S2E1: Programming life: inside iGEM uOttawa

What if bacteria could be trained to work together like an assembly line to clean up industrial waste? In this episode of Pipetting Hot Tea, we sit down with student researchers from iGEM uOttawa to explore the fascinating world of synthetic biology. We break down the global iGEM competition and how these students are designing biological solutions to real-world problems, all between classes and midterms. We also dive into their new project on biological sulfur removal, exploring how a multi-strain bacterial system could replace energy-intensive refining processes. Along the way, they walk us through what it actually takes to engineer a bacterium, the highs and lows of lab work, and what the future of sustainable bioprocessing looks like. Tune in for a conversation that’s equal parts inspiring and eye-opening!