Synthetic biology researcher Drew Endy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA. Endy is seen here next to vials containing sections of DNA known as BioBricks. Each BioBrick performs a specific function and is combined with others to assemble novel forms of genetically altered cells. These cells are designed in the same manner as electronic circuits. This new field of genetic engineering is known as synthetic biology and is a simpler method of producing genetically modified cells. Synthetic biology may one day be used to create new drugs, biosensors, biological computers or diagnose diseases.