Let us go forth and safely multiply

Synthetic biology, which involves the engineering of new biological components and organisms and the redesign of existing ones, will require community discipline and openness if it is to flourish safely, says George Church.Synthetic Biology‘Synthetic biology’ is a rapidly growing field, and this week's Nature reflects that growth. Biologists use it to test models of natural systems, as discussed by David Sprinzak and Michael B. Elowitz. Drew Endy takes the engineer's approach, seeing it as an extension of technologies such as genetic engineering and biotechnology. Examples of what synthetic biology can do were on view at the first international Inter collegiate Genetically Engineered Machine competition. Synthetic biology promises much but there are risks too. In a Commentary, George Church urges the synthetic biology community to learn from mistakes made by nuclear physicists and geneticists, and to act now to develop safeguards that satisfy public concerns. The cover features frames from ‘Adventures in Synthetic Biology’, accessible on the Nature website.