Research How Bacteria Use Enzymes to Direct Carbon Traffic for Energy and Useful Chemicals
Study shows how soil microbes steer carbon flow to adapt and create valuable byproducts.
Category: News
Michael Grunwald Discusses the Future of Food and the Planet at Northwestern
On October 29, 2025, the Center for Synthetic Biology at Northwestern University welcomed acclaimed journalist and author Michael Grunwald for a public talk on his latest book, We Are Eating … Continued
Northwestern’s Center for Synthetic Biology Celebrates a Decade of Discovery, Collaboration, and Impact
In 2016, the Center for Synthetic Biology (CSB) was founded with a bold mission: to advance the frontiers of fundamental science and engineering research that allows us to reuse, repurpose, … Continued
Goyal Named Mallinckrodt Foundation Grant Fellow
Center for Synthetic Biology’s Yogesh Goyal, PhD, has been named a 2025-2028 Edward Mallinckrodt, Jr. Foundation Grant Fellow.
Order from Disordered Proteins
Physics-based machine learning algorithm applied to biomolecule design
Northwestern Hosts Cell-Free Systems Conference, Spotlighting Innovation and Collaboration
This summer, the Center for Synthetic Biology (CSB) at Northwestern University welcomed scientists, engineers, and innovators from around the world to the third international Cell-Free Systems Conference, a two-day event … Continued
Undergraduate Summer Researchers Push Boundaries in Synthetic Biology
This summer, thirteen exceptional students immersed themselves in the dynamic field of synthetic biology through the Center for Synthetic Biology at Northwestern’s undergraduate research programs. Over ten weeks, students participated … Continued
Bacteria Rewire Digestive Systems to Turn Plant Waste Into Power
New study shows how bacteria juggle energy needs while digesting complex carbons
CSB’s Christine Akdeniz, others, recognized for helping to power Northwestern’s research
Christine Akdeniz (second from left) was recognized for building cohort-based community programs and outreach at CSB, increasing engagement, collaboration, and visibility across teams and external partners.
How organic matter traps water in soil — even in the driest conditions
Water molecules form bridges between mineral and carbohydrates to lock in moisture, study finds