Difference between revisions of "Team:Ain Shams-Egypt/Human Practices"

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<title>WATTS-APTAMER - UP_PRETORIA iGEM</title>
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<p class="h2WM">Human Practice for Silver Medal:</p>
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<p class="large"> <b> First step: </b>
  
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<p>iGEM teams are leading in the area of Human Practices because they conduct their projects within a social/environmental context, to better understand issues that might influence the design and use of their technologies.</p>
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We want to spread awareness among medical students and staff at AinShams University, Faculty of Medicine about Synthetic biology and its applications in the medical field, and to encourage them to think outside the box and participate in such competitions and researches.
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<p>Teams work with students and advisors from the humanities and social sciences to explore topics concerning ethical, legal, social, economic, safety or security issues related to their work. Consideration of these Human Practices is crucial for building safe and sustainable projects that serve the public interest. </p>
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Also we believe that we should work on children and raise them early on understanding the importance of science and research.
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<p>For more information, please see the <a href="https://2016.igem.org/Human_Practices">Human Practices Hub</a>.</p>
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<p> </b> How: </b>We started by questioning random students at the faculty of medicine Ain Shams University about simple facts regarding synthetic biology. The lack of knowledge about the subject encouraged us to meet up with the college’s dean to talk about spreading awareness among both students and staff. Upon his immediate approval, flyers were made containing simple information about iGEM, synthetic biology and its applications in medicine as well as other fields. This was performed through a small event at the faculty of medicine Ain Shams University. The event was a success; both students and staff alike were very interested at what we had to say and they kept asking for more information especially concerning the field of synthetic biology. Such enthusiasm only served to encourage us to extend our human practice beyond university doors. </p>
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This was performed in 2 high schools in Cairo where we sat down with a number of students in a class room and explained some fun facts about biology and shifted to the rising field of biology which is synthetic biology, we were very happy to see such a positive response from those amazing young people. </p>
  
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<b> Second step: </b>
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Our aim is to spread awareness beyond medical staff, researchers and hospital, hoping to reach all youth in Egypt and worldwide.
  
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<b> How: </b> This was performed by starting a series of animated web videos on our YouTube channel. These videos talk about synthetic biology in a simple and visually attractive way. We started this series to serve as a basic introduction to the wonderful world of synthetic biology. You can find our channel by clicking <a href="">Here</a> .
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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnNqg-HrV22gZh3mvyK8PZA
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<h5>Note</h5>
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<p>You must fill out this page in order to be considered for all <a href="https://2016.igem.org/Judging/Awards">awards</a> for Human Practices:</p>
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<ul>
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<li>Human Practices silver medal criterion</li>
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<li>Human Practices gold medal criterion</li>
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<li>Best Integrated Human Practices award</li>
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<li>Best Education and Public Engagement award</li>
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<h5>Some Human Practices topic areas </h5>
 
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<li>Philosophy</li>
 
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<li>Public Engagement / Dialogue</li>
 
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<li>Education</li>
 
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<li>Product Design</li>
 
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<li>Scale-Up and Deployment Issues</li>
 
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<li>Environmental Impact</li>
 
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<li>Ethics</li>
 
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<li>Safety</li>
 
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<li>Security</li>
 
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<li>Public Policy</li>
 
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<li>Law and Regulation</li>
 
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<li>Risk Assessment</li>
 
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<li>Introduction to iGEM by instructor Dr. Steven Hussey</li>
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<li>Team member roles were discussed</li>
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<li>We looked at previous successful iGEM projects</li>
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<li>Vaughn presented slides on photo-bioelectrochemical cells as the basis of a potential 2016 iGEM project</li>
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<li>A general discussion and brainstorming session followed the presentation</li>
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<li>Dr Hussey would be contacting individual students to ascertain their interest in being a 2016 team member, before the final selection will take place</li>
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<li>We looked at three iGEM teams with photosynthesis-related projects. These are iGEM McGuire, iGEM Brown-Stanford and iGEM Harvard</li>
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<li>Discussion on bioelectrical and photoelectochemical cell prototypes</li>
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<li>Suggestion of designing aptamers to identify a conserved protein on chloroplasts. Aptamers also designed to be attracted to graphene.</li>
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<li>Presented at Sappi head office, Braamfontein, Johannesberg to request funding for 2016</li>
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<li>Presentation to Department of Science and Technology for funding (10 March).</li>
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<li>Discussions with Prof. Manyala and his students at the Carbon Technology and Materials Research Group, University of Pretoria (14 April) about manufacturing graphene electrodes. It was during these discussions that we decided to use graphene foam formed on nickel as the basis for our electrodes.</li>
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<li>Discussed target proteins on thylakoid membrane CP43, CP47, D1 and D2 for which aptamers can be designed</li>
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<li>Decided to use MAWS software (Heidelberg iGEM team, 2015) to design aptamers</li>
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<li>Decided on using laccases as the reducing enzyme to recycle water at the cathode</li>
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<li>Reflected on our team hoodie designs!</li>
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<li>Had Project proposal on 20 May </li>
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<li>Met with Katie Barnhill, a postgraduate social scientist at North Carolina State University and who was visiting the University of Pretoria, for advice on how to communicate our project to a lay audience</li>
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<li>Tried using MAWS software (Heidelberg iGEM team, 2015) to design aptamers by replicating their experiments</li>
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<li>We met with Dr. Michal Gwizdala, Department of Physics, about physico-chemical considerations influencing the choice of target proteins for our aptamer in Photosystem II crystal structures</li>
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<li>Simon gave an extensive presentation on the engineering side of the project and highlighted some issues, including cell size, selectively permeable membrane, and making use of magnets.</li>
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<p style="font-size:14px !important;text-align:center;">Pretoria_UP after their project defense to the Department of Genetics (20 May).
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<li>We compiled a survey for PBEC experts toward our Integrated Human Practices portfolio. The Survey was hosted on Surveymonkey and sent out to 14 experts in the PBEC field that we identified from the literature. Unfortunately we got only one reply!</li>
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<li>Heidelberg 2015 iGEM team predicted one DNA aptamer against PSII. We synthesized this candidate along with a random oligo control for assessment of its ability to bind to PSII.</li>
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<li>FMG/iGEM photoshoot with EyeScape photographers</li>
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<li>We filmed our project description video</li>
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<li>Due dates for iGEM: project description, about our lab and about our project forms submitted</li>
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<p style="font-size:14px !important;text-align:center;">Read more on our team composition on our <a style="color: #c6c6c6 !important;" href="https://2016.igem.org/Team:Pretoria_UP/Team">Team page</a>.
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<li>Brad mastered the art of thylakoid extractions</li>
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<li>We received offers to collaborate with Ain_Shams-Egypt, Aix-Marseille, Groningen</li>
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<li>Initiated our SELEX experiments to develop a graphene-binding aptamer, starting with determining the washing buffer stringency</li>
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<li>Designed binding test for candidate aptamers designed using MAWS</li>
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<li>Started adding content to our Wiki</li>
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<li>Interview with Dr Karen Surridge-Talbot</li>
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<li>Identified and synthesised Eucalyptus grandis laccases with IDT</li>
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<li>iGEM due dates: track selection, title and abstract, Giant jamboree registration</li>
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<p style="font-size:14px !important;text-align:center;">Read more on our engagement with Dr. Surridge-Talbot in our <a style="color: #c6c6c6 !important;" href="https://2016.igem.org/Team:Pretoria_UP/HP/Gold">Human Practices section</a>.
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<li>In early September we held the ACGT/IGEM synthetic biology workshop at the University of Pretoria</li>
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<li>Pretoria_UP exhibition at the Women in Energy Business Summit</li>
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<li>Pretoria_UP reached out to secondary school students through the UP with Science program</li>
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<li>Instant fame! Pretoria_UP was invited by Tuks FM radio for an interview</li>
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<li>Lab work: binding tests, cloning of laccases (synthesised and existing laccases in the distribution kit)</li>
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<li>Met iGEM due date: team rosters</li>
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<li>Assisted team Macquarie by making a graphical user interface on MatLab</li>
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<li>Presentation at SANEDI</li>
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<li>Lab work (LOTS of lab work)</li>
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<li>Filmed a short documentary for Aix-Marseille on how alternatives to platinum mining may affect the industry in SA</li>
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<li>Presentation to Genetics department</li>
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<li>Preparing for the iGEM Giant Jamboree presentation</li>
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<li>Working on poster</li>
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<li>BOSTON iGEM Giant Jamboree (YAY!)</li>
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<li>iGEM due dates: safety and judging forms, part submissions, wiki freeze</li>
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<h5>What should we write about on this page?</h5>
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<li><a href="https://2014.igem.org/Team:Dundee/policypractice/experts">2014 Dundee </a></li>
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<li><a href="https://2014.igem.org/Team:UC_Davis/Policy_Practices_Overview">2014 UC Davis </a></li>
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<li><a href="https://2013.igem.org/Team:Manchester/HumanPractices">2013 Manchester </a></li>
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Revision as of 03:13, 20 October 2016

WATTS-APTAMER - UP_PRETORIA iGEM


WATTS-APTAMER - UP_PRETORIA iGEM

Human Practice for Silver Medal:

First step: We want to spread awareness among medical students and staff at AinShams University, Faculty of Medicine about Synthetic biology and its applications in the medical field, and to encourage them to think outside the box and participate in such competitions and researches. Also we believe that we should work on children and raise them early on understanding the importance of science and research.

How: We started by questioning random students at the faculty of medicine Ain Shams University about simple facts regarding synthetic biology. The lack of knowledge about the subject encouraged us to meet up with the college’s dean to talk about spreading awareness among both students and staff. Upon his immediate approval, flyers were made containing simple information about iGEM, synthetic biology and its applications in medicine as well as other fields. This was performed through a small event at the faculty of medicine Ain Shams University. The event was a success; both students and staff alike were very interested at what we had to say and they kept asking for more information especially concerning the field of synthetic biology. Such enthusiasm only served to encourage us to extend our human practice beyond university doors.

This was performed in 2 high schools in Cairo where we sat down with a number of students in a class room and explained some fun facts about biology and shifted to the rising field of biology which is synthetic biology, we were very happy to see such a positive response from those amazing young people.

Second step: Our aim is to spread awareness beyond medical staff, researchers and hospital, hoping to reach all youth in Egypt and worldwide. How: This was performed by starting a series of animated web videos on our YouTube channel. These videos talk about synthetic biology in a simple and visually attractive way. We started this series to serve as a basic introduction to the wonderful world of synthetic biology. You can find our channel by clicking Here . https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnNqg-HrV22gZh3mvyK8PZA

February

  • Introduction to iGEM by instructor Dr. Steven Hussey
  • Team member roles were discussed
  • We looked at previous successful iGEM projects
  • Vaughn presented slides on photo-bioelectrochemical cells as the basis of a potential 2016 iGEM project
  • A general discussion and brainstorming session followed the presentation
  • Dr Hussey would be contacting individual students to ascertain their interest in being a 2016 team member, before the final selection will take place
  • We looked at three iGEM teams with photosynthesis-related projects. These are iGEM McGuire, iGEM Brown-Stanford and iGEM Harvard
  • Discussion on bioelectrical and photoelectochemical cell prototypes
  • Suggestion of designing aptamers to identify a conserved protein on chloroplasts. Aptamers also designed to be attracted to graphene.
  • Presented at Sappi head office, Braamfontein, Johannesberg to request funding for 2016



March

  • Presentation to Department of Science and Technology for funding (10 March).



April

  • Discussions with Prof. Manyala and his students at the Carbon Technology and Materials Research Group, University of Pretoria (14 April) about manufacturing graphene electrodes. It was during these discussions that we decided to use graphene foam formed on nickel as the basis for our electrodes.



May

  • Discussed target proteins on thylakoid membrane CP43, CP47, D1 and D2 for which aptamers can be designed
  • Decided to use MAWS software (Heidelberg iGEM team, 2015) to design aptamers
  • Decided on using laccases as the reducing enzyme to recycle water at the cathode
  • Reflected on our team hoodie designs!
  • Had Project proposal on 20 May
  • Met with Katie Barnhill, a postgraduate social scientist at North Carolina State University and who was visiting the University of Pretoria, for advice on how to communicate our project to a lay audience
  • Tried using MAWS software (Heidelberg iGEM team, 2015) to design aptamers by replicating their experiments
  • We met with Dr. Michal Gwizdala, Department of Physics, about physico-chemical considerations influencing the choice of target proteins for our aptamer in Photosystem II crystal structures
  • Simon gave an extensive presentation on the engineering side of the project and highlighted some issues, including cell size, selectively permeable membrane, and making use of magnets.

Pretoria_UP after their project defense to the Department of Genetics (20 May).



June

  • We compiled a survey for PBEC experts toward our Integrated Human Practices portfolio. The Survey was hosted on Surveymonkey and sent out to 14 experts in the PBEC field that we identified from the literature. Unfortunately we got only one reply!
  • Heidelberg 2015 iGEM team predicted one DNA aptamer against PSII. We synthesized this candidate along with a random oligo control for assessment of its ability to bind to PSII.


July

  • FMG/iGEM photoshoot with EyeScape photographers
  • We filmed our project description video
  • Due dates for iGEM: project description, about our lab and about our project forms submitted

Read more on our team composition on our Team page.



August

  • Brad mastered the art of thylakoid extractions
  • We received offers to collaborate with Ain_Shams-Egypt, Aix-Marseille, Groningen
  • Initiated our SELEX experiments to develop a graphene-binding aptamer, starting with determining the washing buffer stringency
  • Designed binding test for candidate aptamers designed using MAWS
  • Started adding content to our Wiki
  • Interview with Dr Karen Surridge-Talbot
  • Identified and synthesised Eucalyptus grandis laccases with IDT
  • iGEM due dates: track selection, title and abstract, Giant jamboree registration

Read more on our engagement with Dr. Surridge-Talbot in our Human Practices section.



September

  • In early September we held the ACGT/IGEM synthetic biology workshop at the University of Pretoria
  • Pretoria_UP exhibition at the Women in Energy Business Summit
  • Pretoria_UP reached out to secondary school students through the UP with Science program
  • Instant fame! Pretoria_UP was invited by Tuks FM radio for an interview
  • Lab work: binding tests, cloning of laccases (synthesised and existing laccases in the distribution kit)
  • Met iGEM due date: team rosters
  • Assisted team Macquarie by making a graphical user interface on MatLab


October

  • Presentation at SANEDI
  • Lab work (LOTS of lab work)
  • Filmed a short documentary for Aix-Marseille on how alternatives to platinum mining may affect the industry in SA
  • Presentation to Genetics department
  • Preparing for the iGEM Giant Jamboree presentation
  • Working on poster
  • BOSTON iGEM Giant Jamboree (YAY!)
  • iGEM due dates: safety and judging forms, part submissions, wiki freeze


WATTS-APTAMER - UP_PRETORIA iGEM