Team:Amazonas-Brazil/Prize
Hardware
When we first designed our project, we realized that an incubator would be a useful device for eventual experiments and characterizations. However, neither our lab group possess one, nor our neighbor’s labs did. After searching for commercial incubators, we found that it would be very expensive to afford a new one, but that it was possible to build a home-made device that could work pretty well as the commercial. So, why not try to build one? Come to visit our Hardware page!
Education and Public Engagement
Human Practices are a challenging part of iGEM. We came across so many faces, voices and views through the project that we choose to take actions in different sectors of society in which we’re involved. We first dialogued with policy-makers and scientific institutions to create a new platform for scientists in the state of Amazonas to access fundings directly with our representatives in Parliament. To go beyond, we created a framework to share how we performed this and how amazonian and other scientists can use this resource. Another spectrum we brought was to give visibility and voice to oncologic patients through an artistic photographic exhibition, allowing not only the patients but also the common public to express their feelings towards these situations, making them "Rethink" what they know and what they can do about cancer disease. Lastly, we found ways to share our project and what we know about Synthetic Biology in a creative fashion. Then, we were capable of reaching kids, teenagers, and adults in an effort to introduce the possibilities of Synthetic Biology in our present and future world, with that we’re able to learn in return and opening our minds and new horizons. Come to visit our Education and Public Engagement page!
Model
Models in Synthetic Biology can be extremely intricate. Simply substituting parameter values in equations and plotting numerical results does not show the whole picture provided by the math. Our team worked to flip this mindset around going for a more analytical approach, which proved to be way more useful and insightful. The fact that most parameters couldn't be measured would jeopardize the modelling since we wouldn't be able to use the more common software method. On the other hand, we thrived with our approach, helping since the construction of the circuit's design to even helping predict therapy results. Moreover, we also noticed how math can be pretty tricky to follow, so we used a more understandable language, also introducing all the necessary contents. For our careful explanations and an unorthodox analytical approach to models in an iGEM framework, we strongly believe to be capable of competing with the top teams in terms of mathematical modelling. Come to visit our Model page!
