J. Craig Venter Institute

Genetic Markers Remain Detectable in Genetically Engineered Microbes Biocontained with a CRISPR Kill Switch Biocontainment strategies, such as kill switches, have been developed to avoid the unintended proliferation of genetically engineered microbes (GEMs) intended for open-release environmental applications. However, the presence of GEM DNA after successful biocontainment presents new environmental risks and challenges for monitoring. In this study, we investigated whether biocontainment using a CRISPR-Cas9 kill switch, which causes double-strand breaks in target genes essential for GEM growth, could resolve this challenge in a model Escherichia coli GEM. Surprisingly, the escape rates of the GEM as determined by CRISPR-targeted gene abundances were as high as 10–1.6 to 10–1.0 in LB media, despite the escape rates measured by colony forming units (cfu) being only 10–6.2 under the same condition. This discrepancy suggested that the CRISPR-Cas9 kill switch prevents colony growth while still leaving a large fraction of target genes intact for detection by molecular methods. Within 1 h after biocontainment, these target genes remained predominantly inside an intact cell membrane and were resistant to degradation by DNase, though degradation was observed in river water over multiple days. Overall, a detailed understanding of the impact of the biocontainment mechanism on both the GEM and its DNA is needed to minimize unintended environmental risks.

Our collaborative work is out in Environmental Science & Technology, a high-impact @acs.org journal. Thanks to Kim Parker for her leadership & researchers in her & my labs for tireless efforts in this challenging project funded by NSF, US EPA & USDA
@jcvi.org

pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/...

@jcv.bsky.social named to the @forbes.com 250: Greatest American Innovators for spearheading the effort to map the first draft sequence of the human genome. 

www.forbes.com/sites/alexkn...

Together, the panelists guided the audience through the current scientific landscape with thoughtful discussion of the ethical questions that will shape how science influences society and our future.

Last Thursday, @jcv.bsky.social joined @rommieamaro.bsky.social and Dr. Peter Cowhey at #TheNAT in San Diego to talk about “Why Does Science Matter?”.

SynBYSS The International SynBYSS Conference is focused on bringing together the synthetic biology community with the explicit goal of developing young...

#SynBYSS conference is scheduled on Jun 8-11, 2026 in Barcelona. Given the 100-year celebration of Architect Gaudi in Barcelona, we suggest early booking of hotels.
Details can be found: www.jcvi.org/events/synbyss (speakers, abstract submission & registration)
@jcvi.org @marcguellc.bsky.social

Engineering microbial consortia for mixed plastic upcycling - Nature Communications The chemical complexity of post-consumer ‘mixed’ plastic waste limits its use as a feedstock for biomanufacturing. Here the authors combine transition-metal-free plastic deconstruction with a microbia...

Take a look at our previous @natcomms.nature.com paper.

www.nature.com/articles/s41...

Elucidation of odd-chain dicarboxylate metabolism in Acinetobacter baylyi and application to polyethylene upcycling Polyethylene (PE) is a versatile polymer, but its end-of-life management is challenging due to its recalcitrant structure. We present a promising appr…

Led by JCVI's @taeseokmoon.bsky.social, the paper highlights how engineered microbes could reshape plastic recycling and accelerate a circular bioeconomy.

www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

Following our recent @natcomms.nature.com study on microbial consortia that upcycle mixed plastics, we’ve published a new paper supporting this broad vision.

Elucidation of odd-chain dicarboxylate metabolism in Acinetobacter baylyi and application to polyethylene upcycling Polyethylene (PE) is a versatile polymer, but its end-of-life management is challenging due to its recalcitrant structure. We present a promising appr…

Our work on waste plastic polyethylene upcycling is out @cp-trendsbiotech.bsky.social thanks to huge efforts by Yuxin Tian, Seong-Min Cho, Sunkyu Park & Jinjin Diao @ncstate.bsky.social & @jcvi.org supported by NSF Global Center, DOE BER & AIChE Langer Prize!

www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

Registration & abstract website is open!
2nd #SynBYSS conference on June 8-11, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain.
Architect Gaudi passed away on June 10, 1926. Book a hotel room ASAP, given the centennial festival.
24 more speakers will be selected from abstracts.
@jcvi.org
eventum.upf.edu/140550/detai...

BV-BRC 2026 Workshops In person, March 2-6, San Diego, hosted by J. Craig Venter Institute. Register now for a free workshop!

Turn biological data into insights, fast. Join this hands-on, high-energy workshop to learn practical tools and workflows you can use right away.

Register now and level up your analysis!
forms.office.com/r/ex7hpq9u2M

Elucidating biodegradation of dimethyl terephthalate by two Rhodococcus strains for its valorization applications Dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) serves as the precursor in the production of polyethylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, and polybutylene…

The 1st paper from the Moon lab in 2026, spearheaded by Yifeng Hu!
"Elucidating biodegradation of dimethyl terephthalate by two Rhodococcus strains for its valorization applications"
@jcvi.org
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

To Purchase tickets visit:
www.sdnhm.org/calendar/by-...

The Academy will be hosting a private reception from 5:30–7:00 p.m., followed by a public program at 7:00 p.m. This special event will bring together the broader San Diego community for thoughtful dialogue, where everyone is encouraged to come ready with questions.

Dr. J. Craig Venter will join Dr. Rommie Amaro and Dr. Patricia Smith Churchland for an interactive conversation moderated by Dr. Peter Cowhey. The panel will explore the current state of science, from recent medical advances to the ethical questions we’re facing.

The American Academy’s San Diego Committee, in partnership with the San Diego Natural History Museum, will be hosting a Nat TALK: "Why Does Science Matter?" at the San Diego Natural History Museum.

BIG IDEAS: A Conversation with Genomics Pioneer Craig Venter YouTube video by Stowers Institute for Medical Research

From decoding the human genome to exploring life across the world’s oceans, Craig Venter (@jcvi.org) shared a remarkable journey on the #BIGIDEAS stage.

📹The full conversation with President & Chief Scientific Officer @planaria1.bsky.social is now available to watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=c30p...

Our paper is out in @natcomms.nature.com
"Engineering microbial consortia for mixed plastic upcycling!"
This achievement was possible thanks to collaborative efforts by Jinjin Diao, Yuxin Tian, Seong-Min Cho & Sunkyu Park! Thanks, NSF Global Center team!

The link:
www.nature.com/articles/s41...

Scientists engineer microbial teams to transform mixed plastics into valuable products La Jolla, California—December 11, 2025—Each year, the world produces more than 400 million metric tons of plastic, much of which ends up in...

A circular economy turns waste into resources—and JCVI scientists are making it real. We are engineering microbes to upcycle mixed plastic waste into valuable products like lycopene and lipids. No sorting, no landfills—just innovation for a sustainable future. 🧪🧬

www.jcvi.org/media-center...

Thank you to all who filled our auditorium for an engaging #BIGIDEAS conversation with Craig Venter (@jcvi.org) and President & CSO @planaria1.bsky.social.

We're grateful to share these convos with such a curious and enthusiastic community.

💻 Read a full recap of the event here: bit.ly/3Yrz1AV

Aquatic Symbiosis Genomics Project An ambitious project to read the genomes of 1,000 freshwater and marine species that represent more than 500 symbiotic relationships, funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the Sanger Ins...

Building on early work with J. Craig Venter Institute (@jcvi.org), our Symbiosis in Aquatic Systems Initiative’s genome sequencing project with @sangerinstitute.bsky.social has proven to be an invaluable approach to accelerating scientific discovery.

Explore the Aquatic Symbiosis Genomics Project ⤵️

Stylized American flag with the words "VETERANS DAY ★★★ HONORING ALL WHO SERVED"

Today we honor the brave men and women, including our friends and colleagues at JCVI, who have served our country with courage and sacrifice. Thank you for your service.

When I was in graduate school my life and carreer were completely transformed by a seminar I attended at Stanford by Dr. Hamilton Smith. In the talk he discussed how TIGR was sequencing whole genomes of organisms. Here is a scan of P1 of my notes. 1/n

Hamilton Smith obituary: molecular biologist who co-discovered precise molecular scissors for cutting DNA Nobel laureate who helped to sequence the first bacterial and human genomes.

@jcv.bsky.social penned an obituary for Ham Smith in @nature.com. Since the early 90s, Ham has been a key figure at the Institute for his invaluable contributions and mentorship. "Ham was the best colleague that one could ever have in science and a great friend."

www.nature.com/articles/d41...

October 2025

Candida auris (now classified as Candidozyma auris) is a rapidly emerging human pathogen and notoriously difficult to treat due to its high rate of resistance to anti-fungal drugs. Read about patient care implications & current strategies by Ahnika Kline & Sinem Beyhan.

issuu.com/mamsden/docs...

Scientist Spotlight: Hamilton O. Smith and Clyde A. Hutchison III Editor’s note: Clyde Hutchison died on September 27, 2025. Less than a month later, Hamilton Smith died on October 25, 2025. This post...

Those who knew Ham in his later years know of the deep friendship he had with Clyde Hutchison, who died less than a month before Ham. Read about what connected them in this blog post, published with the announcement of first bacterium with a synthetic genome in 2010.

www.jcvi.org/blog/scienti...

Remembering Hamilton O. Smith Hamilton O. Smith August 31, 1931 – October 25, 2025 It is with profound sorrow that we announce the loss of Hamilton O. Smith, M.D., a...

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the loss of Hamilton O. Smith, M.D., a scientific giant, compassionate mentor, and beloved by all who had the honor of knowing him. Ham was humble, gentle, and brilliant. 🧪🧬

www.jcvi.org/media-center...

Congratulations to JCVI President Anders Dale for being recognized for the fourth consecutive year by Research.com, earning a spot on their Best Scientist and Neuroscience Leader 2025 lists. Dale has netted over 200k citations over his career.

research.com/u/anders-m-d...

Photograph of Dr. J. Craig Venter smiling with his hands clasped.

Wishing a very Happy Birthday to our fearless founder & CEO, @jcv.bsky.social. Known to never shy away from adventure—be it a scientific pursuit or a personal passion—his constant curiosity is inspiring. Working with Dr. Venter & witnessing his never-ending dedication to advancing science is a gift.

The passing of Clyde A. Hutchison, III Clyde A. Hutchison, III November 26, 1938 – September 27, 2025 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Clyde A....

The passing of Clyde A. Hutchison, III, friend, colleague, and giant in the biological sciences. 🧪

www.jcvi.org/media-center...