Genetic engineering is beginning to live up to its name. Over the past 30 years it has meant transferring existing genes, one at a time, between organisms. Now – under the banner of “synthetic biology” – scientists are using the principles of systems engineering to transform whole organisms and potentially even to create novel forms of life.

Synthetic biology is sufficiently different from old-style genetic engineering to need a new system of regulation and governance, plus a fresh effort by its practitioners to tell the public what they are up to. Enormous benefits could flow from their work – practical pay-offs, such as new medicines and biofuels, as well as scientific insights into the nature of life.