's goal was to increase participants' understanding of synthetic biology in a short period of time through an entertaining and educational approach. We also aimed to introduce the iGEM competition and our team's project to the public through engaging activities.
Action
Based on the iGEM engineering cycle, our HP group designed puzzle games to help participants grasp fundamental concepts of gene expression regulations. At the same time, we also tailored some more challenging questions for those students from relevant professional backgrounds, such as completing a puzzle for the entire glycolysis process. Furthermore, to attract more students to participate in the event, we prepared customized souvenirs as prizes! Through booth explanations and interactive discussions with participants, we aimed to ignite their interest in synthetic biology and increase the popularity of the iGEM competition and the Nanjing-China project.
Result
The booth activity attracted the attention of participants of all ages. Through the games, participants deepened their understanding of genetic engineering and their interest in synthetic biology also increased. Meanwhile, our explication of our iGEM project at the booth enhanced people's enthusiasm for space agriculture.
Learning
Q: How do we interact with the public?
A: The posters we designed detailed our project, attracting the eyes of the visitors, who found our creativity fantastic. We discussed our project and human space exploration with the students, university professors, and children who participated in the event, thereby gaining insights into perspectives from diverse backgrounds.
Q: What were the outcomes of the event?
A: We distributed all prepared customed merchandise, receiving various forms of support from participants (verbal support, following our team accounts, donations, etc.). Many participants expressed that our project was meaningful and very interesting and they looked forward to the humanity's future interstellar voyages or survival on other planets. Our demonstration helped to spread awareness about synthetic biology, the iGEM competition, and our project.
5.2 Grain in Ear - World Environment Day Theme Activity
SDGs(See more at our "SDGs" page)
Situation
On June 5, 2024, our iGEM team Nanjing-China in collaboration with the Nature Association of Nanjing University and the iGEM team NJU-China, organized a theme publicity campaign on World Environment Day. This event echoed the call by the United Nations Environment Programme, focusing on themes such as "Our Land, Our Future", "Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience", in line with the Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment's theme of "Fully Advancing the Construction of Beautiful China". The goal was to promote global protection and restoration of ecosystems, and to advocate for sustainable agricultural development.
Task
Through this event, the Nanjing-China HP group aimed to call on all teachers and students to pay attention to environmental issues, promote sustainable agriculture development, popularize the project of constructing symbiotic systems utilizing synthetic biological technology, and to spread the traditional Chinese farming culture. Through interactive activities such as signing commitments and gift draws, we hoped to enhance the participants' sense of engagement and the impact of the event on the topic of environmental protection.
Action
The event was held on World Environment Day, which also coincided with the traditional Chinese solar term "Grain in Ear". Our team, inspired by the concept of "Grain in Ear," integrated land degradation and food issues with Chinese agricultural culture to convey the core concept of sustainable development. The on-site introductions of our team's project of constructing a symbiotic system this year attracted many teachers and students to stop and watch, as well as participate in discussions, greatly increasing the visibility of our project.
On the one hand, our team members set up a signature board, inviting teachers and students to sign their names and commitments to protect our beautiful planet. On the other hand, we provided rich gifts to attract more people to participate. Through a lottery drawing, we invited school teachers and students to follow us on Wechat and read our posts, further expanding the dissemination of synthetic biology and the influence of our project.We chose to run the event at lunchtime in front of the canteen, with an estimated attendance of more than 2,000 people.
Result
We Nanjing-China team effectively leveraged the high pedestrian traffic in front of the cafeteria during lunchtime, and the event received an enthusiastic response from teachers and students. A large number of signatures were collected on the signature board, and all 300 gifts prepared were given out during the event , greatly increasing awareness among teachers and students about environmental protection and sustainable development. At the same time, the event expanded its influence through the promotion on social media, and the event tweets further enhanced the sense of participation and responsibility of all sectors of society towards environmental issues. In addition, the event also received recognition from the United Nations Environment Programme.
Learning
Q: How did the local culture influence the event?
A: Combining global issues with local culture can more effectively resonate and attract attention from people. The local culture added emotional and cultural affinity to the World Environment Day event, and through traditional solar terms and agricultural customs, it helped the public better understand the concept of sustainability.
Q: How did we interact with participants?
A:Our promotional poster had land issues the world currently facing, traditional Chinese agricultural culture, the UN SDGs, and an introduction to our project printed on it. It served as our key medium to spread our ideas to the public. We had conversations with students from various majors, sharing and spreading the idea of sustainable agriculture. By hosting prize draws, we successfully broadened the event's reach.
Q: What insights did we gain?
A: This event highlighted the effectiveness of combining global issues with local culture, making us realize that it can more efficiently resonate and attract people. For future events, we could further strengthen interdisciplinary and intercultural cooperation, inspiring more support and participation for environmental protection and sustainable agriculture. When dealing with complex global issues, innovative communication methods, widespread public participation, and concrete actions are crucial driving forces for social progress and environmental causes.
5.3 iGEM-Space MUN
SDGs(See more at our "SDGs" page)
Situation
Our team participated in a Model United Nations (MUN) on revising the existing space treaties, aimed at discussing and developing new space treaties to address the challenges of future space exploration and resource preservation. The theme was "Revising the Existing Space Treaty", with objectives including protecting limited space resources and discussing how microbiology could impact space exploration.
Task
Our task was to actively engage in discussions at this conference, critically evaluate each clause of the existing space treaties, state our view after each treaty presentation, and collaboratively formulate new provisions along with other participants.
Action
The conference was conducted both online and offline. The host sequentially displayed the contents of the existing space treaties, and our team expressed our opinions after each clause was presented. Regarding some outdated content, we suggested refinement and revision. For some clauses that still apply, we advocated keeping them unchanged. Finally, we participated in the proposal and discussion of new clauses, and jointly decided through voting whether to put these clauses into the new treaty.
Result
After the conference, based on the discussion results of all participants, a new space treaty was drafted. This treaty not only strengthened the protection of space resources but also fully took into account the impact of biotechnology and microbiology on space exploration.
Learning
Q: What was the main topic of this Model United Nations event?
A: The main topic of this Model United Nations event was "Revising Existing Space Treaties" to address the challenges of future space exploration and resource protection. Participants need to discuss each clause of the existing treaties, propose amendments, deletions or retention, and vote on whether to add new clauses to achieve sustainable management and peaceful use of space resources.
Q: What insights did this event give us?
A: The Model United Nations event made us realize that the management of space resources is not only a technological issue but also the result of international cooperation and political competition. During the discussion, we deeply felt the close connection between the balance of various interests and scientific progress. Future space exploration cannot do without technological innovation, but it also requires the joint efforts of the international community to formulate reasonable regulations to ensure the sustainable use of resources.
5.4 Be the Light: Cooperation with the Postgraduate Volunteer Teaching Group of Nanjing University
SDGs(See more at our "SDGs" page)
Situation
Our country China has a complex terrain, with residents scattered in many areas that are remote, rarely visited by humans. Due to the inconvenience of transportation and harsh conditions, these areas are often economically underdeveloped and lack high-quality educational resources. However, the important value of science communication lies in providing high-quality education to less developed regions, thereby promoting educational equity and igniting the hopes of every child.
Throughout the years, Nanjing-China has maintained a good relationship with the Postgraduate Volunteer Teaching Group of Nanjing University. In the past, Nanjing-China often brought cutting-edge academic knowledge to the local area in the form of volunteer teaching in Shuangbai, Yunnan. This year, we chose a different way to help.
The college entrance examination is the primary admission method for Chinese high school students to enter university, and high school students must achieve standardized scores in the examination in order to be admitted to a university.
Since 2020, the Ministry of Education of China has carried out the pilot reform program for the enrollment of basic science subjects(Qiangji Plan). The reform aims to select students who are determined to serve the country's major strategic needs and have excellent comprehensive qualities or top performance in basic subjects, with a focus on recruiting students in relevant majors such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, mechanics, basic medicine, breeding, history, philosophy, and paleography etc. Nanjing University, as a world-class university, has been approved by the Ministry of Education to conduct the enrollment of the Qiangji Program in multiple majors.
However, the competition pressure for the Qiangji Plan is intense; among the 395,000 students who participate in the college entrance exam, only one person can be admitted to Nanjing University through the Qiangji plan. For students from underdeveloped regions, it is even more challenging to gain admission to first-class universities through the Qiangji Plan assessments.
Task
This year, a high school student from Shuangbai No.1 High School in Yunnan applied to Nanjing University's Qiangji Plan for Life Science. The principal of Shuangbai No.1 High School reached out to Nanjing-China through the Postgraduate Volunteer Teaching Group of Nanjing University and hoped to find students within the team who had previously participated in the Qiangji Plan exam of Nanjing University, to provide targeted exam tutoring for students from Shuangbai No.1 High School.
Action
On June 13, 2024, our HP group members invited Zhang Muyuan, the team leader of the Nanjing-China Dry Lab, to have an exchange with the students from No. 1 Middle School in Shuangbai. Accompanied by their mothers of students from No. 1 Middle School in Shuangbai, the teachers, and the principal, Zhang Muyuan gave a detailed explanation of exam questions of the previous years for the students from Shuangbai and shared his exam experiences, and also emphasized the admission policies of the Qiangji Plan.
Result
The work of Nanjing-China provided timely, direct, and effective assistance to the students in Shuangbai County. The Qiangji Plan student candidates from No. 1 Middle School in Shuangbai received guidance from experienced students and gained access to relevant policy information, which helped them not be at a disadvantage when competing against candidates from more developed areas.
Learning
Nanjing-China recognizes that, while periodic volunteer teaching activities are valuable, personalized support tailored to individual needs is equally crucial. We aim to ensure that our efforts facilitate greater access for students from less developed regions to first-class universities, enabling them to transcend geographical barriers and contribute to the foundational development of science and technology in our nation.
5.5 Consolidate progress step by step to achieve final success: Continuously Updated Nanjing-China WeChat Public Platform
SDGs(See more at our "SDGs" page)
Nanjing-China has always adhered to building an effective connection with the public. In the age of everything being interconnected, we can send text information to everyone through the omnipresent internet, reaching into the hearts of each person. This year, we have also been updating our team dynamics in real-time on our WeChat public plaform, allowing the public to obtain cutting-edge information in the field of synthetic biology in a timely, efficient, and easy manner.
This year, the Nanjing-China WeChat public platform is steadily advancing, with a significant increase in article views. In the articles we have published, there are interesting science popularization activities, vivid videos, and easy-to-understand articles, making science no longer a lofty temple but an exciting world that is within reach. We believe that our efforts, like a trickle of water, nurture the public's passion for science and will eventually ignite the spark of exploration in everyone's heart.
6. Policymakers
6.1 To Learn about Regulations and Policies: A Discussion with SINO PRO LAW FIRM in Beijing
SDGs(See more at our "SDGs" page)
Situation
SINO PRO LAW FIRM, headquartered in Beijing, is a large professional law firm in the city. Its environmental protection-related professional committee is at the global leading position, and we had communications on environmental policy with lawyers Zhan and Peng of the firm.
Task
On 11 July 2024, the Nanjing-China team visited SINO PRO LAW FIRM for an interview and in-depth discussion on "Carbon Related Policies and the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals". The activity was aimed at exploring how government policies and social interactions can work together to promote the process of sustainable development.
Action
In the interview, Mr. Peng detailed the strict regulation of the China Carbon Emissions Trading Exchange(CCETE) in recent years, especially the policy changes since 2022. Mr. Peng also emphasised that there is still a lack of mature judicial execution cases on carbon credit nationwide, that the practical operation of carbon credit faces many challenges, and that the development of the market and the improvement of the legal framework still need to be further explored.
The two lawyers presented us with cases where the Chinese government has successfully influenced industrial development to reduce environmental pollution through policy. China has now cancelled subsidies for the new energy industry, but a large number of Chinese companies have achieved autonomous profitability and healthy operations, contributing to the achievement of green transformation and sustainable development.
The CCETE will play a catalytic role in the green transformation of enterprises, forming a benign interaction between policy and market, facilitating sustainable development. With the continuous improvement of the CCETE system in the future, it will further accelerate the optimisation of the energy structure and the achievement of environmental protection goals.
Result
Through exchanging views with Mr. Zhan and Mr. Peng from SINO PRO LAW FIRM, the team members learned more about the CCETE and its legal issues, policy implementation, new energy industry development and the importance role of government policies, realizing that the government can promote the development of industries through formulating policies reasonably, leading to a positive impact on the environment. This also inspired us to improve the project and promote it by cooperating with the local government, fully learning the laws and regulations, and enjoying the policy dividends (taking advantage of the policy).
Learning
Q: How is the CCETE currently developing and what problems are it facing?
A: The Chinese government has made it clear that it will gradually establish CCETE, and has launched pilot projects in many places. Currently, key emitters in the power generation industry have been included in the CCETE, and the scope of the industry will be expanded in the future. However, there are no mature cases of judicial execution of realisation in the CCETE. Judicial execution of carbon credit needs to be further explored and improved in practice.
Q: What is the impact of new energy policies on business development?
A: Chinese new energy policies are accelerating the process of companies paying more attention to environmental protection and making a green transition. The Chinese Government has promoted the use of photovoltaic power generation through subsidies for companies to generate their own green electricity; this model has helped companies to reduce their electricity costs, as well as reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable development. China has now cancelled subsidies for new energy companies, but the business model remains continuous.
6.2 In-depth Rural Frontline: the People's Government of Xiaogi Town, Jiangdu District, Yangzhou City
SDGs(See more at our "SDGs" page)
Situation
Agricultural Park plays the role of carrier and platform in the implementation of Rural Revitalization Strategy, and plays the role of demonstration and leadership in the high-quality development of modern agriculture. The Modern Agricultural Science and Technology Park is located in Xiaogi Town, Jiangdu District, with an existing land area of 730 hm2, of which, the facility cultivation area is 550 hm2, and it is the provincial and municipal "vegetable basket" production base, vegetable standard garden of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, horticultural demonstration base of Jiangsu Province, and demonstration and pilot base of Institute of Crop Sciences Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(ICS·CAAS) in Jiangsu Lixiahe Region.
Task
Unlike the Changshu National Agricultural Science and Technology Park, which was previously visited by Nanjing-China, Xiaoji Town maintains a more traditional approach to agricultural production, and is more representative of China's agricultural model in the middle and lower Yangtze River plains than the advanced exploratory model of the Changshu National Agricultural Science and Technology Park. The visit to Xiaoji Town would help Nanjing-China to expand the project to a wider area.
Action
On 20 August 2024, the Nanjing-China team went to the Modern Agricultural Science and Technology Park in Xiaogi Town, Jiangdu District, Yangzhou City, Jiangsu Province, to conduct interviews and research centred on the agricultural model being implemented there. Through a field visit to the base, we gained an intuitive understanding of the operation of the park. Afterwards, we discussed with the person in charge of the park on the current foreseeable problems and introduced the main contents of the Nanjing-China project to him.
Under the agricultural model of Xiaoji Town, the main problems of sustainable development at present are low recycling efficiency of biogas digester, and damage to soil microbial environment by continuous vegetable farming. In the traditional septic tank mode, the remaining fertilizer residue of the fermented biogas is cleaned directly, and there is plenty of room for sustainable recycling in the process. In addition, in order to restore soil fertility in continuous cropping, farmers choose to use straw to return to the field, apply disinfection, and then apply biological bacteria treatment methods, but the process still has damage to soil ecology.
Apart from the problems in the agricultural production chain itself, vegetable cultivation in the park is also seriously affected by market prices. If crop maturity does not match the expected market price period, farmers may choose to harvest early and replant, thus wasting a large amount of crop resources.
We also asked the person in charge about the local use of fertilisers, and found that although farmyard manure is theoretically an environmentally friendly option that does not compromise soil fertility, the practical application is that due to the heavy use of antibiotics, both poultry and human faeces are not directly available as a source of farmyard manure and have to be chemically processed. As a result, more farmers choose to buy chemical fertilisers.
Result
Through the field trip to the Modern Agricultural Science and Technology Park in Xiaogi Town, Nanjing-China members learnt about the current sustainability issues in traditional agriculture and found a feasible application for our project. We hope to improve phosphorus recovery in biogas digesters by using shewanella. Besides, in management of continuous cropping obstacles, synthetic biology can also point to a self-sufficient channel based on microbial engineered bacteria, which decompose straw and inhibit the production of pathogens through engineered bacteria directly in the soil, while purifying nutrients and other elements needed for crop growth.
Learning
We found that cost is the most direct and biggest factor affecting farmers in the process of technology implementation, so cost control will be the most important challenge for synthetic biology application. If the cost cannot be controlled to be as low as possible compared to the original pathway method, it will be difficult for farmers to believe in the new technology and they will not be willing to participate in the promotion of the new technology.
In addition, we recognise the inherent limitations of technology and the fact that technological developments continue to struggle to address a range of issues that are influenced by the market price.