From January 18th to February 8th, led by NAU-CHINA 2024, we held the winter training on synthetic biology and the iGEM competition. Our winter training was open to all students interested in iGEM and synthetic biology. The program was designed with the following goals:
1. Introduction to iGEM and synthetic biology: Students were introduced to the history, rules, and significance of the iGEM competition, along with the basic principles and core concepts of synthetic biology. This laid a solid foundation for their further involvement.
2. Training in literature review and essential software: Students learned how to conduct efficient literature searches and gained hands-on experience with commonly used tools such as SnapGene and other bioinformatics software, equipping them with the skills to independently explore scientific questions. Also, we provided lessons and guidance for Model, Art, Wiki and HP groups.

3. Project design in iGEM: Through case studies and guided discussions, students explored how to design an iGEM project, including identifying real-world problems, proposing engineering-based solutions, and integrating both experimental and human practices aspects.Members deepened their understanding of common chassis organisms such as E. coli and cyanobacteria, while also discussing diverse applications of synthetic biology in fields ranging from environmental protection to biomanufacturing.

1. Registered the team and confirmed core members.

After rounds of selection, we are proud to announce the establishment of the NAU-CHINA 2025 team!

👉 Meet our members here.

2. Wet Lab:

• Brainstormed and reviewed literature across different fields to explore potential research topics.

• Identified several directions of interest and evaluated their feasibility.

• Held the team meeting to allocate responsibilities and share initial expectations.

3. Human Practices:

• Participated in SBC: Synthetic Biology Conference & Exhibition.

• Carried out our first education-focused Human Practices activity with Grade 8 students from Nanjing University of Science and Technology Affiliated Middle School.

1. Wet Lab:

• Brainstorming & Literature Review: Explored various fields and identified potential project directions.

• First-Stage Experimental Training: Gained hands-on experience with fundamental lab techniques and safety rules.

2. Human Practices:

• Plasmid Campus Orienting Activity: Combined science outreach with outdoor engagement.

• Continued operating our WeChat official account to record activities and collect feedback.

3. Model:

• Learned and practiced basic modeling methods to support project design.

4. Art:

• Designed our team flag and logo to showcase creativity and identity.

5. Wiki:

• Started training on wiki editing and content organization.

1. Wet Lab:

• Brainstorming & Literature Review: Explored different research fields and read relevant papers.

• Second-Stage Experimental Training.

• Learned a series of experimental operations with E. coli.

• Reinforced laboratory safety awareness.

• Continued reading papers related to synthetic biology and our project.

2. Human Practices:

• Hold the Gene Island Exploration Program with Qingjiang High School's students.

• Carried out the 2025 National Science and Technology Week Popularization Activity.

• Continued operating our WeChat official account to record activities and collect feedback.

• Proposed the "Double-Helix Model" for this year's IHP section and the ATGC framework for the Education section.

3. Model:

• Continued learning modeling methods to support project design.

4. Art:

• Designed creative memes and team merchandise.

5. Wiki:

• Learned wiki editing and webpage construction.

1. Wet Lab:

• Determined the project: Temperature-controlled one-step synthesis of colored bacterial cellulose.

• Determine E. coli as engineered bacteria.

• Built the gene circuit, read papers related to our project.

2. Human Practices:

• Discussed with our PI, Professor Chen Xi, determining our project.

• Consulted with Professor Zhang Chong, optimizing our experiment's design.

• Planned Human Practices activities.

3. Art:

• Designed diagrams for the wet lab pathway.

• Designed diagrams for the application of our project.

• Designed team visuals.

4. Model:

• Explored and studied the project's concepts.

• Reviewed relevant literature.

• Developed modeling approaches.

5. Wiki:

• Prepared wiki content to fully support the project.

1. Wet Lab:

• Optimized the design of the gene circuit.

• Verified the function of the gene circuit.

• Consulted relevant experts to address experimental challenges.

2. Human Practices:

• Launched “Little Fabric Artist in Leaf Dyeing Workshop” Popular Science Activity.

• Collaborated with NNU-CHINA, engaging in team exchanges and knowledge sharing.

• Visited Nanjing Institute of Product Quality Inspection, gaining insights into textile testing standards and practices.

• Interviewed with Prof. Hua Shen, professor at Donghua University, expert in textile materials.

3. Model:

• Conducted molecular and mathematical modeling closely aligned with the project, providing support for experimental design and analysis.

4. Art:

• Designed our project poster.

• Built the outline of our promotion video.

5. Wiki:

• Learned wiki editing and webpage construction to prepare for our ICII web platform.

1. Collaborations & Conferences:

1. Attended the 12th CCiC.

2. Communicated with HKU-HongKong both face-to-face and online, followed by completing the E. coli handbook.

3. Held an online meeting with UM-Macau.

2. Wet Lab:

• Optimized the expression of bacterial cellulose.

• Completed experiments related to TyrBm.

• Complete the experients on contribution.

3. Human Practices:

• Visited to Qingdao Textile Museum History Pavilion, exploring the dialogue between traditional and modern textile industries.

• Visited the Intertextile SHANGHAI Home Textiles Fair, gaining insights into trends and sustainable fabrics.

• Launched "Passing Love with Old Clothes, Popularizing Science with Us" activities, promoting recycling and science outreach.

• Joined SynCamp Unconference to clarify the industrialization pathway for bacterial cellulose fabrics.

• Designed the framework of our ICII webpage.

• Online thematic articles:

  • The Use of Synthetic Biology in Clothing.

  • The Use of Synthetic Biology in Food.

4. Model:

• Conducted both molecular modeling and mathematical modeling closely aligned with the project.

5. Art:

• Released the NAU-CHINA 2025 Promotion Video.

• Designed and produced team merchandise.

6. Wiki:

• Started building the ICII webpage.

1. Wet Lab:

• Verified the overall gene circuit and results.

• Completed the improvement part.

• Submitted the safety form.

2. Human Practices:

• Online thematic articles:

  • The Use of Synthetic Biology in Housing: showcased novel applications of synthetic biology in housing.

  • The Use of Synthetic Biology in Transportation: explored innovative ways synthetic biology may change transportation.

• Launched Campus Promotion Activity for Bacterial Cellulose Project, promoting synthetic biology through campus outreach.

• Launched "Modern Silk Road" Themed Monopoly Game.

3. Model:

• Completed basic solving of the models.

• Proposed and developed a fashion-related model.

4. Art&Wiki:

• Designed creative works and started wiki construction.

1. Wet Lab:

• Completed experiments.

2. Human Practices:

• Consulted with Jen Keane, Co-founder and CEO of Modern Synthesis.

3. Model:

• Completed models.

4. Art:

• Polished wiki.

5. Wiki:

• Finished wiki edit.

Note: All photos released in this page have been approved by the individuals involved.