Recent technological advances allow us to write and build whole chromosomes, allowing unprecedented potential for the design and creation of cellular machines. 

Synthetic designer de novo chromosomes will allow us to address fundamental biological questions, to systematically refactor genetic components, to incorporate large-scale metabolic pathways, and ultimately to engineer programmable organisms. 

Nearly all human genes undergo alternative splicing (AS) - the process by which different transcripts are generated from a single gene. AS can generate transcripts with strikingly different functions, either due to truncation of the protein coding sequence or alteration of functional domains. AS is highly regulated during development and across tissues involved in processes such as cell differentiation, migration, and cancer. 

Every nucleated cell has the potential to identify us. We shed cells wherever we go and different types of contact result in the transfer and mixture of different cell types.

Conventional forensic DNA recovery loses information about the molecule - or cell - the DNA originated from. This information could be critical in mixed samples and establishing where a DNA molecule came from, when it was transferred, and by whom. 

Blood clotting is an essential response to injury and is crucial for survival. Platelets are the cells responsible and need to be produced at an astonishing rate of 1 trillion cells per hour to maintain this function. Failure to do so can be life threatening and is a frequent issue in the elderly, cancer patients, and people with autoimmune diseases. 

Western diets rich in fats and sugars are linked to obesity and more frequent infections. In contrast, plant-based diets have been associated with increased longevity and decreased infections in the elderly. 

Transitioning to a plant-based diet typically involves decreased protein intake through reduced meat consumption. However, the impact of low-protein diet on human health, particularly immune function, remains poorly understood.