CINXE.COM
(Re)building life: The past, present, and future of synthetic biology
<!DOCTYPE html><html lang="en" dir="ltr"><head><meta charSet="utf-8"/><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1"/><link rel="preload" as="image" imageSrcSet="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/0c86d083-56a4-4266-a3f3-b1e56fffb738/-/crop/1900x604/0,93/-/preview/-/resize/1200/GESB%20campaign%20visual%20v3.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/0c86d083-56a4-4266-a3f3-b1e56fffb738/-/crop/1900x604/0,93/-/preview/-/resize/800/GESB%20campaign%20visual%20v3.jpg 800w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/0c86d083-56a4-4266-a3f3-b1e56fffb738/-/crop/1900x604/0,93/-/preview/-/resize/1600/GESB%20campaign%20visual%20v3.jpg 1600w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/0c86d083-56a4-4266-a3f3-b1e56fffb738/-/crop/1900x604/0,93/-/preview/-/resize/400/GESB%20campaign%20visual%20v3.jpg 400w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/0c86d083-56a4-4266-a3f3-b1e56fffb738/-/crop/1900x604/0,93/-/preview/-/resize/800/GESB%20campaign%20visual%20v3.jpg 800w" imageSizes="(max-width: 992px) 800px, (max-width: 576px) 400px, 1200px"/><link rel="preload" as="image" imageSrcSet="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/e5796ea3-0615-4a54-9b1a-7d7a397cc72e/-/resize/1200/Anastassia%20Sibylle.png 1200w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/e5796ea3-0615-4a54-9b1a-7d7a397cc72e/-/resize/800/Anastassia%20Sibylle.png 800w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/e5796ea3-0615-4a54-9b1a-7d7a397cc72e/-/resize/400/Anastassia%20Sibylle.png 400w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/e5796ea3-0615-4a54-9b1a-7d7a397cc72e/-/resize/800/Anastassia%20Sibylle.png 800w" imageSizes="(max-width: 992px) 800px, (max-width: 576px) 400px, 1200px"/><link rel="preload" as="image" imageSrcSet="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/7785d0c0-6fcb-44c4-99f4-cfc25cd1a83d/-/resize/1200/UWIPD_BetaBarrelCover_NatureSubmission_20180606.jpg.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/7785d0c0-6fcb-44c4-99f4-cfc25cd1a83d/-/resize/800/UWIPD_BetaBarrelCover_NatureSubmission_20180606.jpg.jpg 800w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/7785d0c0-6fcb-44c4-99f4-cfc25cd1a83d/-/resize/400/UWIPD_BetaBarrelCover_NatureSubmission_20180606.jpg.jpg 400w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/7785d0c0-6fcb-44c4-99f4-cfc25cd1a83d/-/resize/800/UWIPD_BetaBarrelCover_NatureSubmission_20180606.jpg.jpg 800w" imageSizes="(max-width: 992px) 800px, (max-width: 576px) 400px, 1200px"/><link rel="preload" as="image" imageSrcSet="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/c1333693-6e89-408f-88f7-f54019c36376/-/resize/1200/MAGESTIC.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/c1333693-6e89-408f-88f7-f54019c36376/-/resize/800/MAGESTIC.jpg 800w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/c1333693-6e89-408f-88f7-f54019c36376/-/resize/400/MAGESTIC.jpg 400w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/c1333693-6e89-408f-88f7-f54019c36376/-/resize/800/MAGESTIC.jpg 800w" imageSizes="(max-width: 992px) 800px, (max-width: 576px) 400px, 1200px"/><link rel="preload" as="image" href="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/442d8573-adf0-4565-b1d8-2d94708dae2f/-/crop/4021x4024/0,0/-/preview/-/scale_crop/128x128/center/-/format/auto/"/><link rel="stylesheet" href="/_next/static/css/26c5a3f2fbd56dc5.css" data-precedence="next"/><link rel="stylesheet" href="/_next/static/css/c33b40da92ab26a8.css" data-precedence="next"/><link rel="stylesheet" href="/_next/static/css/187d3c857a5471fd.css" data-precedence="next"/><link rel="stylesheet" href="/_next/static/css/452b1d0d594eb0a1.css" data-precedence="next"/><link rel="stylesheet" href="/_next/static/css/5a503c431e5a09e2.css" data-precedence="next"/><link rel="stylesheet" href="/_next/static/css/4693ae4bdb546c1d.css" data-precedence="next"/><link rel="preload" as="script" fetchPriority="low" href="/_next/static/chunks/webpack-c1895b449eee0abd.js"/><script src="/_next/static/chunks/fd9d1056-d32606c2a5d59743.js" async=""></script><script src="/_next/static/chunks/9962-7429b9b33815ef8f.js" async=""></script><script src="/_next/static/chunks/main-app-709191bb305537c9.js" async=""></script><script src="/_next/static/chunks/7738-7a5b26ccea4a028d.js" async=""></script><script src="/_next/static/chunks/9409-076713c8e9e267d9.js" async=""></script><script src="/_next/static/chunks/app/global-error-1ecb9c1cba14b297.js" async=""></script><script src="/_next/static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js" async=""></script><script src="/_next/static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js" async=""></script><script src="/_next/static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js" async=""></script><script src="/_next/static/chunks/1008-7f08e65d1177de63.js" async=""></script><script src="/_next/static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js" async=""></script><script src="/_next/static/chunks/5835-907270e59dd17b20.js" async=""></script><script src="/_next/static/chunks/58-ee86ce1fe0c3350e.js" async=""></script><script src="/_next/static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js" async=""></script><script src="/_next/static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js" async=""></script><script src="/_next/static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/layout-c06f4a088aa94dea.js" async=""></script><script src="/_next/static/chunks/5087-a1bc8799fa595ca4.js" async=""></script><script src="/_next/static/chunks/4081-5b0b1e63ad87fe5f.js" async=""></script><script src="/_next/static/chunks/9496-a86ade40e937220a.js" async=""></script><script src="/_next/static/chunks/2731-274a3bcc6d28c238.js" async=""></script><script src="/_next/static/chunks/7737-1e371492aed137ac.js" async=""></script><script src="/_next/static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/(story)/%5Bslug%5D/page-faf99450a34e69ac.js" async=""></script><script src="/_next/static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/error-72876ef0998f5cda.js" async=""></script><script src="/_next/static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/not-found-bd0b6dedbf640cad.js" async=""></script><meta name="og:locale" content="en"/><link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com"/><link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.gstatic.com" crossorigin=""/><meta name="theme-color" content="#FFFFFF"/><title>(Re)building life: The past, present, and future of synthetic biology </title><meta name="description" content="The field of synthetic biology has seen remarkable developments in the last decade or two"/><meta name="robots" content="index, follow"/><link rel="canonical" href="https://blog.vib.be/rebuilding-life-the-past-present-and-future-of-synthetic-biology"/><link rel="alternate" hrefLang="en" href="https://blog.vib.be/rebuilding-life-the-past-present-and-future-of-synthetic-biology"/><link rel="alternate" hrefLang="x-default" href="https://blog.vib.be/rebuilding-life-the-past-present-and-future-of-synthetic-biology"/><link rel="alternate" type="application/json" href="https://blog.vib.be/rebuilding-life-the-past-present-and-future-of-synthetic-biology.json"/><meta name="google-site-verification" content="BZgvzHKVMgr-c9S6Hj1MiymivCeJvMyhiRIaTLV5s04"/><meta property="og:title" content="(Re)building life: The past, present, and future of synthetic biology "/><meta property="og:description" content="The field of synthetic biology has seen remarkable developments in the last decade or two"/><meta property="og:url" content="https://blog.vib.be/rebuilding-life-the-past-present-and-future-of-synthetic-biology"/><meta property="og:site_name" content="VIB Blog"/><meta property="og:locale" content="en"/><meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/0c86d083-56a4-4266-a3f3-b1e56fffb738/-/crop/1900x604/0,93/-/preview/-/preview/600x600/"/><meta property="og:image:alt" content="(Re)building life: The past, present, and future of synthetic biology "/><meta property="og:type" content="article"/><meta property="article:published_time" content="2024-11-20T08:00:00+00:00"/><meta property="article:modified_time" content="2024-11-20T08:00:06+00:00"/><meta property="article:author" content="Gunnar De Winter"/><meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/><meta name="twitter:site" content="VIB Blog"/><meta name="twitter:title" content="(Re)building life: The past, present, and future of synthetic biology "/><meta name="twitter:description" content="The field of synthetic biology has seen remarkable developments in the last decade or two"/><meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/0c86d083-56a4-4266-a3f3-b1e56fffb738/-/crop/1900x604/0,93/-/preview/-/preview/600x600/"/><link rel="shortcut icon" href="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/b385acc3-9f8b-4231-b530-93e1ecca3289/-/preview/180x180/Logo%20square.png"/><link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/b385acc3-9f8b-4231-b530-93e1ecca3289/-/preview/180x180/Logo%20square.png"/><link href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?display=swap&family=Inter:wght@400;500;600;700;900" rel="stylesheet"/><style>:root { --prezly-font-family: Inter, sans-serif; --prezly-font-family-secondary: Inter, sans-serif; --prezly-border-color: #00264f33; --prezly-border-color-secondary: #00264f4d; --prezly-text-color: #00264F; --prezly-text-color-secondary: #00264fcc; --prezly-text-color-tertiary: #00264f99; --prezly-text-color-hover: #00264F; --prezly-background-color: #FFFFFF; --prezly-background-color-secondary: #fafafaff; --prezly-background-color-tertiary: #f2f2f2ff; --prezly-accent-color: #00A3A6; --prezly-accent-color-active: #007173ff; --prezly-accent-color-hover: #00bcbfff; --prezly-accent-color-button-text: #ffffff; --prezly-header-background-color: #FFFFFF; --prezly-header-link-color: #00264F; --prezly-header-link-hover-color: #00264F; --prezly-footer-background-color: #00264F; --prezly-footer-text-color: #FFFFFF; --prezly-footer-text-color-variation: #FFFFFF; --prezly-placeholder-background-color: #ffffffff; --prezly-white: #ffffff; --prezly-black: #000000; --prezly-grey: #757575 }</style><!--$!--><template data-dgst="BAILOUT_TO_CLIENT_SIDE_RENDERING"></template><!--/$--><script src="/_next/static/chunks/polyfills-42372ed130431b0a.js" noModule=""></script></head><body><div class="layout_layout__E48_k"><header class="Header_container__M_b2B"><div class="container"><nav role="navigation" class="Header_header__x35fU"><a class="Header_newsroom__dAidT" href="/"><h1 class="Header_title__XVVXX Header_hidden__LPU_Q">VIB Blog</h1><img alt="" loading="lazy" width="160" height="87.03812316715542" decoding="async" data-nimg="1" class="Logo_logo__FvEtn Logo_landscape__BEgtZ Logo_medium__gu1CL" style="color:transparent" srcSet="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/dff0c99e-6881-4a4e-ab8d-eadc63c9938d/-/format/auto/-/stretch/off/-/progressive/yes/-/resize/256x/-/quality/smart/vib_notag_pos_rgb.png 1x, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/dff0c99e-6881-4a4e-ab8d-eadc63c9938d/-/format/auto/-/stretch/off/-/progressive/yes/-/resize/384x/-/quality/smart/vib_notag_pos_rgb.png 2x" src="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/dff0c99e-6881-4a4e-ab8d-eadc63c9938d/-/format/auto/-/stretch/off/-/progressive/yes/-/resize/384x/-/quality/smart/vib_notag_pos_rgb.png"/></a><div class="Header_navigationWrapper__rk9bH"><a class="Button_button__OFOdO Header_searchToggle__HZnFA Button_navigation__rNkz6 Button_iconOnly__okT7N" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="search-widget" title="Search" aria-label="Search" href="/search"><svg viewBox="0 0 16 16" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" class="Button_icon__xQgVe Button_left__KSJOX"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M6.543.667a5.877 5.877 0 1 0 3.496 10.601l3.81 3.81a.869.869 0 1 0 1.23-1.228l-3.812-3.81A5.877 5.877 0 0 0 6.543.666Zm-4.14 5.877a4.14 4.14 0 1 1 8.28 0 4.14 4.14 0 0 1-8.28 0Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg></a><button type="button" class="Button_button__OFOdO Header_navigationToggle__g5t0F Button_navigation__rNkz6 Button_iconOnly__okT7N" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="menu" title="Toggle navigation" aria-label="Toggle navigation"><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" class="Button_icon__xQgVe Button_left__KSJOX"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M3 6a1 1 0 0 1 1-1h16a1 1 0 1 1 0 2H4a1 1 0 0 1-1-1Zm0 6a1 1 0 0 1 1-1h16a1 1 0 1 1 0 2H4a1 1 0 0 1-1-1Zm0 6a1 1 0 0 1 1-1h16a1 1 0 1 1 0 2H4a1 1 0 0 1-1-1Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg><span></span></button><div class="Header_navigation__ieFn6"><div role="none" class="Header_backdrop__WV9Oh"></div><ul id="menu" class="Header_navigationInner__YWC1I"><li class="Header_navigationItem___Eagv"><div class="Dropdown_container__A3eCx" data-headlessui-state=""><button type="button" class="Button_button__OFOdO Header_navigationButton__Tpbh2 Dropdown_buttonWithMobileDisplay__Wne9K Button_navigation__rNkz6" id="headlessui-menu-button-:Rcjibkva:" aria-haspopup="menu" aria-expanded="false" data-headlessui-state=""><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" class="Button_icon__xQgVe Button_left__KSJOX"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M12 0C5.373 0 0 5.373 0 12s5.373 12 12 12 12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0ZM2.575 9.24A9.822 9.822 0 0 0 2.182 12c0 4.785 3.423 8.77 7.954 9.641a2.027 2.027 0 0 1-.031-.352 1.45 1.45 0 0 0-.425-1.025l-.54-.54a2.036 2.036 0 0 1-.597-1.44v-.894c0-.386-.153-.756-.426-1.029l-.727-.726a1.394 1.394 0 0 1 .986-2.38h5.143c1.023 0 1.852.828 1.852 1.851v1.04c0 .127.103.23.23.23.735 0 1.332.596 1.332 1.331 0 .127.102.23.23.23h.036c.798 0 1.437.434 1.728 1.02a9.822 9.822 0 0 0-3.546-16.179v1.433c0 1.021-.825 1.85-1.846 1.85H11.98c-.698 0-1.265.568-1.265 1.27 0 1.02-.826 1.85-1.846 1.85h-.453a.813.813 0 0 0-.812.813c0 .369-.147.723-.407.984l-.134.134a1.844 1.844 0 0 1-2.612 0L2.575 9.24Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg><span>English<svg viewBox="0 0 12 12" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" class="Dropdown_caret__SWUnP"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M1.135 3.37a.631.631 0 0 0-.01.907L5.468 8.62a.664.664 0 0 0 .94 0l4.343-4.342a.631.631 0 0 0-.011-.907.668.668 0 0 0-.929.01L5.937 7.254 2.064 3.381a.668.668 0 0 0-.929-.01Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg></span></button></div></li></ul></div><!--$!--><template data-dgst="BAILOUT_TO_CLIENT_SIDE_RENDERING"></template><!--/$--></div></nav></div></header><div class="CategoriesBar_wrapper__timK3"><div class="CategoriesBar_container___lX0h"><a class="CategoriesBar_link__3Ih1F" href="/category/neuroscience">Neuroscience</a><a class="CategoriesBar_link__3Ih1F" href="/category/cancer-biology">Cancer Biology</a><a class="CategoriesBar_link__3Ih1F" href="/category/immunity--inflammation">Immunity & Inflammation</a><a class="CategoriesBar_link__3Ih1F" href="/category/medical-biotechnology">Medical Biotechnology</a><a class="CategoriesBar_link__3Ih1F" href="/category/plant-biology">Plant Biology</a><a class="CategoriesBar_link__3Ih1F" href="/category/microbiology">Microbiology</a><a class="CategoriesBar_link__3Ih1F" href="/category/structural-biology">Structural Biology</a><a class="CategoriesBar_link__3Ih1F" href="/category/computational-biology">Computational Biology</a><a class="CategoriesBar_link__3Ih1F" href="/category/institutional-news">Institutional News</a><a class="CategoriesBar_link__3Ih1F" href="/category/tech-ecosystem">Tech Ecosystem</a><a class="CategoriesBar_link__3Ih1F" href="/category/deep-dive">Deep Dive</a><a class="CategoriesBar_link__3Ih1F" href="/category/faces-of-science">Faces of Science</a><a class="CategoriesBar_link__3Ih1F" href="/category/interview">Interview</a></div></div><main class="layout_content__hN3QC"><div class="Story_container__kSD_S"><article><div class="HeaderImageRenderer_renderer__CLZBG"><section class="prezly-slate-document" data-version="0.50"><figure class="prezly-slate-image prezly-slate-image--contained"><a class="prezly-slate-image-rollover" id="image-0c86d083-56a4-4266-a3f3-b1e56fffb738" href="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/0c86d083-56a4-4266-a3f3-b1e56fffb738/-/crop/1900x604/0,93/-/preview/GESB%20campaign%20visual%20v3.jpg" style="max-width:1900px"><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__content"><img alt="" class="prezly-slate-media prezly-slate-image__media prezly-slate-media--image" src="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/0c86d083-56a4-4266-a3f3-b1e56fffb738/-/crop/1900x604/0,93/-/preview/-/format/auto/GESB%20campaign%20visual%20v3.jpg" srcSet="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/0c86d083-56a4-4266-a3f3-b1e56fffb738/-/crop/1900x604/0,93/-/preview/-/resize/1200/GESB%20campaign%20visual%20v3.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/0c86d083-56a4-4266-a3f3-b1e56fffb738/-/crop/1900x604/0,93/-/preview/-/resize/800/GESB%20campaign%20visual%20v3.jpg 800w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/0c86d083-56a4-4266-a3f3-b1e56fffb738/-/crop/1900x604/0,93/-/preview/-/resize/1600/GESB%20campaign%20visual%20v3.jpg 1600w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/0c86d083-56a4-4266-a3f3-b1e56fffb738/-/crop/1900x604/0,93/-/preview/-/resize/400/GESB%20campaign%20visual%20v3.jpg 400w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/0c86d083-56a4-4266-a3f3-b1e56fffb738/-/crop/1900x604/0,93/-/preview/-/resize/800/GESB%20campaign%20visual%20v3.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 992px) 800px, (max-width: 576px) 400px, 1200px" title=""/><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__dim"></span><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption--empty"><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption-icon-container"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 16 16" role="img" class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption-icon"><path fill="currentColor" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M5.828 10.172a.5.5 0 0 0-.707 0l-4.096 4.096V11.5a.5.5 0 0 0-1 0v3.975a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H4.5a.5.5 0 0 0 0-1H1.732l4.096-4.096a.5.5 0 0 0 0-.707m4.344-4.344a.5.5 0 0 0 .707 0l4.096-4.096V4.5a.5.5 0 1 0 1 0V.525a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H11.5a.5.5 0 0 0 0 1h2.768l-4.096 4.096a.5.5 0 0 0 0 .707"></path></svg></span><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption-text"><span class="" title=""></span></span></span></span></a></figure></section></div><div class="CategoriesList_categoriesList__m4UAo"><a class="CategoryLink_link__wYVUn CategoriesList_categoryLink__5TSyJ" href="/category/structural-biology"><span>Structural Biology</span></a><a class="CategoryLink_link__wYVUn CategoriesList_categoryLink__5TSyJ" href="/category/deep-dive"><span>Deep Dive</span></a></div><div class="HeaderRenderer_renderer__dpgga"><section class="prezly-slate-document" data-version="0.50"><h1 class="prezly-slate-heading prezly-slate-heading--heading-1 prezly-slate-heading--align-inherit"><strong>(Re)building life: The past, present, and future of synthetic biology</strong> </h1><p class="Subtitle_subtitle__fvSfR"><strong>The field of synthetic biology has seen remarkable developments in the last decade or two</strong></p></section></div><div class="Story_linksAndDateWrapper__3UhKZ Story_left__kvsEa"><div class="SocialShare_social__6Cpi2"><button data-title="Share on Linkedin" class="SocialShare_socialButton__37dkf SocialShare_customButton__UcS6V"><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class="SocialShare_socialIcon___HqJj"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M.07 1.72C.07.77.86 0 1.833 0h20.324c.973 0 1.762.77 1.762 1.72v20.56c0 .95-.789 1.72-1.762 1.72H1.833C.859 24 .07 23.23.07 22.28V1.72ZM7.3 20.09V9.253H3.696V20.09H7.3ZM5.497 7.773c1.256 0 2.038-.832 2.038-1.872-.023-1.063-.781-1.872-2.014-1.872-1.232 0-2.038.809-2.038 1.872 0 1.04.782 1.872 1.99 1.872h.024Zm7.397 12.317H9.293s.047-9.82 0-10.837h3.602v1.534a3.325 3.325 0 0 0-.024.038h.024v-.038C13.374 10.05 14.231 9 16.141 9c2.37 0 4.147 1.549 4.147 4.877v6.214h-3.601v-5.797c0-1.457-.522-2.451-1.825-2.451-.995 0-1.588.67-1.848 1.317-.095.232-.119.555-.119.88v6.051Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg></button><button data-title="Share on Facebook" networkName="facebook" class="react-share__ShareButton SocialShare_socialButton__37dkf" style="background-color:transparent;border:none;padding:0;font:inherit;color:inherit;cursor:pointer"><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class="SocialShare_socialIcon___HqJj"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M24 12.073C24 5.405 18.627 0 12 0S0 5.405 0 12.073C0 18.1 4.388 23.094 10.125 24v-8.437H7.078v-3.49h3.047v-2.66c0-3.025 1.791-4.697 4.533-4.697 1.313 0 2.686.236 2.686.236v2.971H15.83c-1.491 0-1.956.93-1.956 1.886v2.264h3.328l-.532 3.49h-2.796V24C19.612 23.094 24 18.1 24 12.073Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg></button><button data-title="Share on X" networkName="twitter" class="react-share__ShareButton SocialShare_socialButton__37dkf" style="background-color:transparent;border:none;padding:0;font:inherit;color:inherit;cursor:pointer"><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class="SocialShare_socialIcon___HqJj"><path d="M18.901 1h3.68l-8.04 9.319L24 23h-7.406l-5.8-7.691L4.155 23H.474l8.6-9.968L0 1h7.594l5.243 7.03L18.901 1ZM17.61 20.766h2.039L6.486 3.116H4.298l13.312 17.65Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg></button></div></div><div class="ContentRenderer_renderer__tPJbs"><section class="prezly-slate-document" data-version="0.50"><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6">If we understand living systems as wholes constructed from parts, can we design new parts or redesign existing ones to build living systems and components according to desired specifications? </p><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6">That is the promise of synthetic biology: (re)design biological building blocks and put them together into a system of your choice. Of course, life is more complicated than that. And yet, the field of synthetic biology has seen remarkable developments in the last decade or two. </p><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6">In 2000, two papers in the journal <em>Nature</em> introduced the <a class="styles_link__gwrpq" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/35002131" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>genetic toggle switch</u></a> and the <a class="styles_link__gwrpq" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/35002125" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>repressilator.</u></a> These represent the first genetic circuits purposefully designed by humans. The toggle switch can turn target gene expression on and off while the repressilator oscillates like a circadian rhythm clock, periodically inducing the synthesis of GFP in individual cells. </p><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6">The big leap, though, arrived in 2012 with the paper that introduced <a class="styles_link__gwrpq" href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1225829" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>CRISPR/Cas</u></a> to the world as a new generation of gene editing tool. CRISPR/Cas revolutionized genetic engineering by enabling precise, accurate, and efficient genetic alterations. In the wake of this discovery, synthetic biology flourished. Synthetic minimal cells and sophisticated gene circuits pushed the boundaries of what engineered cells can be – from sensors to cancer fighters. Gene drives emerged as a powerful, yet controversial, tool for controlling populations of disease vectors like mosquitoes. Synthetic biology's role in medicine led to the advent of mRNA vaccines and CAR-T cell therapies. AI and machine learning accelerated the design and optimization of synthetic biology experiments, while DNA data storage advanced toward becoming a practical solution for future data needs. </p><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6">In 2020, both Emmanuelle Marie Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their work on genome editing with CRISPR; the first time in history that the Nobel Prize was won by two women. </p><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6">Let’s take a look at the present and future of synthetic biology, and what better way to do that than by considering the work of <a class="styles_link__gwrpq" href="https://vorobievalab.sites.vib.be/en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>Anastassia Vorobieva</u></a> (VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology) and <a class="styles_link__gwrpq" href="https://voneschlab.sites.vib.be/en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>Sibylle Vonesch</u></a> (VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology), who are part of the organizing committee for our coming <a class="styles_link__gwrpq" href="https://www.vibconferences.be/events/next-generation-synthetic-biology-5th-edition" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>Next-Generation Synthetic Biology (5th edition)</u></a> conference? </p><figure class="prezly-slate-image prezly-slate-image--contained"><a class="prezly-slate-image-rollover" id="image-e5796ea3-0615-4a54-9b1a-7d7a397cc72e" href="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/e5796ea3-0615-4a54-9b1a-7d7a397cc72e/Anastassia%20Sibylle.png" style="width:57.06%;max-width:1401px"><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__content"><img alt="Anastassia Vorobieva and Sibylle Vonesch" class="prezly-slate-media prezly-slate-image__media prezly-slate-media--image" src="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/e5796ea3-0615-4a54-9b1a-7d7a397cc72e/-/format/auto/Anastassia%20Sibylle.png" srcSet="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/e5796ea3-0615-4a54-9b1a-7d7a397cc72e/-/resize/1200/Anastassia%20Sibylle.png 1200w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/e5796ea3-0615-4a54-9b1a-7d7a397cc72e/-/resize/800/Anastassia%20Sibylle.png 800w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/e5796ea3-0615-4a54-9b1a-7d7a397cc72e/-/resize/400/Anastassia%20Sibylle.png 400w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/e5796ea3-0615-4a54-9b1a-7d7a397cc72e/-/resize/800/Anastassia%20Sibylle.png 800w" sizes="(max-width: 992px) 800px, (max-width: 576px) 400px, 1200px" title="Anastassia Vorobieva and Sibylle Vonesch"/><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__dim"></span><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption--empty"><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption-icon-container"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 16 16" role="img" class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption-icon"><path fill="currentColor" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M5.828 10.172a.5.5 0 0 0-.707 0l-4.096 4.096V11.5a.5.5 0 0 0-1 0v3.975a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H4.5a.5.5 0 0 0 0-1H1.732l4.096-4.096a.5.5 0 0 0 0-.707m4.344-4.344a.5.5 0 0 0 .707 0l4.096-4.096V4.5a.5.5 0 1 0 1 0V.525a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H11.5a.5.5 0 0 0 0 1h2.768l-4.096 4.096a.5.5 0 0 0 0 .707"></path></svg></span><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption-text"><span class="" title=""></span></span></span></span></a><figcaption class="prezly-slate-image__caption">Anastassia Vorobieva and Sibylle Vonesch</figcaption></figure><h3 class="styles_headingTwo__ZQS6u"><strong>Designing proteins</strong> </h3><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6">Parts of our DNA – genes – are transcribed into RNA and then translated into proteins. These proteins are molecules that perform a wide variety of functions in our cells. Among those functions, we find transport. Some proteins carry other molecules while others form ‘tunnels’ through cell walls to ensure that the right things can move in and out of cells. A family of those proteins are known as transmembrane beta-barrels. </p><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6">Anastassia Vorobieva and her team design such transmembrane proteins to make pores that can act as biological sensors and channels. By combining computation design and experimental characterization, Anastassia and her colleagues <a class="styles_link__gwrpq" href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adn3796" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>recently designed</u></a> nanopores from scratch. Think of nanopores as single-molecule detectors that can, for example, rapidly sequence DNA. Designing these pores in different sizes and shapes is the first step to building a new generation of synthetic biology tools in the form of biological sensors, scaffolds, and sequencers. </p><figure class="prezly-slate-image prezly-slate-image--contained"><a class="prezly-slate-image-rollover" id="image-7785d0c0-6fcb-44c4-99f4-cfc25cd1a83d" href="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/7785d0c0-6fcb-44c4-99f4-cfc25cd1a83d/UWIPD_BetaBarrelCover_NatureSubmission_20180606.jpg.jpg" style="width:45%;max-width:950px"><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__content"><img alt="Illustration of a beta-barrel" class="prezly-slate-media prezly-slate-image__media prezly-slate-media--image" src="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/7785d0c0-6fcb-44c4-99f4-cfc25cd1a83d/-/format/auto/UWIPD_BetaBarrelCover_NatureSubmission_20180606.jpg.jpg" srcSet="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/7785d0c0-6fcb-44c4-99f4-cfc25cd1a83d/-/resize/1200/UWIPD_BetaBarrelCover_NatureSubmission_20180606.jpg.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/7785d0c0-6fcb-44c4-99f4-cfc25cd1a83d/-/resize/800/UWIPD_BetaBarrelCover_NatureSubmission_20180606.jpg.jpg 800w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/7785d0c0-6fcb-44c4-99f4-cfc25cd1a83d/-/resize/400/UWIPD_BetaBarrelCover_NatureSubmission_20180606.jpg.jpg 400w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/7785d0c0-6fcb-44c4-99f4-cfc25cd1a83d/-/resize/800/UWIPD_BetaBarrelCover_NatureSubmission_20180606.jpg.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 992px) 800px, (max-width: 576px) 400px, 1200px" title="Illustration of a beta-barrel"/><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__dim"></span><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption--empty"><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption-icon-container"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 16 16" role="img" class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption-icon"><path fill="currentColor" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M5.828 10.172a.5.5 0 0 0-.707 0l-4.096 4.096V11.5a.5.5 0 0 0-1 0v3.975a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H4.5a.5.5 0 0 0 0-1H1.732l4.096-4.096a.5.5 0 0 0 0-.707m4.344-4.344a.5.5 0 0 0 .707 0l4.096-4.096V4.5a.5.5 0 1 0 1 0V.525a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H11.5a.5.5 0 0 0 0 1h2.768l-4.096 4.096a.5.5 0 0 0 0 .707"></path></svg></span><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption-text"><span class="" title=""></span></span></span></span></a><figcaption class="prezly-slate-image__caption">Illustration of a beta-barrel</figcaption></figure><h3 class="styles_headingTwo__ZQS6u"><strong>MAGESTIC microbes</strong> </h3><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6">Designing genes and proteins is a great start, but we also need to understand how these ‘designs’ are expressed in real life. In other words, to make functional changes in biological systems, we have to chart the paths from genotype (the full genetic makeup of an organism) to phenotype (all the expressed traits of an organism). </p><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6">To do so, the lab of Sibylle Vonesch uses MAGESTIC, or Multiplexed Accurate Genome Editing with Short, Trackable, Integrated Cellular barcodes – one of several <a class="styles_link__gwrpq" href="https://academic.oup.com/femsre/article/48/5/fuae020/7725053" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>CRISPR-based approaches for high-throughput genomics</u></a>. With this method, scientists can engineer thousands of specific mutations in parallel in large groups of yeast cells. Because the mutations have a DNA ‘barcode’, the researchers can observe and quantify which mutations have which effects, as well as how different environments might affect the link between mutation and effect. MAGESTIC effectively proves a tool to generate and screen many yeast mutants that may have industrial and medical applications. </p><figure class="prezly-slate-image prezly-slate-image--contained"><a class="prezly-slate-image-rollover" id="image-c1333693-6e89-408f-88f7-f54019c36376" href="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/c1333693-6e89-408f-88f7-f54019c36376/MAGESTIC.jpg" style="max-width:950px"><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__content"><img alt="Illustration of the MAGESTIC workflow" class="prezly-slate-media prezly-slate-image__media prezly-slate-media--image" src="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/c1333693-6e89-408f-88f7-f54019c36376/-/format/auto/MAGESTIC.jpg" srcSet="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/c1333693-6e89-408f-88f7-f54019c36376/-/resize/1200/MAGESTIC.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/c1333693-6e89-408f-88f7-f54019c36376/-/resize/800/MAGESTIC.jpg 800w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/c1333693-6e89-408f-88f7-f54019c36376/-/resize/400/MAGESTIC.jpg 400w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/c1333693-6e89-408f-88f7-f54019c36376/-/resize/800/MAGESTIC.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 992px) 800px, (max-width: 576px) 400px, 1200px" title="Illustration of the MAGESTIC workflow"/><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__dim"></span><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption--empty"><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption-icon-container"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 16 16" role="img" class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption-icon"><path fill="currentColor" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M5.828 10.172a.5.5 0 0 0-.707 0l-4.096 4.096V11.5a.5.5 0 0 0-1 0v3.975a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H4.5a.5.5 0 0 0 0-1H1.732l4.096-4.096a.5.5 0 0 0 0-.707m4.344-4.344a.5.5 0 0 0 .707 0l4.096-4.096V4.5a.5.5 0 1 0 1 0V.525a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H11.5a.5.5 0 0 0 0 1h2.768l-4.096 4.096a.5.5 0 0 0 0 .707"></path></svg></span><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption-text"><span class="" title=""></span></span></span></span></a><figcaption class="prezly-slate-image__caption">Illustration of the MAGESTIC workflow</figcaption></figure><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6">Protein tunnels and MAGESTIC tools are only glimpses of the present and future of synthetic biology. <a class="styles_link__gwrpq" href="https://vib.be/en/technologies/tech-watch-core" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">VIB's Tech Watch Core</a>, whose Technology Expert Toon Swings also sits on the organizing committee of the Next-Generation Synthetic Biology (5th edition) conference, has already funded various synthetic biology projects. </p><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6">As our knowledge of life and our technologies improve, so does our ability to (re)design biological systems. With this power, of course, comes an equally great responsibility to do so ethically. </p><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6">The potential of synthetic biology is immense. Let’s use it well. </p><hr class="prezly-slate-divider"/><div class="prezly-slate-callout prezly-slate-callout--align-inherit" data-icon="🧬"><p>Want more synthetic biology? Grab the final seats at the <a class="styles_link__gwrpq" href="https://www.vibconferences.be/events/next-generation-synthetic-biology-5th-edition" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>Next-Generation Synthetic Biology (5th edition)</u></a> in Ghent, from December 10 to 11. Experts from academia and industry will be there to talk about engineering living systems, from molecules to ecosystems. </p></div><hr class="prezly-slate-divider"/><div id="contact-6a9edfa6-38a4-4c0b-9c8d-3e161540a866" class="prezly-slate-contact prezly-slate-contact--card"><div class="prezly-slate-contact__wrapper"><div class="prezly-slate-contact__avatar"><img alt="Gunnar De Winter" src="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/442d8573-adf0-4565-b1d8-2d94708dae2f/-/crop/4021x4024/0,0/-/preview/-/scale_crop/128x128/center/-/format/auto/" class="prezly-slate-contact__avatar-image" title="Gunnar De Winter"/></div><div class="prezly-slate-contact__content"><h3 class="prezly-slate-contact__name">Gunnar De Winter</h3><div class="prezly-slate-contact__job-description">Science Communications Expert, VIB</div><ul class="prezly-slate-social-fields prezly-slate-social-fields--card prezly-slate-contact__social-fields"><li class="prezly-slate-social-field prezly-slate-social-fields__field" title="gunnar.dewinter@vib.be"><a class="prezly-slate-social-field__link" href="mailto:gunnar.dewinter@vib.be" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="17" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 16 17" role="img" class="prezly-slate-social-field__icon"><path fill="currentColor" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M0 4.34v8.334c0 1.19.981 2.16 2.182 2.16h11.636c1.201 0 2.182-.97 2.182-2.16V4.326c0-1.19-.981-2.16-2.182-2.16H2.182C.98 2.167 0 3.137 0 4.327zm1.524-.318a.73.73 0 0 1 .658-.414h11.636c.29 0 .541.17.658.414L8 8.52zm13.021 1.712v6.94a.727.727 0 0 1-.727.718H2.182a.727.727 0 0 1-.727-.718v-6.94l5.905 4.1c.384.267.896.267 1.28 0z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg><span class="prezly-slate-social-field__value">gunnar.dewinter@vib.be</span></a></li></ul><ul class="prezly-slate-social-fields prezly-slate-social-fields--card prezly-slate-contact__social-fields"></ul></div></div></div><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6"> </p><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6"> </p></section></div></article><div class="Divider_divider__kT1y0"><div class="Divider_line__3u18O"></div></div><div><h2>Share</h2><div class="Share_sharingOptions__tI6mi"><div class="SocialShare_social__6Cpi2"><button data-title="Share on Linkedin" class="SocialShare_socialButton__37dkf SocialShare_customButton__UcS6V"><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class="SocialShare_socialIcon___HqJj"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M.07 1.72C.07.77.86 0 1.833 0h20.324c.973 0 1.762.77 1.762 1.72v20.56c0 .95-.789 1.72-1.762 1.72H1.833C.859 24 .07 23.23.07 22.28V1.72ZM7.3 20.09V9.253H3.696V20.09H7.3ZM5.497 7.773c1.256 0 2.038-.832 2.038-1.872-.023-1.063-.781-1.872-2.014-1.872-1.232 0-2.038.809-2.038 1.872 0 1.04.782 1.872 1.99 1.872h.024Zm7.397 12.317H9.293s.047-9.82 0-10.837h3.602v1.534a3.325 3.325 0 0 0-.024.038h.024v-.038C13.374 10.05 14.231 9 16.141 9c2.37 0 4.147 1.549 4.147 4.877v6.214h-3.601v-5.797c0-1.457-.522-2.451-1.825-2.451-.995 0-1.588.67-1.848 1.317-.095.232-.119.555-.119.88v6.051Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg></button><button data-title="Share on Facebook" networkName="facebook" class="react-share__ShareButton SocialShare_socialButton__37dkf" style="background-color:transparent;border:none;padding:0;font:inherit;color:inherit;cursor:pointer"><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class="SocialShare_socialIcon___HqJj"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M24 12.073C24 5.405 18.627 0 12 0S0 5.405 0 12.073C0 18.1 4.388 23.094 10.125 24v-8.437H7.078v-3.49h3.047v-2.66c0-3.025 1.791-4.697 4.533-4.697 1.313 0 2.686.236 2.686.236v2.971H15.83c-1.491 0-1.956.93-1.956 1.886v2.264h3.328l-.532 3.49h-2.796V24C19.612 23.094 24 18.1 24 12.073Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg></button><button data-title="Share on X" networkName="twitter" class="react-share__ShareButton SocialShare_socialButton__37dkf" style="background-color:transparent;border:none;padding:0;font:inherit;color:inherit;cursor:pointer"><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class="SocialShare_socialIcon___HqJj"><path d="M18.901 1h3.68l-8.04 9.319L24 23h-7.406l-5.8-7.691L4.155 23H.474l8.6-9.968L0 1h7.594l5.243 7.03L18.901 1ZM17.61 20.766h2.039L6.486 3.116H4.298l13.312 17.65Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg></button></div><div class="Share_actions__AQ_70"><div class="ButtonWithSuccessTooltip_container__c6FIN"><button type="button" class="Button_button__OFOdO Share_action__YLyAM Button_secondary__KMeNe"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-link Button_icon__xQgVe Button_left__KSJOX"><path d="M10 13a5 5 0 0 0 7.54.54l3-3a5 5 0 0 0-7.07-7.07l-1.72 1.71"></path><path d="M14 11a5 5 0 0 0-7.54-.54l-3 3a5 5 0 0 0 7.07 7.07l1.71-1.71"></path></svg><span>Copy link</span></button></div></div></div></div></div></main><div class="Boilerplate_container__dDU_s"><div class="container"><div class="Boilerplate_columns__R0nmt"><div class="Boilerplate_aboutUs__DXHGr"><h2 class="Boilerplate_heading__Qno0I">About <!-- -->VIB Blog<!-- --></h2><div class="Boilerplate_about___Ee5H"><p>On our blog, you can find content curated by the VIB community. Discover our research through the eyes of our scientists.</p> <p>Want to be kept up-to-date on our biotechnological news and stories? Join our community and <a href="https://vib.activehosted.com/f/6">subscribe</a> to our bi-monthly newsletter <a href="https://vib.activehosted.com/f/6">here</a>.</p></div><div class="Boilerplate_socialMedia__xloHE SocialMedia_container__PzxF8"><a href="https://facebook.com/VIBlifesciences" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" title="Facebook" aria-label="Facebook" class="SocialMedia_link__vpV8c"><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" class="SocialMedia_icon__bGh__"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M24 12.073C24 5.405 18.627 0 12 0S0 5.405 0 12.073C0 18.1 4.388 23.094 10.125 24v-8.437H7.078v-3.49h3.047v-2.66c0-3.025 1.791-4.697 4.533-4.697 1.313 0 2.686.236 2.686.236v2.971H15.83c-1.491 0-1.956.93-1.956 1.886v2.264h3.328l-.532 3.49h-2.796V24C19.612 23.094 24 18.1 24 12.073Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg></a><a href="https://instagram.com/VIBlifesciences/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" title="Instagram" aria-label="Instagram" class="SocialMedia_link__vpV8c"><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" class="SocialMedia_icon__bGh__"><path d="M12 2.162c3.204 0 3.584.012 4.849.07 1.17.054 1.805.249 2.228.413.56.218.96.478 1.38.898.42.42.68.82.898 1.38.164.423.36 1.058.413 2.228.058 1.265.07 1.645.07 4.849s-.012 3.584-.07 4.849c-.053 1.17-.249 1.805-.413 2.228-.218.56-.478.96-.898 1.38-.42.42-.82.68-1.38.898-.423.164-1.058.36-2.228.413-1.265.058-1.645.07-4.849.07s-3.584-.012-4.849-.07c-1.17-.053-1.805-.249-2.228-.413a3.718 3.718 0 0 1-1.38-.898c-.42-.42-.68-.82-.898-1.38-.164-.423-.36-1.058-.413-2.228-.058-1.265-.07-1.645-.07-4.849s.012-3.584.07-4.849c.053-1.17.249-1.805.413-2.228.218-.56.478-.96.898-1.38.42-.42.82-.68 1.38-.898.423-.164 1.058-.36 2.228-.413 1.265-.058 1.645-.07 4.849-.07ZM12 0C8.74 0 8.332.014 7.052.072 5.775.131 4.902.333 4.14.63a5.882 5.882 0 0 0-2.126 1.384A5.882 5.882 0 0 0 .63 4.14c-.297.763-.5 1.635-.558 2.912C.014 8.332 0 8.741 0 12c0 3.26.014 3.668.072 4.948.058 1.277.261 2.15.558 2.912.307.79.717 1.459 1.384 2.126A5.88 5.88 0 0 0 4.14 23.37c.763.297 1.635.5 2.912.558C8.332 23.986 8.741 24 12 24c3.259 0 3.668-.014 4.948-.072 1.277-.059 2.15-.261 2.912-.558a5.88 5.88 0 0 0 2.126-1.384 5.883 5.883 0 0 0 1.384-2.126c.297-.763.5-1.635.558-2.912.058-1.28.072-1.689.072-4.948 0-3.259-.014-3.668-.072-4.948-.059-1.277-.261-2.15-.558-2.912a5.883 5.883 0 0 0-1.384-2.126A5.882 5.882 0 0 0 19.86.63c-.763-.297-1.635-.5-2.912-.558C15.668.014 15.259 0 12 0Zm0 5.838a6.162 6.162 0 1 0 0 12.324 6.162 6.162 0 0 0 0-12.324ZM12 16a4 4 0 1 1 0-8 4 4 0 0 1 0 8Zm7.846-10.406a1.44 1.44 0 1 1-2.88 0 1.44 1.44 0 0 1 2.88 0Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg></a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/vib/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" title="LinkedIn" aria-label="LinkedIn" class="SocialMedia_link__vpV8c"><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" class="SocialMedia_icon__bGh__"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M.07 1.72C.07.77.86 0 1.833 0h20.324c.973 0 1.762.77 1.762 1.72v20.56c0 .95-.789 1.72-1.762 1.72H1.833C.859 24 .07 23.23.07 22.28V1.72ZM7.3 20.09V9.253H3.696V20.09H7.3ZM5.497 7.773c1.256 0 2.038-.832 2.038-1.872-.023-1.063-.781-1.872-2.014-1.872-1.232 0-2.038.809-2.038 1.872 0 1.04.782 1.872 1.99 1.872h.024Zm7.397 12.317H9.293s.047-9.82 0-10.837h3.602v1.534a3.325 3.325 0 0 0-.024.038h.024v-.038C13.374 10.05 14.231 9 16.141 9c2.37 0 4.147 1.549 4.147 4.877v6.214h-3.601v-5.797c0-1.457-.522-2.451-1.825-2.451-.995 0-1.588.67-1.848 1.317-.095.232-.119.555-.119.88v6.051Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg></a><a href="https://twitter.com/VIBlifesciences" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" title="X" aria-label="X" class="SocialMedia_link__vpV8c"><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" class="SocialMedia_icon__bGh__"><path d="M18.901 1h3.68l-8.04 9.319L24 23h-7.406l-5.8-7.691L4.155 23H.474l8.6-9.968L0 1h7.594l5.243 7.03L18.901 1ZM17.61 20.766h2.039L6.486 3.116H4.298l13.312 17.65Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg></a></div></div><div class="Boilerplate_contacts__N6dEA"><h2 class="Boilerplate_heading__Qno0I">Contact<!-- --></h2><p class="Boilerplate_contact__IPAMu"><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" class="Boilerplate_icon__gH9XS"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M2.25 21.375c0 .207.168.375.375.375H6v-1.875c0-.621.504-1.125 1.125-1.125h3.75c.621 0 1.125.504 1.125 1.125v1.875h3.375a.375.375 0 0 0 .375-.375V2.625a.375.375 0 0 0-.375-.375H2.625a.375.375 0 0 0-.375.375v18.75ZM2.625 24A2.625 2.625 0 0 1 0 21.375V2.625A2.625 2.625 0 0 1 2.625 0h12.75A2.625 2.625 0 0 1 18 2.625v18.75c0 .127-.009.253-.027.375h3.402a.375.375 0 0 0 .375-.375v-8.947a.375.375 0 0 0-.167-.312l-1.582-1.055a1.125 1.125 0 1 1 1.248-1.872l1.582 1.055A2.625 2.625 0 0 1 24 12.428v8.947A2.625 2.625 0 0 1 21.375 24h-5.25c-.102 0-.201-.014-.296-.04-.147.026-.299.04-.454.04h-4.5a1.125 1.125 0 0 1-1.125-1.125V21h-1.5v1.875c0 .621-.504 1.125-1.125 1.125h-4.5ZM4.5 5.625c0-.621.504-1.125 1.125-1.125h.75a1.125 1.125 0 0 1 0 2.25h-.75A1.125 1.125 0 0 1 4.5 5.625ZM5.625 9a1.125 1.125 0 1 0 0 2.25h.75a1.125 1.125 0 0 0 0-2.25h-.75ZM4.5 14.625c0-.621.504-1.125 1.125-1.125h.75a1.125 1.125 0 0 1 0 2.25h-.75A1.125 1.125 0 0 1 4.5 14.625Zm7.125-1.125a1.125 1.125 0 0 0 0 2.25h.75a1.125 1.125 0 0 0 0-2.25h-.75ZM10.5 10.125c0-.621.504-1.125 1.125-1.125h.75a1.125 1.125 0 0 1 0 2.25h-.75a1.125 1.125 0 0 1-1.125-1.125ZM11.625 4.5a1.125 1.125 0 0 0 0 2.25h.75a1.125 1.125 0 0 0 0-2.25h-.75Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg>Suzanne Tassierstraat 1 9052 Ghent</p><p class="Boilerplate_contact__IPAMu"><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" class="Boilerplate_icon__gH9XS"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M0 5.759V18.26c0 1.786 1.472 3.24 3.273 3.24h17.454C22.53 21.5 24 20.046 24 18.26V5.74c0-1.786-1.471-3.24-3.273-3.24H3.273C1.472 2.5 0 3.954 0 5.74v.019Zm2.286-.475c.175-.366.553-.623.987-.623h17.454c.434 0 .812.257.987.623L12 12.029 2.286 5.284ZM21.818 7.85v10.41c0 .589-.492 1.078-1.09 1.078H3.272c-.599 0-1.091-.49-1.091-1.079V7.85l8.858 6.152c.576.4 1.344.4 1.92 0l8.858-6.151Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg><a class="Boilerplate_link__gPMrE" href="mailto:communications@vib.be">communications@vib.be</a></p><p class="Boilerplate_contact__IPAMu"><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" class="Boilerplate_icon__gH9XS"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M12 0C5.373 0 0 5.373 0 12s5.373 12 12 12 12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0ZM2.575 9.24A9.822 9.822 0 0 0 2.182 12c0 4.785 3.423 8.77 7.954 9.641a2.027 2.027 0 0 1-.031-.352 1.45 1.45 0 0 0-.425-1.025l-.54-.54a2.036 2.036 0 0 1-.597-1.44v-.894c0-.386-.153-.756-.426-1.029l-.727-.726a1.394 1.394 0 0 1 .986-2.38h5.143c1.023 0 1.852.828 1.852 1.851v1.04c0 .127.103.23.23.23.735 0 1.332.596 1.332 1.331 0 .127.102.23.23.23h.036c.798 0 1.437.434 1.728 1.02a9.822 9.822 0 0 0-3.546-16.179v1.433c0 1.021-.825 1.85-1.846 1.85H11.98c-.698 0-1.265.568-1.265 1.27 0 1.02-.826 1.85-1.846 1.85h-.453a.813.813 0 0 0-.812.813c0 .369-.147.723-.407.984l-.134.134a1.844 1.844 0 0 1-2.612 0L2.575 9.24Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg><a href="http://vib.be" class="Boilerplate_link__gPMrE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">vib.be</a></p></div></div></div></div><footer class="Footer_container__ws5lh"><div class="container"><div class="Footer_footer__QDXQy"><div class="Footer_links__X18AW"><a href="https://privacy.prezly.com/en/newsroom/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/data-request" class="Footer_link__ThdhJ">Privacy requests</a></div></div></div></footer></div><button type="button" class="Button_button__OFOdO ScrollToTopButton_button__DDiD_ Button_secondary__KMeNe" aria-label="Scroll to top"><span><svg viewBox="0 0 12 12" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" class="ScrollToTopButton_icon__fhZoc"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M1.135 3.37a.631.631 0 0 0-.01.907L5.468 8.62a.664.664 0 0 0 .94 0l4.343-4.342a.631.631 0 0 0-.011-.907.668.668 0 0 0-.929.01L5.937 7.254 2.064 3.381a.668.668 0 0 0-.929-.01Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg></span></button><script src="/_next/static/chunks/webpack-c1895b449eee0abd.js" async=""></script><script>(self.__next_f=self.__next_f||[]).push([0]);self.__next_f.push([2,null])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"1:HL[\"/_next/static/css/26c5a3f2fbd56dc5.css\",\"style\"]\n2:HL[\"/_next/static/css/c33b40da92ab26a8.css\",\"style\"]\n3:HL[\"/_next/static/css/187d3c857a5471fd.css\",\"style\"]\n4:HL[\"/_next/static/css/452b1d0d594eb0a1.css\",\"style\"]\n5:HL[\"/_next/static/css/5a503c431e5a09e2.css\",\"style\"]\n6:HL[\"/_next/static/css/4693ae4bdb546c1d.css\",\"style\"]\n"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"7:I[12846,[],\"\"]\na:I[4707,[],\"\"]\nd:I[36423,[],\"\"]\n10:I[57063,[\"7738\",\"static/chunks/7738-7a5b26ccea4a028d.js\",\"9409\",\"static/chunks/9409-076713c8e9e267d9.js\",\"6470\",\"static/chunks/app/global-error-1ecb9c1cba14b297.js\"],\"default\"]\nb:[\"localeCode\",\"en\",\"d\"]\nc:[\"slug\",\"rebuilding-life-the-past-present-and-future-of-synthetic-biology\",\"d\"]\n11:[]\n"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"0:[\"$\",\"$L7\",null,{\"buildId\":\"RigYKU9_O1jk2RAFXOC88\",\"assetPrefix\":\"\",\"urlParts\":[\"\",\"rebuilding-life-the-past-present-and-future-of-synthetic-biology\"],\"initialTree\":[\"\",{\"children\":[[\"localeCode\",\"en\",\"d\"],{\"children\":[\"(story)\",{\"children\":[[\"slug\",\"rebuilding-life-the-past-present-and-future-of-synthetic-biology\",\"d\"],{\"children\":[\"__PAGE__\",{}]}]}]},\"$undefined\",\"$undefined\",true]}],\"initialSeedData\":[\"\",{\"children\":[[\"localeCode\",\"en\",\"d\"],{\"children\":[\"(story)\",{\"children\":[[\"slug\",\"rebuilding-life-the-past-present-and-future-of-synthetic-biology\",\"d\"],{\"children\":[\"__PAGE__\",{},[[\"$L8\",\"$L9\",null],null],null]},[null,[\"$\",\"$La\",null,{\"parallelRouterKey\":\"children\",\"segmentPath\":[\"children\",\"$b\",\"children\",\"(story)\",\"children\",\"$c\",\"children\"],\"error\":\"$undefined\",\"errorStyles\":\"$undefined\",\"errorScripts\":\"$undefined\",\"template\":[\"$\",\"$Ld\",null,{}],\"templateStyles\":\"$undefined\",\"templateScripts\":\"$undefined\",\"notFound\":\"$undefined\",\"notFoundStyles\":\"$undefined\"}]],null]},[null,[\"$\",\"$La\",null,{\"parallelRouterKey\":\"children\",\"segmentPath\":[\"children\",\"$b\",\"children\",\"(story)\",\"children\"],\"error\":\"$undefined\",\"errorStyles\":\"$undefined\",\"errorScripts\":\"$undefined\",\"template\":[\"$\",\"$Ld\",null,{}],\"templateStyles\":\"$undefined\",\"templateScripts\":\"$undefined\",\"notFound\":\"$undefined\",\"notFoundStyles\":\"$undefined\"}]],null]},[[[[\"$\",\"link\",\"0\",{\"rel\":\"stylesheet\",\"href\":\"/_next/static/css/26c5a3f2fbd56dc5.css\",\"precedence\":\"next\",\"crossOrigin\":\"$undefined\"}],[\"$\",\"link\",\"1\",{\"rel\":\"stylesheet\",\"href\":\"/_next/static/css/c33b40da92ab26a8.css\",\"precedence\":\"next\",\"crossOrigin\":\"$undefined\"}],[\"$\",\"link\",\"2\",{\"rel\":\"stylesheet\",\"href\":\"/_next/static/css/187d3c857a5471fd.css\",\"precedence\":\"next\",\"crossOrigin\":\"$undefined\"}],[\"$\",\"link\",\"3\",{\"rel\":\"stylesheet\",\"href\":\"/_next/static/css/452b1d0d594eb0a1.css\",\"precedence\":\"next\",\"crossOrigin\":\"$undefined\"}],[\"$\",\"link\",\"4\",{\"rel\":\"stylesheet\",\"href\":\"/_next/static/css/5a503c431e5a09e2.css\",\"precedence\":\"next\",\"crossOrigin\":\"$undefined\"}],[\"$\",\"link\",\"5\",{\"rel\":\"stylesheet\",\"href\":\"/_next/static/css/4693ae4bdb546c1d.css\",\"precedence\":\"next\",\"crossOrigin\":\"$undefined\"}]],\"$Le\"],null],null]},[null,[\"$\",\"$La\",null,{\"parallelRouterKey\":\"children\",\"segmentPath\":[\"children\"],\"error\":\"$undefined\",\"errorStyles\":\"$undefined\",\"errorScripts\":\"$undefined\",\"template\":[\"$\",\"$Ld\",null,{}],\"templateStyles\":\"$undefined\",\"templateScripts\":\"$undefined\",\"notFound\":[[\"$\",\"title\",null,{\"children\":\"404: This page could not be found.\"}],[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"style\":{\"fontFamily\":\"system-ui,\\\"Segoe UI\\\",Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif,\\\"Apple Color Emoji\\\",\\\"Segoe UI Emoji\\\"\",\"height\":\"100vh\",\"textAlign\":\"center\",\"display\":\"flex\",\"flexDirection\":\"column\",\"alignItems\":\"center\",\"justifyContent\":\"center\"},\"children\":[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"children\":[[\"$\",\"style\",null,{\"dangerouslySetInnerHTML\":{\"__html\":\"body{color:#000;background:#fff;margin:0}.next-error-h1{border-right:1px solid rgba(0,0,0,.3)}@media (prefers-color-scheme:dark){body{color:#fff;background:#000}.next-error-h1{border-right:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.3)}}\"}}],[\"$\",\"h1\",null,{\"className\":\"next-error-h1\",\"style\":{\"display\":\"inline-block\",\"margin\":\"0 20px 0 0\",\"padding\":\"0 23px 0 0\",\"fontSize\":24,\"fontWeight\":500,\"verticalAlign\":\"top\",\"lineHeight\":\"49px\"},\"children\":\"404\"}],[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"style\":{\"display\":\"inline-block\"},\"children\":[\"$\",\"h2\",null,{\"style\":{\"fontSize\":14,\"fontWeight\":400,\"lineHeight\":\"49px\",\"margin\":0},\"children\":\"This page could not be found.\"}]}]]}]}]],\"notFoundStyles\":[]}]],null],\"couldBeIntercepted\":false,\"initialHead\":[null,\"$Lf\"],\"globalErrorComponent\":\"$10\",\"missingSlots\":\"$W11\"}]\n"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"e:[\"$\",\"html\",null,{\"lang\":\"en\",\"dir\":\"ltr\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"head\",null,{\"children\":[[\"$\",\"meta\",null,{\"name\":\"og:locale\",\"content\":\"en\"}],[[\"$\",\"link\",null,{\"rel\":\"preconnect\",\"href\":\"https://fonts.googleapis.com\"}],[\"$\",\"link\",null,{\"rel\":\"preconnect\",\"href\":\"https://fonts.gstatic.com\",\"crossOrigin\":\"\"}]],\"$L12\"]}],[\"$\",\"body\",null,{\"children\":\"$L13\"}]]}]\n"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"14:\"$Sreact.suspense\"\n15:I[81523,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"1008\",\"static/chunks/1008-7f08e65d1177de63.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"5835\",\"static/chunks/5835-907270e59dd17b20.js\",\"58\",\"static/chunks/58-ee86ce1fe0c3350e.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2241\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/layout-c06f4a088aa94dea.js\"],\"BailoutToCSR\"]\n16:I[76693,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"1008\",\"static/chunks/1008-7f08e65d1177de63.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"5835\",\"static/chunks/5835-907270e59dd17b20.js\",\"58\",\"static/chunks/58-ee86ce1fe0c3350e.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2241\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/layout-c06f4a088aa94dea.js\"],\"DynamicPreviewBranding\"]\n"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"12:[[[\"$\",\"link\",null,{\"href\":\"https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?display=swap\u0026family=Inter:wght@400;500;600;700;900\",\"rel\":\"stylesheet\"}],[\"$\",\"style\",null,{\"dangerouslySetInnerHTML\":{\"__html\":\":root { --prezly-font-family: Inter, sans-serif;\\n--prezly-font-family-secondary: Inter, sans-serif;\\n--prezly-border-color: #00264f33;\\n--prezly-border-color-secondary: #00264f4d;\\n--prezly-text-color: #00264F;\\n--prezly-text-color-secondary: #00264fcc;\\n--prezly-text-color-tertiary: #00264f99;\\n--prezly-text-color-hover: #00264F;\\n--prezly-background-color: #FFFFFF;\\n--prezly-background-color-secondary: #fafafaff;\\n--prezly-background-color-tertiary: #f2f2f2ff;\\n--prezly-accent-color: #00A3A6;\\n--prezly-accent-color-active: #007173ff;\\n--prezly-accent-color-hover: #00bcbfff;\\n--prezly-accent-color-button-text: #ffffff;\\n--prezly-header-background-color: #FFFFFF;\\n--prezly-header-link-color: #00264F;\\n--prezly-header-link-hover-color: #00264F;\\n--prezly-footer-background-color: #00264F;\\n--prezly-footer-text-color: #FFFFFF;\\n--prezly-footer-text-color-variation: #FFFFFF;\\n--prezly-placeholder-background-color: #ffffffff;\\n--prezly-white: #ffffff;\\n--prezly-black: #000000;\\n--prezly-grey: #757575 }\"}}]],[\"$\",\"$14\",null,{\"fallback\":null,\"children\":[\"$\",\"$L15\",null,{\"reason\":\"next/dynamic\",\"children\":[\"$\",\"$L16\",null,{\"settings\":{\"accent_color\":\"#00A3A6\",\"background_color\":\"#FFFFFF\",\"categories_layout\":\"bar\",\"font\":\"inter\",\"footer_background_color\":\"#00264F\",\"footer_text_color\":\"#FFFFFF\",\"full_width_featured_story\":false,\"header_background_color\":\"#FFFFFF\",\"header_image_placement\":\"above\",\"header_link_color\":\"#00264F\",\"layout\":\"grid\",\"logo_size\":\"medium\",\"main_logo\":null,\"main_site_url\":null,\"show_date\":false,\"show_featured_categories\":true,\"sharing_actions\":[\"facebook\",\"twitter\",\"linkedin\"],\"sharing_placement\":[\"top\",\"bottom\"],\"show_copy_content\":false,\"show_copy_url\":true,\"show_subtitle\":true,\"show_read_more\":false,\"show_download_pdf\":false,\"show_download_assets\":false,\"story_card_variant\":\"default\",\"text_color\":\"#00264F\",\"show_sharing_icons\":true}}]}]}]]\n"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"17:I[66028,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"5087\",\"static/chunks/5087-a1bc8799fa595ca4.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"4081\",\"static/chunks/4081-5b0b1e63ad87fe5f.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"9496\",\"static/chunks/9496-a86ade40e937220a.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2731\",\"static/chunks/2731-274a3bcc6d28c238.js\",\"7737\",\"static/chunks/7737-1e371492aed137ac.js\",\"8289\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/(story)/%5Bslug%5D/page-faf99450a34e69ac.js\"],\"RoutingContextProvider\"]\n13:[\"$\",\"$L17\",null,{\"routes\":{\"index\":\"/(:localeSlug)\",\"category\":\"(/:localeSlug)/category/:slug\",\"tag\":\"(/:localeSlug)/tag/:tag\",\"media\":\"(/:localeSlug)/media\",\"mediaGallery\":\"(/:localeSlug)/media/album/:uuid\",\"search\":\"(/:localeSlug)/search\",\"previewStory\":\"/s/:uuid\",\"secretStory\":\"/s/:uuid\",\"story\":\"/:slug\",\"feed\":\"/feed\"},\"locales\":[\"nl_BE\",\"en\"],\"defaultLocale\":\"en\",\"children\":\"$L18\"}]\n"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"19:I[66028,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"5087\",\"static/chunks/5087-a1bc8799fa595ca4.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"4081\",\"static/chunks/4081-5b0b1e63ad87fe5f.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"9496\",\"static/chunks/9496-a86ade40e937220a.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2731\",\"static/chunks/2731-274a3bcc6d28c238.js\",\"7737\",\"static/chunks/7737-1e371492aed137ac.js\",\"8289\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/(story)/%5Bslug%5D/page-faf99450a34e69ac.js\"],\"IntlProvider\"]\n1a:I[84470,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"5087\",\"static/chunks/5087-a1bc8799fa595ca4.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"4081\",\"static/chunks/4081-5b0b1e63ad87fe5f.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"9496\",\"static/chunks/9496-a86ade40e937220a.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2731\",\"static/chunks/2731-274a3bcc6d28c238.js\",\"7737\",\"static/chunks/7737-1e371492aed137ac.js\",\"8289\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/(story)/%5Bslug%5D/page-faf99450a34e69ac.js\"],\"BroadcastStoryProvider\"]\n1b:I[7014,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"5087\",\"static/chunks/5087-a1bc8799fa595ca4.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"4081\",\"static/chunks/4081-5b0b1e63ad87fe5f.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"9496\",\"static/chunks/9496-a86ade40e937220a.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2731\",\"static/chunks/2731-274a3bcc6d28c238.js\",\"7737\",\"static/chunks/7737-1e371492aed137ac.js\",\"8289\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/(story)/%5Bslug%5D/page-faf99450a34e69ac.js\"],\"BroadcastGalleryProvider\"]\n1c:I[78961,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"2f1be.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"1008\",\"static/chunks/1008-7f08e65d1177de63.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"5835\",\"static/chunks/5835-907270e59dd17b20.js\",\"58\",\"static/chunks/58-ee86ce1fe0c3350e.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2241\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/layout-c06f4a088aa94dea.js\"],\"CookieConsentProvider\"]\n1d:I[68042,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"1008\",\"static/chunks/1008-7f08e65d1177de63.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"5835\",\"static/chunks/5835-907270e59dd17b20.js\",\"58\",\"static/chunks/58-ee86ce1fe0c3350e.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2241\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/layout-c06f4a088aa94dea.js\"],\"FallbackProvider\"]\n1e:I[50449,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"1008\",\"static/chunks/1008-7f08e65d1177de63.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"5835\",\"static/chunks/5835-907270e59dd17b20.js\",\"58\",\"static/chunks/58-ee86ce1fe0c3350e.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2241\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/layout-c06f4a088aa94dea.js\"],\"FallbackProvider\"]\n21:I[66028,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"5087\",\"static/chunks/5087-a1bc8799fa595ca4.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"4081\",\"static/chunks/4081-5b0b1e63ad87fe5f.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"9496\",\"static/chunks/9496-a86ade40e937220a.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2731\",\"static/chunks/2731-274a3bcc6d28c238.js\",\"7737\",\"static/chunks/7737-1e371492aed137ac.js\",\"8289\",\"stati"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"c/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/(story)/%5Bslug%5D/page-faf99450a34e69ac.js\"],\"ThemeSettingsProvider\"]\n22:I[32363,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"5087\",\"static/chunks/5087-a1bc8799fa595ca4.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"4081\",\"static/chunks/4081-5b0b1e63ad87fe5f.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"9496\",\"static/chunks/9496-a86ade40e937220a.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2731\",\"static/chunks/2731-274a3bcc6d28c238.js\",\"7737\",\"static/chunks/7737-1e371492aed137ac.js\",\"8289\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/(story)/%5Bslug%5D/page-faf99450a34e69ac.js\"],\"BroadcastPageTypesProvider\"]\n23:I[93220,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"5087\",\"static/chunks/5087-a1bc8799fa595ca4.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"4081\",\"static/chunks/4081-5b0b1e63ad87fe5f.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"9496\",\"static/chunks/9496-a86ade40e937220a.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2731\",\"static/chunks/2731-274a3bcc6d28c238.js\",\"7737\",\"static/chunks/7737-1e371492aed137ac.js\",\"8289\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/(story)/%5Bslug%5D/page-faf99450a34e69ac.js\"],\"BroadcastNotificationsProvider\"]\n24:I[88904,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"5087\",\"static/chunks/5087-a1bc8799fa595ca4.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"4081\",\"static/chunks/4081-5b0b1e63ad87fe5f.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"9496\",\"static/chunks/9496-a86ade40e937220a.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2731\",\"static/chunks/2731-274a3bcc6d28c238.js\",\"7737\",\"static/chunks/7737-1e371492aed137ac.js\",\"8289\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/(story)/%5Bslug%5D/page-faf99450a34e69ac.js\"],\"B"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"roadcastTranslationsProvider\"]\n25:I[61943,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"1008\",\"static/chunks/1008-7f08e65d1177de63.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"5835\",\"static/chunks/5835-907270e59dd17b20.js\",\"58\",\"static/chunks/58-ee86ce1fe0c3350e.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2241\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/layout-c06f4a088aa94dea.js\"],\"Analytics\"]\n28:I[42879,[\"9409\",\"static/chunks/9409-076713c8e9e267d9.js\",\"642\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/error-72876ef0998f5cda.js\"],\"default\"]\n2d:I[19683,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"1008\",\"static/chunks/1008-7f08e65d1177de63.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"5835\",\"static/chunks/5835-907270e59dd17b20.js\",\"58\",\"static/chunks/58-ee86ce1fe0c3350e.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2241\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/layout-c06f4a088aa94dea.js\"],\"ScrollToTopButton\"]\n2f:I[87775,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"1008\",\"static/chunks/1008-7f08e65d1177de63.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"5835\",\"static/chunks/5835-907270e59dd17b20.js\",\"58\",\"static/chunks/58-ee86ce1fe0c3350e.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2241\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/layout-c06f4a088aa94dea.js\"],\"PreviewPageMask\"]\n30:I[6053,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"1008\",\"static/chunks/1008-7f08e65d1177de63.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"5835\",\"static/chunks/5835-907270e59dd17b2"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"0.js\",\"58\",\"static/chunks/58-ee86ce1fe0c3350e.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2241\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/layout-c06f4a088aa94dea.js\"],\"WindowScrollListener\"]\n20:[]\n1f:{\"version\":2,\"uuid\":\"dff0c99e-6881-4a4e-ab8d-eadc63c9938d\",\"filename\":\"vib_notag_pos_rgb.png\",\"mime_type\":\"image/png\",\"size\":7750,\"original_width\":682,\"original_height\":371,\"effects\":\"$20\",\"isImage\":true,\"download_url\":\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/dff0c99e-6881-4a4e-ab8d-eadc63c9938d/-/inline/no/vib_notag_pos_rgb.png\",\"cdnUrl\":\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/dff0c99e-6881-4a4e-ab8d-eadc63c9938d/\"}\n"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"18:[\"$\",\"$L19\",null,{\"locale\":\"en\",\"locales\":[\"nl_BE\",\"en\"],\"defaultLocale\":\"en\",\"messages\":{\"actions.backToHomepage\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Back to homepage\"}],\"actions.copyShareUrl\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Copy URL\"}],\"actions.download\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Download\"}],\"actions.loadMore\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Load more\"}],\"actions.more\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"More\"}],\"actions.privacyRequests\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Privacy requests\"}],\"actions.readMore\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Read more\"}],\"actions.reload\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Reload\"}],\"actions.share\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Share:\"}],\"actions.startUsingCookies\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Start using cookies\"}],\"actions.stopUsingCookies\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Stop using cookies\"}],\"actions.subscribe\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Subscribe\"}],\"actions.toggleFilters\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Toggle search filters\"}],\"actions.unsubscribe\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Unsubscribe\"}],\"boilerplate.contact\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Contact\"}],\"boilerplate.title\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"About \"},{\"type\":1,\"value\":\"companyName\"}],\"categories.title\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Categories\"}],\"contacts.title\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Contact us\"}],\"cookieConsent.accept\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Yes, you can use cookies\"}],\"cookieConsent.notice\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"You can revoke cookies at anytime at the bottom of the page.\"}],\"cookieConsent.reject\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"No, do not use cookies\"}],\"cookieConsent.subtitle\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"We use cookies on our website. They help us get to know you a little and how you use our website. This helps us provide a more valuable and tailored experience for you and others.\"}],\"cookieConsent.title\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"We would like to use cookies\"}],\"errors.emailInvalid\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Introduce a valid email address\"}],\"errors.fieldRequired\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"This field is required\"}],\"errors.unknown\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Something went wrong. Please try submitting the form again\"}],\"homepage.allStories\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"All stories\"}],\"homepage.latestStories\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Latest stories\"}],\"mediaGallery.imagesCount\":[{\"offset\":0,\"options\":{\"=0\":{\"value\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"No images\"}]},\"few\":{\"value\":[{\"type\":7},{\"type\":0,\"value\":\" images\"}]},\"many\":{\"value\":[{\"type\":7},{\"type\":0,\"value\":\" images\"}]},\"one\":{\"value\":[{\"type\":7},{\"type\":0,\"value\":\" image\"}]},\"other\":{\"value\":[{\"type\":7},{\"type\":0,\"value\":\" images\"}]}},\"pluralType\":\"cardinal\",\"type\":6,\"value\":\"imagesCount\"}],\"mediaGallery.title\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Media galleries\"}],\"mediaGallery.titleSingular\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Media gallery\"}],\"mediaGallery.videosCount\":[{\"offset\":0,\"options\":{\"=0\":{\"value\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"No videos\"}]},\"few\":{\"value\":[{\"type\":7},{\"type\":0,\"value\":\" videos\"}]},\"many\":{\"value\":[{\"type\":7},{\"type\":0,\"value\":\" videos\"}]},\"one\":{\"value\":[{\"type\":7},{\"type\":0,\"value\":\" video\"}]},\"other\":{\"value\":[{\"type\":7},{\"type\":0,\"value\":\" videos\"}]}},\"pluralType\":\"cardinal\",\"type\":6,\"value\":\"videosCount\"}],\"misc.embargoMessage\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Embargo until \"},{\"type\":1,\"value\":\"date\"}],\"misc.loading\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Loading...\"}],\"misc.shareUrlCopied\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"URL copied!\"}],\"misc.toggleMobileNavigation\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Toggle navigation\"}],\"newsroom.title\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Site\"}],\"noStories.subtitle\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Come back later to see new stories.\"}],\"noStories.title\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Welcome to \"},{\"type\":1,\"value\":\"newsroom\"},{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"!\"}],\"notFound.subtitle\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"If you typed the URL yourself, check the spelling in the address bar.\"}],\"notFound.title\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"The page you’re looking for doesn’t exist...\"}],\"search.action\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Search\"}],\"search.facets.category\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Category\"}],\"search.facets.month\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Month\"}],\"search.facets.year\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Year\"}],\"search.filters\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Filters\"}],\"search.fullResultsSubTitle\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"We found \"},{\"type\":1,\"value\":\"resultsCount\"},{\"type\":0,\"value\":\" results for \"},{\"type\":1,\"value\":\"searchQuery\"}],\"search.fullResultsTitle\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Search results\"}],\"search.inputHint\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Type your search\"}],\"search.inputLabel\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Search\"}],\"search.noResults\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Nothing found! Please try another search term!\"}],\"search.resultsTitle\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Quick results\"}],\"search.showAllResults\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Show all results\"}],\"search.title\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Search\"}],\"search.viewLess\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"View less\"}],\"search.viewMore\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"View more\"}],\"serverError.subtitle\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Try refreshing the page or coming back a bit later.\"}],\"serverError.title\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Something went wrong...\"}],\"subscription.disclaimer\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"By clicking \\\"\"},{\"type\":1,\"value\":\"subscribe\"},{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"\\\" I confirm I have read and agree to the \"},{\"type\":1,\"value\":\"privacyPolicyLink\"},{\"type\":0,\"value\":\".\"}],\"subscription.formTitle\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Get updates in your mailbox\"}],\"subscription.labelEmail\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Your email address\"}],\"subscription.privacyPolicy\":[{\"type\":0,\"value\":\"Privacy Policy\"}]},\"timezone\":\"europe/brussels\",\"children\":[\"$\",\"$L1a\",null,{\"children\":[\"$\",\"$L1b\",null,{\"children\":[\"$\",\"$L1c\",null,{\"trackingPolicy\":\"normal\",\"children\":[\"$\",\"$L1d\",null,{\"image\":{\"version\":2,\"uuid\":\"dff0c99e-6881-4a4e-ab8d-eadc63c9938d\",\"filename\":\"vib_notag_pos_rgb.png\",\"mime_type\":\"image/png\",\"size\":7750,\"original_width\":682,\"original_height\":371,\"effects\":[],\"isImage\":true,\"download_url\":\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/dff0c99e-6881-4a4e-ab8d-eadc63c9938d/-/inline/no/vib_notag_pos_rgb.png\",\"cdnUrl\":\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/dff0c99e-6881-4a4e-ab8d-eadc63c9938d/\"},\"text\":\"VIB Blog\",\"children\":[\"$\",\"$L1e\",null,{\"image\":\"$1f\",\"text\":\"VIB Blog\",\"children\":[\"$\",\"$L21\",null,{\"settings\":{\"accent_color\":\"#00A3A6\",\"background_color\":\"#FFFFFF\",\"categories_layout\":\"bar\",\"font\":\"inter\",\"footer_background_color\":\"#00264F\",\"footer_text_color\":\"#FFFFFF\",\"full_width_featured_story\":false,\"header_background_color\":\"#FFFFFF\",\"header_image_placement\":\"above\",\"header_link_color\":\"#00264F\",\"layout\":\"grid\",\"logo_size\":\"medium\",\"main_logo\":null,\"main_site_url\":null,\"show_date\":false,\"show_featured_categories\":true,\"sharing_actions\":[\"facebook\",\"twitter\",\"linkedin\"],\"sharing_placement\":[\"top\",\"bottom\"],\"show_copy_content\":false,\"show_copy_url\":true,\"show_subtitle\":true,\"show_read_more\":false,\"show_download_pdf\":false,\"show_download_assets\":false,\"story_card_variant\":\"default\",\"text_color\":\"#00264F\",\"show_sharing_icons\":true},\"children\":[\"$\",\"$L22\",null,{\"children\":[\"$\",\"$L23\",null,{\"children\":[\"$\",\"$L24\",null,{\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$L25\",null,{\"meta\":{\"newsroom\":\"3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36\",\"tracking_policy\":\"normal\"},\"trackingPolicy\":\"normal\",\"plausible\":{\"isEnabled\":true,\"siteId\":\"blog.vib.be\"},\"segment\":{\"writeKey\":\"\"},\"google\":{\"analyticsId\":\"GTM-WTFT48LC\"}}],\"$L26\",[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"className\":\"layout_layout__E48_k\",\"children\":[\"$L27\",[\"$\",\"main\",null,{\"className\":\"layout_content__hN3QC\",\"children\":[\"$\",\"$La\",null,{\"parallelRouterKey\":\"children\",\"segmentPath\":[\"children\",\"$b\",\"children\"],\"error\":\"$28\",\"errorStyles\":[[\"$\",\"link\",\"0\",{\"rel\":\"stylesheet\",\"href\":\"/_next/static/css/d6342c0e8b48cc36.css\",\"precedence\":\"next\",\"crossOrigin\":\"$undefined\"}]],\"errorScripts\":[],\"template\":[\"$\",\"$Ld\",null,{}],\"templateStyles\":\"$undefined\",\"templateScripts\":\"$undefined\",\"notFound\":\"$L29\",\"notFoundStyles\":[]}]}],\"$L2a\",\"$L2b\",\"$L2c\"]}],[\"$\",\"$L2d\",null,{}],\"$L2e\",[\"$\",\"$L2f\",null,{}],[\"$\",\"$L30\",null,{}]]}]}]}]}]}]}]}]}]}]}]\n"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"31:I[24830,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"1008\",\"static/chunks/1008-7f08e65d1177de63.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"5835\",\"static/chunks/5835-907270e59dd17b20.js\",\"58\",\"static/chunks/58-ee86ce1fe0c3350e.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2241\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/layout-c06f4a088aa94dea.js\"],\"Notifications\"]\n36:I[27547,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"1008\",\"static/chunks/1008-7f08e65d1177de63.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"5835\",\"static/chunks/5835-907270e59dd17b20.js\",\"58\",\"static/chunks/58-ee86ce1fe0c3350e.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2241\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/layout-c06f4a088aa94dea.js\"],\"VanillaCookieConsent\"]\n37:I[98832,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"1008\",\"static/chunks/1008-7f08e65d1177de63.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"5835\",\"static/chunks/5835-907270e59dd17b20.js\",\"58\",\"static/chunks/58-ee86ce1fe0c3350e.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2241\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/layout-c06f4a088aa94dea.js\"],\"Footer\"]\n38:I[59693,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"1008\",\"static/chunks/1008-7f08e65d1177de63.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"5835\",\"static/chunks/5835-907270e59dd17b20.js\",\"58\",\"static/chunks/58-ee86ce1fe0c3350e.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2241\",\"static/chunks/app/%5B"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"localeCode%5D/layout-c06f4a088aa94dea.js\"],\"CookieConsentLink\"]\n2a:null\n26:[\"$\",\"$L31\",null,{\"notifications\":[]}]\n33:T5e2,M12 2.162c3.204 0 3.584.012 4.849.07 1.17.054 1.805.249 2.228.413.56.218.96.478 1.38.898.42.42.68.82.898 1.38.164.423.36 1.058.413 2.228.058 1.265.07 1.645.07 4.849s-.012 3.584-.07 4.849c-.053 1.17-.249 1.805-.413 2.228-.218.56-.478.96-.898 1.38-.42.42-.82.68-1.38.898-.423.164-1.058.36-2.228.413-1.265.058-1.645.07-4.849.07s-3.584-.012-4.849-.07c-1.17-.053-1.805-.249-2.228-.413a3.718 3.718 0 0 1-1.38-.898c-.42-.42-.68-.82-.898-1.38-.164-.423-.36-1.058-.413-2.228-.058-1.265-.07-1.645-.07-4.849s.012-3.584.07-4.849c.053-1.17.249-1.805.413-2.228.218-.56.478-.96.898-1.38.42-.42.82-.68 1.38-.898.423-.164 1.058-.36 2.228-.413 1.265-.058 1.645-.07 4.849-.07ZM12 0C8.74 0 8.332.014 7.052.072 5.775.131 4.902.333 4.14.63a5.882 5.882 0 0 0-2.126 1.384A5.882 5.882 0 0 0 .63 4.14c-.297.763-.5 1.635-.558 2.912C.014 8.332 0 8.741 0 12c0 3.26.014 3.668.072 4.948.058 1.277.261 2.15.558 2.912.307.79.717 1.459 1.384 2.126A5.88 5.88 0 0 0 4.14 23.37c.763.297 1.635.5 2.912.558C8.332 23.986 8.741 24 12 24c3.259 0 3.668-.014 4.948-.072 1.277-.059 2.15-.261 2.912-.558a5.88 5.88 0 0 0 2.126-1.384 5.883 5.883 0 0 0 1.384-2.126c.297-.763.5-1.635.558-2.912.058-1.28.072-1.689.072-4.948 0-3.259-.014-3.668-.072-4.948-.059-1.277-.261-2.15-.558-2.912a5.883 5.883 0 0 0-1.384-2.126A5.882 5.882 0 0 0 19.86.63c-.763-.297-1.635-.5-2.912-.558C15.668.014 15.259 0 12 0Zm0 5.838a6.162 6.162 0 1 0 0 12.324 6.162 6.162 0 0 0 0-12.324ZM12 16a4 4 0 1 1 0-8 4 4 0 0 1 0 8Zm7.846-10.406a1.44 1.44 0 1 1-2.88 0 1.44 1.44 0 0 1 2.88 0Z35:T4a6,M2.25 21.375c0 .207.168.375.375.375H6v-1.875c0-.621.504-1.125 1.125-1.125h3.75c.621 0 1.125.504 1.125 1.125v1.875h3.375a.375.375 0 0 0 .375-.375V2.625a.375.375 0 0 0-.375-.375H2.625a.375.375 0 0 0-.375.375v18.75ZM2.625 24A2.625 2.625 0 0 1 0 21.375V2.625A2.625 2.625 0 0 1 2.625 0h12.75A2.625 2.625 0 0 1 18 2.625v18.75c0 .127-.009.253-.027.375h3.402a.375.375 0 0 0 .375-.375v-8.947a.375.375 0 0 0-.167-.312l-1.5"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"82-1.055a1.125 1.125 0 1 1 1.248-1.872l1.582 1.055A2.625 2.625 0 0 1 24 12.428v8.947A2.625 2.625 0 0 1 21.375 24h-5.25c-.102 0-.201-.014-.296-.04-.147.026-.299.04-.454.04h-4.5a1.125 1.125 0 0 1-1.125-1.125V21h-1.5v1.875c0 .621-.504 1.125-1.125 1.125h-4.5ZM4.5 5.625c0-.621.504-1.125 1.125-1.125h.75a1.125 1.125 0 0 1 0 2.25h-.75A1.125 1.125 0 0 1 4.5 5.625ZM5.625 9a1.125 1.125 0 1 0 0 2.25h.75a1.125 1.125 0 0 0 0-2.25h-.75ZM4.5 14.625c0-.621.504-1.125 1.125-1.125h.75a1.125 1.125 0 0 1 0 2.25h-.75A1.125 1.125 0 0 1 4.5 14.625Zm7.125-1.125a1.125 1.125 0 0 0 0 2.25h.75a1.125 1.125 0 0 0 0-2.25h-.75ZM10.5 10.125c0-.621.504-1.125 1.125-1.125h.75a1.125 1.125 0 0 1 0 2.25h-.75a1.125 1.125 0 0 1-1.125-1.125ZM11.625 4.5a1.125 1.125 0 0 0 0 2.25h.75a1.125 1.125 0 0 0 0-2.25h-.75Z"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"2b:[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"className\":\"Boilerplate_container__dDU_s\",\"children\":[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"className\":\"container\",\"children\":[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"className\":\"Boilerplate_columns__R0nmt\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"className\":\"Boilerplate_aboutUs__DXHGr\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"h2\",null,{\"className\":\"Boilerplate_heading__Qno0I\",\"children\":\"$L32\"}],[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"className\":\"Boilerplate_about___Ee5H\",\"dangerouslySetInnerHTML\":{\"__html\":\"\u003cp\u003eOn our blog, you can find content curated by the VIB community. Discover our research through the eyes of our scientists.\u003c/p\u003e\\n\u003cp\u003eWant to be kept up-to-date on our biotechnological news and stories? Join our community and \u003ca href=\\\"https://vib.activehosted.com/f/6\\\"\u003esubscribe\u003c/a\u003e to our bi-monthly newsletter \u003ca href=\\\"https://vib.activehosted.com/f/6\\\"\u003ehere\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\"}}],[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"className\":\"Boilerplate_socialMedia__xloHE SocialMedia_container__PzxF8\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"a\",null,{\"href\":\"https://facebook.com/VIBlifesciences\",\"target\":\"_blank\",\"rel\":\"noopener noreferrer\",\"title\":\"Facebook\",\"aria-label\":\"Facebook\",\"className\":\"SocialMedia_link__vpV8c\",\"children\":[\"$\",\"svg\",null,{\"viewBox\":\"0 0 24 24\",\"fill\":\"none\",\"xmlns\":\"http://www.w3.org/2000/svg\",\"width\":24,\"height\":24,\"className\":\"SocialMedia_icon__bGh__\",\"children\":[\"$\",\"path\",null,{\"fillRule\":\"evenodd\",\"clipRule\":\"evenodd\",\"d\":\"M24 12.073C24 5.405 18.627 0 12 0S0 5.405 0 12.073C0 18.1 4.388 23.094 10.125 24v-8.437H7.078v-3.49h3.047v-2.66c0-3.025 1.791-4.697 4.533-4.697 1.313 0 2.686.236 2.686.236v2.971H15.83c-1.491 0-1.956.93-1.956 1.886v2.264h3.328l-.532 3.49h-2.796V24C19.612 23.094 24 18.1 24 12.073Z\",\"fill\":\"currentColor\"}]}]}],[\"$\",\"a\",null,{\"href\":\"https://instagram.com/VIBlifesciences/\",\"target\":\"_blank\",\"rel\":\"noopener noreferrer\",\"title\":\"Instagram\",\"aria-label\":\"Instagram\",\"className\":\"SocialMedia_link__vpV8c\",\"children\":[\"$\",\"svg\",null,{\"viewBox\":\"0 0 24 24\",\"fill\":\"none\",\"xmlns\":\"http://www.w3.org/2000/svg\",\"width\":24,\"height\":24,\"className\":\"SocialMedia_icon__bGh__\",\"children\":[\"$\",\"path\",null,{\"d\":\"$33\",\"fill\":\"currentColor\"}]}]}],[\"$\",\"a\",null,{\"href\":\"https://www.linkedin.com/company/vib/\",\"target\":\"_blank\",\"rel\":\"noopener noreferrer\",\"title\":\"LinkedIn\",\"aria-label\":\"LinkedIn\",\"className\":\"SocialMedia_link__vpV8c\",\"children\":[\"$\",\"svg\",null,{\"viewBox\":\"0 0 24 24\",\"fill\":\"none\",\"xmlns\":\"http://www.w3.org/2000/svg\",\"width\":24,\"height\":24,\"className\":\"SocialMedia_icon__bGh__\",\"children\":[\"$\",\"path\",null,{\"fillRule\":\"evenodd\",\"clipRule\":\"evenodd\",\"d\":\"M.07 1.72C.07.77.86 0 1.833 0h20.324c.973 0 1.762.77 1.762 1.72v20.56c0 .95-.789 1.72-1.762 1.72H1.833C.859 24 .07 23.23.07 22.28V1.72ZM7.3 20.09V9.253H3.696V20.09H7.3ZM5.497 7.773c1.256 0 2.038-.832 2.038-1.872-.023-1.063-.781-1.872-2.014-1.872-1.232 0-2.038.809-2.038 1.872 0 1.04.782 1.872 1.99 1.872h.024Zm7.397 12.317H9.293s.047-9.82 0-10.837h3.602v1.534a3.325 3.325 0 0 0-.024.038h.024v-.038C13.374 10.05 14.231 9 16.141 9c2.37 0 4.147 1.549 4.147 4.877v6.214h-3.601v-5.797c0-1.457-.522-2.451-1.825-2.451-.995 0-1.588.67-1.848 1.317-.095.232-.119.555-.119.88v6.051Z\",\"fill\":\"currentColor\"}]}]}],null,null,[\"$\",\"a\",null,{\"href\":\"https://twitter.com/VIBlifesciences\",\"target\":\"_blank\",\"rel\":\"noopener noreferrer\",\"title\":\"X\",\"aria-label\":\"X\",\"className\":\"SocialMedia_link__vpV8c\",\"children\":[\"$\",\"svg\",null,{\"viewBox\":\"0 0 24 24\",\"fill\":\"none\",\"xmlns\":\"http://www.w3.org/2000/svg\",\"width\":24,\"height\":24,\"className\":\"SocialMedia_icon__bGh__\",\"children\":[\"$\",\"path\",null,{\"d\":\"M18.901 1h3.68l-8.04 9.319L24 23h-7.406l-5.8-7.691L4.155 23H.474l8.6-9.968L0 1h7.594l5.243 7.03L18.901 1ZM17.61 20.766h2.039L6.486 3.116H4.298l13.312 17.65Z\",\"fill\":\"currentColor\"}]}]}],null]}]]}],[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"className\":\"Boilerplate_contacts__N6dEA\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"h2\",null,{\"className\":\"Boilerplate_heading__Qno0I\",\"children\":\"$L34\"}],[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"className\":\"Boilerplate_contact__IPAMu\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"svg\",null,{\"viewBox\":\"0 0 24 24\",\"fill\":\"none\",\"xmlns\":\"http://www.w3.org/2000/svg\",\"width\":16,\"height\":16,\"className\":\"Boilerplate_icon__gH9XS\",\"children\":[\"$\",\"path\",null,{\"fillRule\":\"evenodd\",\"clipRule\":\"evenodd\",\"d\":\"$35\",\"fill\":\"currentColor\"}]}],\"Suzanne Tassierstraat 1 \\n9052 Ghent\"]}],false,[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"className\":\"Boilerplate_contact__IPAMu\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"svg\",null,{\"viewBox\":\"0 0 24 24\",\"fill\":\"none\",\"xmlns\":\"http://www.w3.org/2000/svg\",\"width\":16,\"height\":16,\"className\":\"Boilerplate_icon__gH9XS\",\"children\":[\"$\",\"path\",null,{\"fillRule\":\"evenodd\",\"clipRule\":\"evenodd\",\"d\":\"M0 5.759V18.26c0 1.786 1.472 3.24 3.273 3.24h17.454C22.53 21.5 24 20.046 24 18.26V5.74c0-1.786-1.471-3.24-3.273-3.24H3.273C1.472 2.5 0 3.954 0 5.74v.019Zm2.286-.475c.175-.366.553-.623.987-.623h17.454c.434 0 .812.257.987.623L12 12.029 2.286 5.284ZM21.818 7.85v10.41c0 .589-.492 1.078-1.09 1.078H3.272c-.599 0-1.091-.49-1.091-1.079V7.85l8.858 6.152c.576.4 1.344.4 1.92 0l8.858-6.151Z\",\"fill\":\"currentColor\"}]}],[\"$\",\"a\",null,{\"className\":\"Boilerplate_link__gPMrE\",\"href\":\"mailto:communications@vib.be\",\"children\":\"communications@vib.be\"}]]}],[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"className\":\"Boilerplate_contact__IPAMu\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"svg\",null,{\"viewBox\":\"0 0 24 24\",\"fill\":\"none\",\"xmlns\":\"http://www.w3.org/2000/svg\",\"width\":16,\"height\":16,\"className\":\"Boilerplate_icon__gH9XS\",\"children\":[\"$\",\"path\",null,{\"fillRule\":\"evenodd\",\"clipRule\":\"evenodd\",\"d\":\"M12 0C5.373 0 0 5.373 0 12s5.373 12 12 12 12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0ZM2.575 9.24A9.822 9.822 0 0 0 2.182 12c0 4.785 3.423 8.77 7.954 9.641a2.027 2.027 0 0 1-.031-.352 1.45 1.45 0 0 0-.425-1.025l-.54-.54a2.036 2.036 0 0 1-.597-1.44v-.894c0-.386-.153-.756-.426-1.029l-.727-.726a1.394 1.394 0 0 1 .986-2.38h5.143c1.023 0 1.852.828 1.852 1.851v1.04c0 .127.103.23.23.23.735 0 1.332.596 1.332 1.331 0 .127.102.23.23.23h.036c.798 0 1.437.434 1.728 1.02a9.822 9.822 0 0 0-3.546-16.179v1.433c0 1.021-.825 1.85-1.846 1.85H11.98c-.698 0-1.265.568-1.265 1.27 0 1.02-.826 1.85-1.846 1.85h-.453a.813.813 0 0 0-.812.813c0 .369-.147.723-.407.984l-.134.134a1.844 1.844 0 0 1-2.612 0L2.575 9.24Z\",\"fill\":\"currentColor\"}]}],[\"$\",\"a\",null,{\"href\":\"http://vib.be\",\"className\":\"Boilerplate_link__gPMrE\",\"target\":\"_blank\",\"rel\":\"noopener noreferrer\",\"children\":\"vib.be\"}]]}]]}]]}]}]}]\n"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"2e:[\"$\",\"$L36\",null,{\"cookieStatement\":\"\u003cp\u003eWe use cookies on our website. They help us get to know you a little and how you use our website. This helps us provide a more valuable and tailored experience for you and others.\u003c/p\u003e\"}]\n2c:[\"$\",\"$L37\",null,{\"isWhiteLabeled\":true,\"children\":[[\"$\",\"a\",null,{\"href\":\"https://privacy.prezly.com/en/newsroom/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/data-request\",\"className\":\"Footer_link__ThdhJ\",\"children\":\"Privacy requests\"}],[\"$\",\"$L38\",null,{\"className\":\"Footer_link__ThdhJ\",\"startUsingCookiesLabel\":\"Start using cookies\",\"stopUsingCookiesLabel\":\"Stop using cookies\"}]]}]\n"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"3b:I[68235,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"1825\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/not-found-bd0b6dedbf640cad.js\"],\"Link\"]\n29:[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"className\":\"Error_error__TFrf0 NotFound_error__ya2_9\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"className\":\"Error_statusCode__CmGmv\",\"children\":404}],[\"$\",\"h1\",null,{\"className\":\"Error_title___FNxn\",\"children\":\"$L39\"}],[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"className\":\"Error_description__PH70j\",\"children\":\"$L3a\"}],[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"className\":\"Error_action__GGiJV\",\"children\":[\"$\",\"$L3b\",null,{\"href\":{\"routeName\":\"index\",\"params\":{\"localeCode\":\"en\"}},\"className\":\"Button_button__OFOdO Button_primary__WTwSy\",\"children\":[null,[\"$\",\"span\",null,{\"className\":\"$undefined\",\"children\":\"$L3c\"}],false]}]}]]}]\n32:[\"About \",\"VIB Blog\"]\n34:[\"Contact\"]\n"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"39:[\"The page you’re looking for doesn’t exist...\"]\n3a:[\"If you typed the URL yourself, check the spelling in the address bar.\"]\n3c:[\"Back to homepage\"]\n"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"3d:I[13992,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"1008\",\"static/chunks/1008-7f08e65d1177de63.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"5835\",\"static/chunks/5835-907270e59dd17b20.js\",\"58\",\"static/chunks/58-ee86ce1fe0c3350e.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2241\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/layout-c06f4a088aa94dea.js\"],\"Header\"]\n3e:T2ef4,"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"{\"type\":\"document\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"placeholder:media\",\"uuid\":\"897100cb-1af7-51f5-9609-1ae0e49a6b1d\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading-one\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Privacy Policy\"}],\"role\":\"title\"},{\"type\":\"heading-two\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Version 1.0\"}],\"role\":\"subtitle\"},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Published: 2025-02-06\",\"italic\":true}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"This Privacy Policy describes the personal information Prezly collects and processes on behalf of the Company in the framework of the Company site and any related communication.\",\"italic\":true}]},{\"type\":\"heading-two\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"1. General\",\"bold\":true}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"1.1\\tThis Privacy Policy explains how personal information is protected, stored and used when someone visits or otherwise interacts with a Company’s site that is hosted by Prezly. By using the site or opting in to receive emails from the Company through the site, the data subject acknowledges to have read and understood this Privacy Policy.\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"1.2\\tThis Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time. When this happens, the “published” date given above will be changed. The most recent version of this Privacy Policy will become applicable, supersede an replace all earlier versions with immediate effect. The most recent version of the Privacy Policy can always be found on the Company’s site. \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Continued use of the site after such changes have been published to the Privacy Policy will constitute acknowledgement that the data subject has read and understood such changes.\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading-two\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"2. Roles and responsibilities\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"2.1\\tThe company or organisation that uses the site to make press releases and articles available to the public is the responsible publisher of the site (“Company”). The Company decides on the content that is published on the site and to whom it is distributed. The Company also decides which personal data is linked to the site for these purposes.\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Hence, the Company determines why and how the personal data collected from the site visitors or press contacts is processed. This means that the Company is to be considered as the data controller in relation to the processing of such data. \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Please find the Company details below:\"}]},{\"type\":\"table\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"table-row\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"table-cell\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Company name:\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"table-cell\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"VIB vzw\"}]}]}]},{\"type\":\"table-row\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"table-cell\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Registered address:\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"table-cell\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Suzanne Tassierstraat 1 Ghent 9052 Belgium\"}]}]}]},{\"type\":\"table-row\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"table-cell\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Email:\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"table-cell\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"communications@vib.be\"}]}]}]}],\"border\":true},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"2.2\\tThe site is facilitated for the Company by Prezly BV, a company incorporated under Belgian law, having its registered office at Tiensevest 100, bus 1, 3000 Leuven, with company registration number 0829.855.487 (“Prezly”), through a dedicated online application.\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Any personal data processing via the site is always done by Prezly on behalf of and on the explicit instruction of the Company. This means that Prezly is to be considered as the data processor in relation to the processing of such data.\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"For further information about Prezly’s privacy practices, please visit Prezly’s Trust Center at \"},{\"type\":\"link\",\"href\":\"https://trust.prezly.com/\",\"new_tab\":false,\"children\":[{\"text\":\"https://trust.prezly.com\"}]},{\"text\":\". \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"2.3\\tFor any question relating to this Privacy Policy you may contact Prezly via email at \"},{\"type\":\"link\",\"href\":\"mailto:privacy@prezly.com\",\"new_tab\":false,\"children\":[{\"text\":\"privacy@prezly.com\",\"underlined\":true}]},{\"text\":\". Prezly will share your question with the Company.\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading-two\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"3. Information the Company collects and how the Company uses it\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"3.1\\tThe following personal data may be collected from the Company’s press contacts when they visit the Company’s site, when they opt-in to receive Company emails through the site or when they otherwise interact with the Company or the site in the field of PR:\"}]},{\"type\":\"numbered-list\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"list-item\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"list-item-text\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Name and surname;\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list-item\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"list-item-text\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Function;\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list-item\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"list-item-text\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Email address;\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list-item\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"list-item-text\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Interests;\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list-item\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"list-item-text\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Communication Preferences\"}]}]}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"The Company collects these personal data in order to allow it to communicate its press releases and/or press articles to its press contacts.\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"By providing the Company with abovementioned personal data, the data subject consents to receiving email messages from the Company in the framework of its PR-activities. In some cases the Company may also collect and process the abovementioned personal data from third parties or public sources on the basis of the legitimate interest it has in distributing its press releases and press articles to the press. \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Within the framework of the Company’s site, the Company does not use the abovementioned personal data for any other purpose. \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"The data subject has the right to object to the receipt of email messages from the Company through the site at all times by using the unsubscribe button provided in such email messages or by using our dedicated Privacy Portal.\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"3.2\\tThe Company site also may use cookies and social media plugins, primarily to optimise the visitor experience on the site. For specific information about the cookies used on the site, please consult the Cookie Policy. \"}]},{\"type\":\"heading-two\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"4. Sharing of personal data\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"The Company will share abovementioned personal data with Prezly in order to allow Prezly to facilitate the site and the distribution of emails through the site. Prezly merely acts as a data processor for the Company. A data processing agreement has been concluded between Prezly and the Company to cover this data processing activity by Prezly.\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Aside from this, the Company does not transfer or share personal data with any third party in the framework of the site. \"}]},{\"type\":\"heading-two\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"5. International data transfers\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Prezly will try to process personal data as much as possible within the EU. In so far as data transfers outside the EU are necessary, Prezly will only transfer data to third countries that offer an appropriate level of data protection, in accordance with the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation. This may include having the data recipient sign a copy of the standard contractual clauses of the European Commission. \"}]},{\"type\":\"heading-two\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"6. Retention of personal data\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"The Company does not keep personal data any longer than necessary to achieve the intended purpose for which the personal data are collected. In principle, the personal data will be deleted as soon as the data subject has unsubscribed.\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading-two\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"7. Security of personal data \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Prezly has taken all reasonable and adequate technical and organisational security measures to protect the personal data as best as possible when processed in the framework of the Company’s site. This includes protection against accidental or intentional (and unauthorised) manipulation, modification, publication, loss, abuse, destruction or access by unauthorised persons. Such measures include amongst others a limited access policy and strong password protection, multi-factor authentication.\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading-two\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"8. Rights relating to personal data\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"8.1\\tThe data subject has the following rights in relation to his/her personal data:\"}]},{\"type\":\"bulleted-list\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"list-item\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"list-item-text\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Access to and information about the personal data processed about the data subject; \"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list-item\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"list-item-text\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Be forgotten, or ask to delete its personal data;\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list-item\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"list-item-text\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Rectification and completion;\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list-item\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"list-item-text\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Transferability of personal data;\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list-item\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"list-item-text\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Restriction of processing;\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list-item\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"list-item-text\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Object to the processing.\"}]}]}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"To exercise these rights, please contact Prezly via email at \"},{\"type\":\"link\",\"href\":\"mailto:privacy@prezly.com\",\"new_tab\":false,\"children\":[{\"text\":\"privacy@prezly.com\",\"underlined\":true}]},{\"text\":\". Prezly will share your request with the Company for further processing. \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"8.2\\tIn case of questions or complaints about the processing of personal data, the data subject can always inform Prezly via email at \"},{\"type\":\"link\",\"href\":\"mailto:privacy@prezly.com\",\"new_tab\":false,\"children\":[{\"text\":\"privacy@prezly.com\"}]},{\"text\":\". Prezly will share the question or complaint with the Company for further processing. \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"The data subject may also file a complaint with the Belgian Data Protection Authority at any time:\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Website:\",\"bold\":true}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"link\",\"href\":\"https://www.autoriteprotectiondonnees.be/citoyen/agir/introduire-une-plainte\",\"new_tab\":true,\"children\":[{\"text\":\"https://www.autoriteprotectiondonnees.be/citoyen/agir/introduire-une-plainte\"}]},{\"text\":\"\\n\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Contact details:\",\"bold\":true}]},{\"type\":\"contact\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"\"}],\"uuid\":\"a7a66663-cacd-4953-904c-7f694a4ef44f\",\"reference\":\"b67d2088-0dd4-4fbe-9a50-bd35c98586b8\",\"contact\":{\"avatar_url\":null,\"company\":\"Rue de la Presse 35, 1000 Brussels, Belgium\",\"description\":\"\",\"email\":\"contact@apd-gba.be\",\"facebook\":\"\",\"mobile\":\"+32 (0)2 274 48 35\",\"name\":\"Data Protection Authority\",\"phone\":\"+32 (0)2 274 48 00\",\"twitter\":\"\",\"website\":\"https://www.autoriteprotectiondonnees.be/citoyen/agir/introduire-une-plainte\",\"address\":\"\"},\"show_avatar\":true,\"layout\":\"card\"},{\"type\":\"heading-two\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"9. Applicable law\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Any dispute in relation to this Privacy Policy must be interpreted in accordance with Belgian law. \"}]}],\"version\":\"2.6\"}"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"3f:T335e,"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"{\"type\":\"document\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"placeholder:media\",\"uuid\":\"897100cb-1af7-51f5-9609-1ae0e49a6b1d\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading-one\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Cookie Policy\",\"bold\":true}],\"role\":\"title\"},{\"type\":\"heading-two\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Version 1.0\"}],\"role\":\"subtitle\"},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Published: 2025-02-06\",\"italic\":true}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"This Cookie Policy describes how cookies and similar technologies are used on the Company site to collect information from site visitors and/or contacts who receive emails through the site.\",\"italic\":true}]},{\"type\":\"heading-two\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"1. General\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"1.1\\tThis Cookie Policy explains how cookies and similar technologies (e.g. web beacons) are used on the site to collect information from site visitors and/or contacts who receive emails through the site. By using the site or opting in to receive emails through the site, the data subject acknowledges to have read and understood this Cookie Policy.\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"1.2\\tThis Cookie Policy may be updated from time to time. When this happens, the “published” date given above will be changed. The most recent version of this Cookie Policy will become applicable, supersede an replace all earlier versions with immediate effect. The most recent version of the Cookie Policy can always be found on the site. \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Continued use of the site after such changes have been published to the Cookie Policy will constitute acknowledgement that the data subject has read and understood such changes.\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading-two\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"2. Roles and responsibilities\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"2.1\\tThe company or organisation that uses the site to make press articles available to the public is the responsible publisher of the site (“Company”). The Company decides on the content that is published on the site, to whom it is distributed and whether and how cookies may be used to check the success of such distribution (i.e. user and usage analytics). \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"The site is facilitated for the Company by Prezly BV, a company incorporated under Belgian law, having its registered office at Tiensevest 100, bus 1, 3000 Leuven, with company registration number 0829.855.487 (“Prezly”). Prezly processes information captured via cookies or similar technologies on behalf and on instruction of the Company.\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"2.2\\tFor any question relating to cookies you may contact Prezly via email at \"},{\"type\":\"link\",\"href\":\"mailto:privacy@prezly.com\",\"new_tab\":false,\"children\":[{\"text\":\"privacy@prezly.com\",\"underlined\":true}]},{\"text\":\". \"}]},{\"type\":\"heading-two\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"3. What is a cookie?\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"In general, a cookie is a small text and number file that the site can send and store in the web browser, on a mobile device and/or on the hard drive of a computer during a visit to the site. Cookies help, for example, to remember visitor preferences when using the site so that Prezly can immediately set these preferences as default when the visitor revisits the site.\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"There are different types of cookies:\"}]},{\"type\":\"bulleted-list\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"list-item\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"list-item-text\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Essential or strictly necessary cookies \",\"bold\":true},{\"text\":\"are (as their name indicates) necessary to be able to use a website. They ensure, for example, that a certain connection can be established. These cookies can be used without prior consent.\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list-item\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"list-item-text\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Functional cookies \",\"bold\":true},{\"text\":\"are cookies that enable a website to offer certain functions that the website visitor has requested. They contain information about choices and preferences on the website (e.g. cookies for remembering log-in or registration details, language preference, products in shopping cart). These cookies can be used without prior consent.\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list-item\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"list-item-text\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Non-functional cookies\",\"bold\":true},{\"text\":\" are cookies that can be placed for statistical, social, targeting and commercial purposes. They have nothing to do with the purely technical support of the website. These cookies can only be used with prior consent.\"}]}]}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"In some cases, but certainly not always, cookies also collect certain personal data, such as the identification number of a computer. \"}]},{\"type\":\"heading-two\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"4. Information about the cookies used\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"4.1\\tThe site uses essential and functional cookies to ensure the site’s functioning. When someone visits the site, the following \"},{\"text\":\"essential and functional cookies\",\"bold\":true},{\"text\":\" are used:\"}]},{\"type\":\"table\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"table-row\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"table-cell\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Name\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"table-cell\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Function\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"table-cell\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Validity\"}]}]}]},{\"type\":\"table-row\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"table-cell\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"XSRF-TOKEN\",\"italic\":true}]}]},{\"type\":\"table-cell\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Essential cookie that ensures visitor browsing-security and website security by preventing cross-site request forgery\",\"italic\":true}]}]},{\"type\":\"table-cell\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Session\",\"italic\":true}]}]}]}],\"border\":true,\"header\":[\"first_row\"]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"The cookies used do not allow the systematic gathering of data that could allow the identification of the users of the site. They only help to ensure and improve the functioning of the site. \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"4.2\\tIn addition, the site or email campaigns generated through the site also use certain non-functional cookies upon prior consent via the cookie banner. This consent can be withdrawn at any time by deleting the cookies stored in the browser (\"},{\"text\":\"see below\",\"italic\":true},{\"text\":\"). When a visitor uses the website and has given prior consent, the following \"},{\"text\":\"non-functional cookies\",\"bold\":true},{\"text\":\" are used: \"}]},{\"type\":\"table\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"table-row\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"table-cell\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Name\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"table-cell\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Function\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"table-cell\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Validity\"}]}]}]},{\"type\":\"table-row\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"table-cell\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"_ga\",\"italic\":true}]}]},{\"type\":\"table-cell\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Statistical cookie used by Google Analytics to identify unique users in order to allow it to store and count page views\",\"italic\":true}]}]},{\"type\":\"table-cell\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"2 years\",\"italic\":true}]}]}]}],\"border\":true,\"header\":[\"first_row\"]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Through these non-functional cookies Prezly may collect (on behalf of the Company) non-personal data about site visitors or Company contacts, including the following types of data: common information found in every communication sent over the internet, being information such as browser type (e.g.Chrome or Internet Explorer), operating system (e.g. Macintosh or Windows), browser language (e.g. Java or Unix), internet service provider (e.g. Verizon Fios or AOL) and information about the usage of the sites/sites and various pages on the internet.\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Prezly (on behalf of the Company) also uses web beacons to track behavior relating to email campaigns. When the Company sends an email to its contacts, Prezly may track behavior such as who opened the emails and who clicked the links. This type of data enables Prezly to figure out how often visitors use different parts of individual sites. In addition, Prezly may provide aggregate statistical visitor information to the Company so that the Company understands how often people use specific components of their site.\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"As these non-functional cookies and similar technologies will only be used by Prezly when instructed or requested to do so by the Company, the Company is to be regarded as data controller in relation to the personal data collected on its contacts (if any). The responsibility for the use of these cookies and similar technologies therefore lies with the Company.\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"4.3\\tThe site may also contain certain social media buttons or embeds (like videos, social posts, images, …) that allow visitors to directly see, interact and navigate to those platforms ( for example Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube). If the site visitor clicks on these social media buttons or embedded videos, posts or images, it is possible that the social network in question places a cookie in order to retrieve the site visitor’s identity on the respective social network or to determine the site visitor’s preferences. More information about which cookies are used by these social networks can be found in the privacy and cookie statements of these social networks. Therefore, please always read the privacy and cookie statements of the respective social networks carefully. The Company or Prezly cannot influence the content of these cookie statements or the content of the cookies of these third parties.\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading-two\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"5. Accepting cookies\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"A cookie banner will appear when visiting the site for the first time. This cookie banner informs about the cookies used on the site, and also asks for prior consent to use non-functional cookies (where applicable).\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Site visitors are free to agree to this or not. A visitor will not be denied access to the site if he/she does not agree to the use of non-functional cookies, but there is a possibility that the site may in such case not work like it was intended to. \"}]},{\"type\":\"heading-two\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"6. Managing cookies (deleting or disabling)\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Most browsers allow to prevent the browser from accepting new cookies, to be notified when a new cookie is used or to disable cookies. The site visitor or Company contact can therefore control the use of cookies at individual browser level.\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"If the site visitor does not want the site to place cookies or wants to delete the cookies used, it can change the cookie settings in the web browser. These settings can usually be found in the ‘Options’ or ‘Preferences’ menu of the web browser. They can also adjust the settings so that the browser refuses all cookies or only cookies from third parties. \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"To better understand these settings, the following links may be helpful. If not, please consult the ‘Help’ function in the web browser for more details:\"}]},{\"type\":\"bulleted-list\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"list-item\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"list-item-text\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"link\",\"href\":\"https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647?hl=nl\",\"new_tab\":true,\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Chrome\",\"underlined\":true}]},{\"text\":\"\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list-item\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"list-item-text\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"link\",\"href\":\"https://support.mozilla.org/nl/kb/cookies-verwijderen-gegevens-wissen-websites-opgeslagen\",\"new_tab\":true,\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Firefox\",\"underlined\":true}]},{\"text\":\"\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list-item\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"list-item-text\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"link\",\"href\":\"http://windows.microsoft.com/nl-NL/windows7/How-to-manage-cookies-in-Internet-Explorer-9\",\"new_tab\":true,\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Internet Explorer\",\"underlined\":true}]},{\"text\":\"\"}]}]},{\"type\":\"list-item\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"list-item-text\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"link\",\"href\":\"http://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/nl/cookies/\",\"new_tab\":true,\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Safari\",\"underlined\":true}]},{\"text\":\"\"}]}]}]},{\"type\":\"heading-two\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"7. Applicable law\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Any dispute in relation to this Cookie Policy must be interpreted in accordance with Belgian law.\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"\"}]}],\"version\":\"2.6\"}"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"27:[\"$\",\"$L3d\",null,{\"searchSettings\":{\"apiKey\":\"eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJhcGlLZXlVaWQiOiI0ZDM4MDNiYS0wMDQwLTQ1YjYtYjhhMi1kZTRlMWI1MjQ5NjciLCJzZWFyY2hSdWxlcyI6eyJwdWJsaWNfc3RvcmllcyI6eyJmaWx0ZXIiOiJfdGFncyA9IFwibGljZW5zZV83MDg4XCIgQU5EIF90YWdzID0gXCJuZXdzcm9vbV8xNDI4OFwiIn19fQ.u-v9hb2cuRv-10PBIzRoh4ymlrWQ6pfO8Nc8RyUtnuo\",\"host\":\"https://search.prezly.com\",\"index\":\"public_stories\",\"searchBackend\":\"meilisearch\"},\"localeCode\":\"en\",\"newsroom\":{\"uuid\":\"3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36\",\"id\":14288,\"name\":\"VIB Blog\",\"display_name\":\"VIB Blog\",\"subdomain\":\"vib-blog\",\"thumbnail_url\":\"https://avatars-cdn.prezly.com/newsroom/14288/782c7d4b7e70712aaadb92a3b032c8887dabf44191181147423535d8f2d31912?t=1740103881\u0026v=3\",\"timezone\":\"europe/brussels\",\"status\":\"active\",\"is_active\":true,\"is_archived\":false,\"is_demo\":false,\"is_online\":true,\"is_offline\":false,\"is_multilingual\":true,\"is_indexable\":true,\"url\":\"https://blog.vib.be/\",\"links\":{\"media_gallery_api\":\"https://api.prezly.com/v1/rooms/14288/media\",\"analytics_and_visibility_settings\":\"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/integrations\",\"categories_management\":\"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/categories\",\"company_info_settings\":\"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/information\",\"contacts_management\":\"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/contacts\",\"domain_settings\":\"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/domain\",\"edit\":\"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/information\",\"gallery_management\":\"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/galleries\",\"hub_settings\":\"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/hub\",\"languages\":\"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/languages\",\"look_and_feel_settings\":\"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/themes\",\"privacy_settings\":\"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/privacy\",\"manual_subscription_management\":\"\",\"widget_settings\":\"\",\"room_contacts_api\":\"\"},\"time_format\":\"HH:mm\",\"date_format\":\"DD/MM/YYYY\",\"domain\":\"blog.vib.be\",\"is_hub\":false,\"cultures\":[{\"code\":\"nl_BE\",\"locale\":\"nl_BE\",\"name\":\"Dutch (Belgium)\",\"native_name\":\"Nederlands (België)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"nl\",\"name\":\"Dutch\"},\"language_code\":\"nl\"},{\"code\":\"en\",\"locale\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English (Global)\",\"native_name\":\"English (Global)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English\"},\"language_code\":\"en\"}],\"campaigns_number\":2,\"stories_number\":153,\"pitches_number\":4,\"coverage_number\":0,\"public_galleries_number\":0,\"square_logo\":{\"version\":2,\"uuid\":\"b385acc3-9f8b-4231-b530-93e1ecca3289\",\"filename\":\"Logo square.png\",\"mime_type\":\"image/png\",\"size\":78589,\"original_width\":698,\"original_height\":698,\"effects\":[],\"isImage\":true,\"download_url\":\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/b385acc3-9f8b-4231-b530-93e1ecca3289/-/inline/no/Logo+square.png\",\"cdnUrl\":\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/b385acc3-9f8b-4231-b530-93e1ecca3289/\"},\"newsroom_logo\":\"$1f\",\"icon\":null,\"email_logo\":null,\"email_branding_mode\":\"default\",\"email_branding\":{\"background_color\":\"#FFFFFF\",\"title_color\":\"#00264F\",\"text_color\":\"#00264F\",\"link_color\":\"#00A3A6\",\"header_background_color\":\"#FFFFFF\",\"header_link_color\":\"#00264F\"},\"email_logo_alignment\":\"center\",\"is_privacy_portal_enabled\":true,\"custom_privacy_policy_link\":null,\"custom_data_request_link\":null,\"auto_create_contacts_from_subscribers\":true,\"tracking_policy\":\"normal\",\"cookiepro\":{\"is_enabled\":false,\"category\":\"\"},\"onetrust_cookie_consent\":{\"is_enabled\":false,\"category\":\"\",\"script\":\"\"},\"google_search_console_key\":\"BZgvzHKVMgr-c9S6Hj1MiymivCeJvMyhiRIaTLV5s04\",\"google_analytics_id\":\"GTM-WTFT48LC\",\"ga_tracking_id\":\"GTM-WTFT48LC\",\"segment_analytics_id\":\"\",\"is_subscription_form_enabled\":false,\"is_white_labeled\":true,\"is_plausible_enabled\":true,\"plausible_site_id\":\"blog.vib.be\",\"suggested_opoint_search_params\":null,\"policies\":{\"privacy_policy\":{\"content\":\"$3e\",\"origin\":\"default\"},\"cookie_policy\":{\"content\":\"$3f\",\"origin\":\"default\"}}},\"information\":{\"name\":\"VIB Blog\",\"about\":\"\u003cp\u003eOn our blog, you can find content curated by the VIB community. Discover our research through the eyes of our scientists.\u003c/p\u003e\\n\u003cp\u003eWant to be kept up-to-date on our biotechnological news and stories? Join our community and \u003ca href=\\\"https://vib.activehosted.com/f/6\\\"\u003esubscribe\u003c/a\u003e to our bi-monthly newsletter \u003ca href=\\\"https://vib.activehosted.com/f/6\\\"\u003ehere\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\",\"about_plaintext\":\"On our blog, you can find content curated by the VIB community. Discover our research through the eyes of our scientists.Want to be kept up-to-date on our biotechnological news and stories? Join our community and subscribe to our bi-monthly newsletter here.\",\"email\":\"communications@vib.be\",\"website\":\"http://vib.be\",\"phone\":null,\"address\":\"Suzanne Tassierstraat 1 \\n9052 Ghent\",\"twitter\":\"VIBlifesciences\",\"facebook\":\"VIBlifesciences\",\"linkedin\":\"https://www.linkedin.com/company/vib/\",\"pinterest\":null,\"youtube\":null,\"instagram\":\"VIBlifesciences\",\"tiktok\":null,\"discord\":null,\"skype\":null,\"snapchat\":null,\"twitch\":null,\"email_disclaimer\":\"\",\"cookie_statement\":\"\",\"subscribe_disclaimer\":\"\",\"seo_settings\":{\"default_meta_title\":\"VIB Blog\",\"default_meta_description\":\"On our blog, you can find content curated by the VIB community. Discover our research through the eyes of our scientists.Want to be kept...\",\"meta_title\":\"VIB Blog: Insights and innovations in life sciences research\",\"meta_description\":\"Get to know the researchers driving cutting-edge research at VIB and delve into the latest advancements in life sciences.\",\"canonical_url\":null}},\"categories\":[{\"id\":6012,\"display_name\":\"Neuroscience\",\"display_description\":\"\",\"stories_number\":59,\"public_stories_number\":59,\"i18n\":{\"en\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"locale\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English (Global)\",\"native_name\":\"English (Global)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English\"},\"language_code\":\"en\"},\"name\":\"Neuroscience\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"neuroscience\",\"public_stories_number\":47},\"nl_BE\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"nl_BE\",\"locale\":\"nl_BE\",\"name\":\"Dutch (Belgium)\",\"native_name\":\"Nederlands (België)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"nl\",\"name\":\"Dutch\"},\"language_code\":\"nl\"},\"name\":\"Neurowetenschappen\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"neurowetenschappen\",\"public_stories_number\":12}},\"image\":null,\"is_featured\":false},{\"id\":6200,\"display_name\":\"Cancer Biology\",\"display_description\":\"\",\"stories_number\":9,\"public_stories_number\":9,\"i18n\":{\"en\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"locale\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English (Global)\",\"native_name\":\"English (Global)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English\"},\"language_code\":\"en\"},\"name\":\"Cancer Biology\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"cancer-biology\",\"public_stories_number\":6},\"nl_BE\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"nl_BE\",\"locale\":\"nl_BE\",\"name\":\"Dutch (Belgium)\",\"native_name\":\"Nederlands (België)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"nl\",\"name\":\"Dutch\"},\"language_code\":\"nl\"},\"name\":\"Kanker\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"kanker\",\"public_stories_number\":3}},\"image\":null,\"is_featured\":false},{\"id\":6201,\"display_name\":\"Immunity \u0026 Inflammation\",\"display_description\":\"\",\"stories_number\":11,\"public_stories_number\":11,\"i18n\":{\"en\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"locale\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English (Global)\",\"native_name\":\"English (Global)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English\"},\"language_code\":\"en\"},\"name\":\"Immunity \u0026 Inflammation\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"immunity--inflammation\",\"public_stories_number\":7},\"nl_BE\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"nl_BE\",\"locale\":\"nl_BE\",\"name\":\"Dutch (Belgium)\",\"native_name\":\"Nederlands (België)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"nl\",\"name\":\"Dutch\"},\"language_code\":\"nl\"},\"name\":\"Immuniteit \u0026 Ontsteking\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"immuniteit--ontsteking\",\"public_stories_number\":4}},\"image\":null,\"is_featured\":false},{\"id\":6202,\"display_name\":\"Medical Biotechnology\",\"display_description\":\"\",\"stories_number\":5,\"public_stories_number\":5,\"i18n\":{\"en\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"locale\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English (Global)\",\"native_name\":\"English (Global)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English\"},\"language_code\":\"en\"},\"name\":\"Medical Biotechnology\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"medical-biotechnology\",\"public_stories_number\":4},\"nl_BE\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"nl_BE\",\"locale\":\"nl_BE\",\"name\":\"Dutch (Belgium)\",\"native_name\":\"Nederlands (België)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"nl\",\"name\":\"Dutch\"},\"language_code\":\"nl\"},\"name\":\"Medische Biotechnologie\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"medische-biotechnologie\",\"public_stories_number\":1}},\"image\":null,\"is_featured\":false},{\"id\":6203,\"display_name\":\"Plant Biology\",\"display_description\":\"\",\"stories_number\":16,\"public_stories_number\":16,\"i18n\":{\"en\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"locale\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English (Global)\",\"native_name\":\"English (Global)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English\"},\"language_code\":\"en\"},\"name\":\"Plant Biology\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"plant-biology\",\"public_stories_number\":9},\"nl_BE\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"nl_BE\",\"locale\":\"nl_BE\",\"name\":\"Dutch (Belgium)\",\"native_name\":\"Nederlands (België)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"nl\",\"name\":\"Dutch\"},\"language_code\":\"nl\"},\"name\":\"Plantenbiologie\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"plantenbiologie\",\"public_stories_number\":7}},\"image\":null,\"is_featured\":false},{\"id\":6204,\"display_name\":\"Microbiology\",\"display_description\":\"\",\"stories_number\":12,\"public_stories_number\":12,\"i18n\":{\"en\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"locale\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English (Global)\",\"native_name\":\"English (Global)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English\"},\"language_code\":\"en\"},\"name\":\"Microbiology\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"microbiology\",\"public_stories_number\":9},\"nl_BE\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"nl_BE\",\"locale\":\"nl_BE\",\"name\":\"Dutch (Belgium)\",\"native_name\":\"Nederlands (België)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"nl\",\"name\":\"Dutch\"},\"language_code\":\"nl\"},\"name\":\"Microbiologie\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"microbiologie\",\"public_stories_number\":3}},\"image\":null,\"is_featured\":false},{\"id\":6205,\"display_name\":\"Structural Biology\",\"display_description\":\"\",\"stories_number\":2,\"public_stories_number\":2,\"i18n\":{\"en\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"locale\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English (Global)\",\"native_name\":\"English (Global)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English\"},\"language_code\":\"en\"},\"name\":\"Structural Biology\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"structural-biology\",\"public_stories_number\":2},\"nl_BE\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"nl_BE\",\"locale\":\"nl_BE\",\"name\":\"Dutch (Belgium)\",\"native_name\":\"Nederlands (België)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"nl\",\"name\":\"Dutch\"},\"language_code\":\"nl\"},\"name\":\"Structurele Biologie\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"structurele-biologie\",\"public_stories_number\":0}},\"image\":null,\"is_featured\":false},{\"id\":6206,\"display_name\":\"Computational Biology\",\"display_description\":\"\",\"stories_number\":6,\"public_stories_number\":6,\"i18n\":{\"en\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"locale\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English (Global)\",\"native_name\":\"English (Global)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English\"},\"language_code\":\"en\"},\"name\":\"Computational Biology\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"computational-biology\",\"public_stories_number\":5},\"nl_BE\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"nl_BE\",\"locale\":\"nl_BE\",\"name\":\"Dutch (Belgium)\",\"native_name\":\"Nederlands (België)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"nl\",\"name\":\"Dutch\"},\"language_code\":\"nl\"},\"name\":\"Computationele Biologie\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"computationele-biologie\",\"public_stories_number\":1}},\"image\":null,\"is_featured\":false},{\"id\":6207,\"display_name\":\"Institutional News\",\"display_description\":\"\",\"stories_number\":14,\"public_stories_number\":14,\"i18n\":{\"en\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"locale\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English (Global)\",\"native_name\":\"English (Global)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English\"},\"language_code\":\"en\"},\"name\":\"Institutional News\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"institutional-news\",\"public_stories_number\":11},\"nl_BE\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"nl_BE\",\"locale\":\"nl_BE\",\"name\":\"Dutch (Belgium)\",\"native_name\":\"Nederlands (België)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"nl\",\"name\":\"Dutch\"},\"language_code\":\"nl\"},\"name\":\"Institutioneel Nieuws\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"institutioneel-nieuws\",\"public_stories_number\":3}},\"image\":null,\"is_featured\":false},{\"id\":6208,\"display_name\":\"Tech Ecosystem\",\"display_description\":\"\",\"stories_number\":27,\"public_stories_number\":26,\"i18n\":{\"en\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"locale\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English (Global)\",\"native_name\":\"English (Global)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English\"},\"language_code\":\"en\"},\"name\":\"Tech Ecosystem\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"tech-ecosystem\",\"public_stories_number\":21},\"nl_BE\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"nl_BE\",\"locale\":\"nl_BE\",\"name\":\"Dutch (Belgium)\",\"native_name\":\"Nederlands (België)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"nl\",\"name\":\"Dutch\"},\"language_code\":\"nl\"},\"name\":\"Tech Ecosysteem\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"tech-ecosysteem\",\"public_stories_number\":5}},\"image\":null,\"is_featured\":false},{\"id\":8702,\"display_name\":\"Impact Story\",\"display_description\":\"\",\"stories_number\":0,\"public_stories_number\":0,\"i18n\":{\"en\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"locale\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English (Global)\",\"native_name\":\"English (Global)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English\"},\"language_code\":\"en\"},\"name\":\"Impact Story\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"impact-story\",\"public_stories_number\":0},\"nl_BE\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"nl_BE\",\"locale\":\"nl_BE\",\"name\":\"Dutch (Belgium)\",\"native_name\":\"Nederlands (België)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"nl\",\"name\":\"Dutch\"},\"language_code\":\"nl\"},\"name\":\"Impact Story\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"impact-story\",\"public_stories_number\":0}},\"image\":null,\"is_featured\":false},{\"id\":8701,\"display_name\":\"Deep Dive\",\"display_description\":\"\",\"stories_number\":11,\"public_stories_number\":11,\"i18n\":{\"en\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"locale\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English (Global)\",\"native_name\":\"English (Global)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English\"},\"language_code\":\"en\"},\"name\":\"Deep Dive\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"deep-dive\",\"public_stories_number\":10},\"nl_BE\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"nl_BE\",\"locale\":\"nl_BE\",\"name\":\"Dutch (Belgium)\",\"native_name\":\"Nederlands (België)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"nl\",\"name\":\"Dutch\"},\"language_code\":\"nl\"},\"name\":\"Deep Dive\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"deep-dive\",\"public_stories_number\":1}},\"image\":null,\"is_featured\":false},{\"id\":8700,\"display_name\":\"Faces of Science\",\"display_description\":\"\",\"stories_number\":5,\"public_stories_number\":5,\"i18n\":{\"en\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"locale\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English (Global)\",\"native_name\":\"English (Global)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English\"},\"language_code\":\"en\"},\"name\":\"Faces of Science\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"faces-of-science\",\"public_stories_number\":4},\"nl_BE\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"nl_BE\",\"locale\":\"nl_BE\",\"name\":\"Dutch (Belgium)\",\"native_name\":\"Nederlands (België)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"nl\",\"name\":\"Dutch\"},\"language_code\":\"nl\"},\"name\":\"Faces of Science\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"faces-of-science\",\"public_stories_number\":1}},\"image\":null,\"is_featured\":false},{\"id\":8703,\"display_name\":\"Interview\",\"display_description\":\"\",\"stories_number\":19,\"public_stories_number\":19,\"i18n\":{\"en\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"locale\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English (Global)\",\"native_name\":\"English (Global)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English\"},\"language_code\":\"en\"},\"name\":\"Interview\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"interview\",\"public_stories_number\":19}},\"image\":null,\"is_featured\":false}],\"translatedCategories\":[{\"id\":6012,\"locale\":\"en\",\"slug\":\"neuroscience\",\"name\":\"Neuroscience\",\"description\":\"\",\"public_stories_number\":47},{\"id\":6200,\"locale\":\"en\",\"slug\":\"cancer-biology\",\"name\":\"Cancer Biology\",\"description\":\"\",\"public_stories_number\":6},{\"id\":6201,\"locale\":\"en\",\"slug\":\"immunity--inflammation\",\"name\":\"Immunity \u0026 Inflammation\",\"description\":\"\",\"public_stories_number\":7},{\"id\":6202,\"locale\":\"en\",\"slug\":\"medical-biotechnology\",\"name\":\"Medical Biotechnology\",\"description\":\"\",\"public_stories_number\":4},{\"id\":6203,\"locale\":\"en\",\"slug\":\"plant-biology\",\"name\":\"Plant Biology\",\"description\":\"\",\"public_stories_number\":9},{\"id\":6204,\"locale\":\"en\",\"slug\":\"microbiology\",\"name\":\"Microbiology\",\"description\":\"\",\"public_stories_number\":9},{\"id\":6205,\"locale\":\"en\",\"slug\":\"structural-biology\",\"name\":\"Structural Biology\",\"description\":\"\",\"public_stories_number\":2},{\"id\":6206,\"locale\":\"en\",\"slug\":\"computational-biology\",\"name\":\"Computational Biology\",\"description\":\"\",\"public_stories_number\":5},{\"id\":6207,\"locale\":\"en\",\"slug\":\"institutional-news\",\"name\":\"Institutional News\",\"description\":\"\",\"public_stories_number\":11},{\"id\":6208,\"locale\":\"en\",\"slug\":\"tech-ecosystem\",\"name\":\"Tech Ecosystem\",\"description\":\"\",\"public_stories_number\":21},{\"id\":8701,\"locale\":\"en\",\"slug\":\"deep-dive\",\"name\":\"Deep Dive\",\"description\":\"\",\"public_stories_number\":10},{\"id\":8700,\"locale\":\"en\",\"slug\":\"faces-of-science\",\"name\":\"Faces of Science\",\"description\":\"\",\"public_stories_number\":4},{\"id\":8703,\"locale\":\"en\",\"slug\":\"interview\",\"name\":\"Interview\",\"description\":\"\",\"public_stories_number\":19}],\"displayedLanguages\":2,\"displayedGalleries\":0,\"categoriesLayout\":\"bar\",\"logoSize\":\"medium\",\"mainSiteUrl\":null,\"children\":\"$L40\"}]\n"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"41:I[26654,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"1008\",\"static/chunks/1008-7f08e65d1177de63.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"5835\",\"static/chunks/5835-907270e59dd17b20.js\",\"58\",\"static/chunks/58-ee86ce1fe0c3350e.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2241\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/layout-c06f4a088aa94dea.js\"],\"Languages\"]\n40:[\"$\",\"$L41\",null,{\"selected\":\"en\",\"options\":[{\"code\":\"nl_BE\",\"href\":\"/nl\",\"title\":\"Nederlands (België)\",\"stories\":33},{\"code\":\"en\",\"href\":\"/\",\"title\":\"English (Global)\",\"stories\":118}],\"buttonClassName\":\"Header_navigationButton__Tpbh2\",\"navigationItemClassName\":\"Header_navigationItem___Eagv\"}]\n"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"f:[[\"$\",\"meta\",\"0\",{\"name\":\"viewport\",\"content\":\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1\"}],[\"$\",\"meta\",\"1\",{\"name\":\"theme-color\",\"content\":\"#FFFFFF\"}],[\"$\",\"meta\",\"2\",{\"charSet\":\"utf-8\"}],[\"$\",\"title\",\"3\",{\"children\":\"(Re)building life: The past, present, and future of synthetic biology \"}],[\"$\",\"meta\",\"4\",{\"name\":\"description\",\"content\":\"The field of synthetic biology has seen remarkable developments in the last decade or two\"}],[\"$\",\"meta\",\"5\",{\"name\":\"robots\",\"content\":\"index, follow\"}],[\"$\",\"link\",\"6\",{\"rel\":\"canonical\",\"href\":\"https://blog.vib.be/rebuilding-life-the-past-present-and-future-of-synthetic-biology\"}],[\"$\",\"link\",\"7\",{\"rel\":\"alternate\",\"hrefLang\":\"en\",\"href\":\"https://blog.vib.be/rebuilding-life-the-past-present-and-future-of-synthetic-biology\"}],[\"$\",\"link\",\"8\",{\"rel\":\"alternate\",\"hrefLang\":\"x-default\",\"href\":\"https://blog.vib.be/rebuilding-life-the-past-present-and-future-of-synthetic-biology\"}],[\"$\",\"link\",\"9\",{\"rel\":\"alternate\",\"type\":\"application/json\",\"href\":\"https://blog.vib.be/rebuilding-life-the-past-present-and-future-of-synthetic-biology.json\"}],[\"$\",\"meta\",\"10\",{\"name\":\"google-site-verification\",\"content\":\"BZgvzHKVMgr-c9S6Hj1MiymivCeJvMyhiRIaTLV5s04\"}],[\"$\",\"meta\",\"11\",{\"property\":\"og:title\",\"content\":\"(Re)building life: The past, present, and future of synthetic biology \"}],[\"$\",\"meta\",\"12\",{\"property\":\"og:description\",\"content\":\"The field of synthetic biology has seen remarkable developments in the last decade or two\"}],[\"$\",\"meta\",\"13\",{\"property\":\"og:url\",\"content\":\"https://blog.vib.be/rebuilding-life-the-past-present-and-future-of-synthetic-biology\"}],[\"$\",\"meta\",\"14\",{\"property\":\"og:site_name\",\"content\":\"VIB Blog\"}],[\"$\",\"meta\",\"15\",{\"property\":\"og:locale\",\"content\":\"en\"}],[\"$\",\"meta\",\"16\",{\"property\":\"og:image\",\"content\":\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/0c86d083-56a4-4266-a3f3-b1e56fffb738/-/crop/1900x604/0,93/-/preview/-/preview/600x600/\"}],[\"$\",\"meta\",\"17\",{\"property\":\"og:image:alt\",\"content\":\"(Re)building life: The past, present, and future of synthetic biology \"}],[\"$\",\"meta\",\"18\",{\"property\":\"og:type\",\"content\":\"article\"}],[\"$\",\"meta\",\"19\",{\"property\":\"article:published_time\",\"content\":\"2024-11-20T08:00:00+00:00\"}],[\"$\",\"meta\",\"20\",{\"property\":\"article:modified_time\",\"content\":\"2024-11-20T08:00:06+00:00\"}],[\"$\",\"meta\",\"21\",{\"property\":\"article:author\",\"content\":\"Gunnar De Winter\"}],[\"$\",\"meta\",\"22\",{\"name\":\"twitter:card\",\"content\":\"summary_large_image\"}],[\"$\",\"meta\",\"23\",{\"name\":\"twitter:site\",\"content\":\"VIB Blog\"}],[\"$\",\"meta\",\"24\",{\"name\":\"twitter:title\",\"content\":\"(Re)building life: The past, present, and future of synthetic biology \"}],[\"$\",\"meta\",\"25\",{\"name\":\"twitter:description\",\"content\":\"The field of synthetic biology has seen remarkable developments in the last decade or two\"}],[\"$\",\"meta\",\"26\",{\"name\":\"twitter:image\",\"content\":\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/0c86d083-56a4-4266-a3f3-b1e56fffb738/-/crop/1900x604/0,93/-/preview/-/preview/600x600/\"}],[\"$\",\"link\",\"27\",{\"rel\":\"shortcut icon\",\"href\":\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/b385acc3-9f8b-4231-b530-93e1ecca3289/-/preview/180x180/Logo%20square.png\"}],[\"$\",\"link\",\"28\",{\"rel\":\"apple-touch-icon\",\"href\":\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/b385acc3-9f8b-4231-b530-93e1ecca3289/-/preview/180x180/Logo%20square.png\"}]]\n"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"8:null\n"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"42:I[84470,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"5087\",\"static/chunks/5087-a1bc8799fa595ca4.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"4081\",\"static/chunks/4081-5b0b1e63ad87fe5f.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"9496\",\"static/chunks/9496-a86ade40e937220a.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2731\",\"static/chunks/2731-274a3bcc6d28c238.js\",\"7737\",\"static/chunks/7737-1e371492aed137ac.js\",\"8289\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/(story)/%5Bslug%5D/page-faf99450a34e69ac.js\"],\"BroadcastStory\"]\n44:I[88904,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"5087\",\"static/chunks/5087-a1bc8799fa595ca4.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"4081\",\"static/chunks/4081-5b0b1e63ad87fe5f.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"9496\",\"static/chunks/9496-a86ade40e937220a.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2731\",\"static/chunks/2731-274a3bcc6d28c238.js\",\"7737\",\"static/chunks/7737-1e371492aed137ac.js\",\"8289\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/(story)/%5Bslug%5D/page-faf99450a34e69ac.js\"],\"BroadcastTranslations\"]\n43:T2752,"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"{\"type\":\"document\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"image-block\",\"href\":\"\",\"file\":{\"version\":2,\"uuid\":\"0c86d083-56a4-4266-a3f3-b1e56fffb738\",\"filename\":\"GESB campaign visual v3.jpg\",\"mime_type\":\"image/jpeg\",\"size\":173297,\"original_width\":1900,\"original_height\":822,\"effects\":[\"/crop/1900x604/0,93/\",\"/preview/\"]},\"layout\":\"contained\",\"align\":\"center\",\"new_tab\":true,\"width\":\"100%\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading-one\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"(Re)building life: The past, present, and future of synthetic biology\",\"bold\":true},{\"text\":\" \"}],\"role\":\"title\"},{\"type\":\"heading-two\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"The field of synthetic biology has seen remarkable developments in the last decade or two\",\"bold\":true}],\"role\":\"subtitle\"},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"If we understand living systems as wholes constructed from parts, can we design new parts or redesign existing ones to build living systems and components according to desired specifications? \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"That is the promise of synthetic biology: (re)design biological building blocks and put them together into a system of your choice. Of course, life is more complicated than that. And yet, the field of synthetic biology has seen remarkable developments in the last decade or two. \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"In 2000, two papers in the journal \"},{\"text\":\"Nature\",\"italic\":true},{\"text\":\" introduced the \"},{\"type\":\"link\",\"href\":\"https://www.nature.com/articles/35002131\",\"new_tab\":true,\"children\":[{\"text\":\"genetic toggle switch\",\"underlined\":true}]},{\"text\":\" and the \"},{\"type\":\"link\",\"href\":\"https://www.nature.com/articles/35002125\",\"new_tab\":true,\"children\":[{\"text\":\"repressilator.\",\"underlined\":true}]},{\"text\":\" These represent the first genetic circuits purposefully designed by humans. The toggle switch can turn target gene expression on and off while the repressilator oscillates like a circadian rhythm clock, periodically inducing the synthesis of GFP in individual cells. \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"The big leap, though, arrived in 2012 with the paper that introduced \"},{\"type\":\"link\",\"href\":\"https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1225829\",\"new_tab\":true,\"children\":[{\"text\":\"CRISPR/Cas\",\"underlined\":true}]},{\"text\":\" to the world as a new generation of gene editing tool. CRISPR/Cas revolutionized genetic engineering by enabling precise, accurate, and efficient genetic alterations. In the wake of this discovery, synthetic biology flourished. Synthetic minimal cells and sophisticated gene circuits pushed the boundaries of what engineered cells can be – from sensors to cancer fighters. Gene drives emerged as a powerful, yet controversial, tool for controlling populations of disease vectors like mosquitoes. Synthetic biology's role in medicine led to the advent of mRNA vaccines and CAR-T cell therapies. AI and machine learning accelerated the design and optimization of synthetic biology experiments, while DNA data storage advanced toward becoming a practical solution for future data needs. \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"In 2020, both Emmanuelle Marie Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their work on genome editing with CRISPR; the first time in history that the Nobel Prize was won by two women. \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Let’s take a look at the present and future of synthetic biology, and what better way to do that than by considering the work of \"},{\"type\":\"link\",\"href\":\"https://vorobievalab.sites.vib.be/en\",\"new_tab\":true,\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Anastassia Vorobieva\",\"underlined\":true}]},{\"text\":\" (VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology) and \"},{\"type\":\"link\",\"href\":\"https://voneschlab.sites.vib.be/en\",\"new_tab\":true,\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Sibylle Vonesch\",\"underlined\":true}]},{\"text\":\" (VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology), who are part of the organizing committee for our coming \"},{\"type\":\"link\",\"href\":\"https://www.vibconferences.be/events/next-generation-synthetic-biology-5th-edition\",\"new_tab\":true,\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Next-Generation Synthetic Biology (5th edition)\",\"underlined\":true}]},{\"text\":\" conference? \"}]},{\"type\":\"image-block\",\"href\":\"\",\"file\":{\"version\":2,\"uuid\":\"e5796ea3-0615-4a54-9b1a-7d7a397cc72e\",\"filename\":\"Anastassia Sibylle.png\",\"mime_type\":\"image/png\",\"size\":1693627,\"original_width\":1401,\"original_height\":611,\"effects\":[]},\"layout\":\"contained\",\"align\":\"center\",\"new_tab\":true,\"width\":\"57.06%\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Anastassia Vorobieva and Sibylle Vonesch\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading-two\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Designing proteins\",\"bold\":true},{\"text\":\" \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Parts of our DNA – genes – are transcribed into RNA and then translated into proteins. These proteins are molecules that perform a wide variety of functions in our cells. Among those functions, we find transport. Some proteins carry other molecules while others form ‘tunnels’ through cell walls to ensure that the right things can move in and out of cells. A family of those proteins are known as transmembrane beta-barrels. \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Anastassia Vorobieva and her team design such transmembrane proteins to make pores that can act as biological sensors and channels. By combining computation design and experimental characterization, Anastassia and her colleagues \"},{\"type\":\"link\",\"href\":\"https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adn3796\",\"new_tab\":true,\"children\":[{\"text\":\"recently designed\",\"underlined\":true}]},{\"text\":\" nanopores from scratch. Think of nanopores as single-molecule detectors that can, for example, rapidly sequence DNA. Designing these pores in different sizes and shapes is the first step to building a new generation of synthetic biology tools in the form of biological sensors, scaffolds, and sequencers. \"}]},{\"type\":\"image-block\",\"href\":\"\",\"file\":{\"version\":2,\"uuid\":\"7785d0c0-6fcb-44c4-99f4-cfc25cd1a83d\",\"filename\":\"UWIPD_BetaBarrelCover_NatureSubmission_20180606.jpg.jpg\",\"mime_type\":\"image/jpeg\",\"size\":135448,\"original_width\":950,\"original_height\":633,\"effects\":[]},\"layout\":\"contained\",\"align\":\"center\",\"new_tab\":true,\"width\":\"45%\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Illustration of a beta-barrel\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading-two\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"MAGESTIC microbes\",\"bold\":true},{\"text\":\" \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Designing genes and proteins is a great start, but we also need to understand how these ‘designs’ are expressed in real life. In other words, to make functional changes in biological systems, we have to chart the paths from genotype (the full genetic makeup of an organism) to phenotype (all the expressed traits of an organism). \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"To do so, the lab of Sibylle Vonesch uses MAGESTIC, or Multiplexed Accurate Genome Editing with Short, Trackable, Integrated Cellular barcodes – one of several \"},{\"type\":\"link\",\"href\":\"https://academic.oup.com/femsre/article/48/5/fuae020/7725053\",\"new_tab\":true,\"children\":[{\"text\":\"CRISPR-based approaches for high-throughput genomics\",\"underlined\":true}]},{\"text\":\". With this method, scientists can engineer thousands of specific mutations in parallel in large groups of yeast cells. Because the mutations have a DNA ‘barcode’, the researchers can observe and quantify which mutations have which effects, as well as how different environments might affect the link between mutation and effect. MAGESTIC effectively proves a tool to generate and screen many yeast mutants that may have industrial and medical applications. \"}]},{\"type\":\"image-block\",\"href\":\"\",\"file\":{\"version\":2,\"uuid\":\"c1333693-6e89-408f-88f7-f54019c36376\",\"filename\":\"MAGESTIC.jpg\",\"mime_type\":\"image/jpeg\",\"size\":19122,\"original_width\":950,\"original_height\":180,\"effects\":[]},\"layout\":\"contained\",\"align\":\"center\",\"new_tab\":true,\"width\":\"100%\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Illustration of the MAGESTIC workflow\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Protein tunnels and MAGESTIC tools are only glimpses of the present and future of synthetic biology. \"},{\"type\":\"link\",\"href\":\"https://vib.be/en/technologies/tech-watch-core\",\"new_tab\":true,\"children\":[{\"text\":\"VIB's Tech Watch Core\"}]},{\"text\":\", whose Technology Expert Toon Swings also sits on the organizing committee of the Next-Generation Synthetic Biology (5th edition) conference, has already funded various synthetic biology projects. \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"As our knowledge of life and our technologies improve, so does our ability to (re)design biological systems. With this power, of course, comes an equally great responsibility to do so ethically. \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"The potential of synthetic biology is immense. Let’s use it well. \"}]},{\"type\":\"divider\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"\"}]},{\"type\":\"callout\",\"icon\":\"🧬\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Want more synthetic biology? Grab the final seats at the \"},{\"type\":\"link\",\"href\":\"https://www.vibconferences.be/events/next-generation-synthetic-biology-5th-edition\",\"new_tab\":true,\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Next-Generation Synthetic Biology (5th edition)\",\"underlined\":true}]},{\"text\":\" in Ghent, from December 10 to 11. Experts from academia and industry will be there to talk about engineering living systems, from molecules to ecosystems. \"}]},{\"type\":\"divider\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"\"}]},{\"type\":\"contact\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"\"}],\"uuid\":\"6a9edfa6-38a4-4c0b-9c8d-3e161540a866\",\"reference\":\"d36825e9-9f01-4502-ac7a-aa48a5f7ea6e\",\"contact\":{\"avatar_url\":\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/442d8573-adf0-4565-b1d8-2d94708dae2f/-/crop/4021x4024/0,0/-/preview/-/scale_crop/128x128/center/-/format/auto/\",\"company\":\"VIB\",\"description\":\"Science Communications Expert\",\"email\":\"gunnar.dewinter@vib.be\",\"facebook\":\"\",\"mobile\":\"\",\"name\":\"Gunnar De Winter\",\"phone\":\"\",\"twitter\":\"\",\"website\":\"\",\"address\":\"\"},\"show_avatar\":true,\"layout\":\"card\"},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"\"}]}],\"version\":\"0.50\"}"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"9:[[[\"$\",\"$L42\",null,{\"story\":{\"id\":705147,\"uuid\":\"ab342121-5d96-4748-83a0-7d1a7bf1f031\",\"thumbnail_url\":\"https://avatars-cdn.prezly.com/story/7088/705147/8131392324686a0cc75f5321b5720fc3a68869a347cb6fef6edbaf244bf92048?t=1732089606\u0026v=3\",\"title\":\"(Re)building life: The past, present, and future of synthetic biology \",\"subtitle\":\"The field of synthetic biology has seen remarkable developments in the last decade or two\",\"intro\":\"\",\"summary\":\"If we understand living systems as wholes constructed from parts, can we design new parts or redesign existing ones to build living systems and components according to desired specifications?\",\"culture\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"locale\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English (Global)\",\"native_name\":\"English (Global)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English\"},\"language_code\":\"en\"},\"slug\":\"rebuilding-life-the-past-present-and-future-of-synthetic-biology\",\"auto_slug\":\"rebuilding-life-the-past-present-and-future-of-synthetic-biology\",\"custom_slug\":null,\"format_version\":6,\"language\":\"EN\",\"status\":\"published\",\"lifecycle_status\":\"published\",\"publication_status\":\"published\",\"visibility\":\"public\",\"is_archived\":false,\"is_finalized\":true,\"is_published\":true,\"is_draft\":false,\"is_embargo\":false,\"is_private\":false,\"is_confidential\":false,\"is_scheduled\":false,\"is_analytics_available\":true,\"is_shared_to_prpro\":false,\"is_pinned\":false,\"is_sharable\":true,\"created_at\":\"2024-11-14T09:14:59+00:00\",\"updated_at\":\"2024-11-20T08:00:06+00:00\",\"published_at\":\"2024-11-20T08:00:00+00:00\",\"scheduled_at\":null,\"author\":{\"id\":12638,\"username\":\"gunnar.dewinter@vib.be\",\"email\":\"gunnar.dewinter@vib.be\",\"name\":\"Gunnar De Winter\",\"display_name\":\"Gunnar De Winter\",\"first_name\":\"Gunnar\",\"last_name\":\"De Winter\",\"avatar_url\":\"https://avatars-cdn.prezly.com/user/12638/07e3fee6f672787c1c2b28c00a2933c5059aa3171261a7f3064330ee090dbdbb?v=3\u0026c=9ea70e69d600813954d5c376ed95148bab2e5d3a9a584ff136f1fbca56e099c5\",\"use_case_answer\":\"skip\",\"sign_in_flow\":\"password\",\"created_at\":\"2022-01-03T10:37:48+00:00\",\"is_terms_of_service_accepted\":true,\"last_seen_at\":\"2025-02-13T09:28:24+00:00\",\"locked_until\":null},\"pinned_by\":null,\"newsroom\":{\"uuid\":\"3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36\",\"id\":14288,\"name\":\"VIB Blog\",\"display_name\":\"VIB Blog\",\"subdomain\":\"vib-blog\",\"thumbnail_url\":\"https://avatars-cdn.prezly.com/newsroom/14288/782c7d4b7e70712aaadb92a3b032c8887dabf44191181147423535d8f2d31912?t=1740103881\u0026v=3\",\"timezone\":\"europe/brussels\",\"status\":\"active\",\"is_active\":true,\"is_archived\":false,\"is_demo\":false,\"is_online\":true,\"is_offline\":false,\"is_multilingual\":true,\"is_indexable\":true,\"url\":\"https://blog.vib.be/\",\"links\":{\"media_gallery_api\":\"https://api.prezly.com/v1/rooms/14288/media\",\"analytics_and_visibility_settings\":\"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/integrations\",\"categories_management\":\"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/categories\",\"company_info_settings\":\"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/information\",\"contacts_management\":\"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/contacts\",\"domain_settings\":\"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/domain\",\"edit\":\"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/information\",\"gallery_management\":\"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/galleries\",\"hub_settings\":\"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/hub\",\"languages\":\"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/languages\",\"look_and_feel_settings\":\"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/themes\",\"privacy_settings\":\"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/privacy\",\"manual_subscription_management\":\"\",\"widget_settings\":\"\",\"room_contacts_api\":\"\"},\"time_format\":\"HH:mm\",\"date_format\":\"DD/MM/YYYY\"},\"oembed\":{\"type\":\"link\",\"url\":\"https://blog.vib.be/rebuilding-life-the-past-present-and-future-of-synthetic-biology\",\"title\":\"(Re)building life: The past, present, and future of synthetic biology \",\"description\":\"The field of synthetic biology has seen remarkable developments in the last decade or two\",\"thumbnail_url\":\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/0c86d083-56a4-4266-a3f3-b1e56fffb738/-/crop/1900x604/0,93/-/preview/-/preview/600x600/\",\"thumbnail_width\":1900,\"thumbnail_height\":604,\"version\":\"1.0\"},\"links\":{\"short\":\"http://prez.ly/v1Xc\",\"newsroom_view\":\"https://blog.vib.be/rebuilding-life-the-past-present-and-future-of-synthetic-biology\",\"newsroom_preview\":\"https://blog.vib.be/s/d95ae635-80a8-4faa-acb6-0cd52fcf2ff2?preview\"},\"categories\":[{\"id\":6205,\"display_name\":\"Structural Biology\",\"display_description\":\"\",\"i18n\":{\"en\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"locale\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English (Global)\",\"native_name\":\"English (Global)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English\"},\"language_code\":\"en\"},\"name\":\"Structural Biology\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"structural-biology\"},\"nl_BE\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"nl_BE\",\"locale\":\"nl_BE\",\"name\":\"Dutch (Belgium)\",\"native_name\":\"Nederlands (België)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"nl\",\"name\":\"Dutch\"},\"language_code\":\"nl\"},\"name\":\"Structurele Biologie\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"structurele-biologie\"}}},{\"id\":8701,\"display_name\":\"Deep Dive\",\"display_description\":\"\",\"i18n\":{\"en\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"locale\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English (Global)\",\"native_name\":\"English (Global)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"en\",\"name\":\"English\"},\"language_code\":\"en\"},\"name\":\"Deep Dive\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"deep-dive\"},\"nl_BE\":{\"locale\":{\"code\":\"nl_BE\",\"locale\":\"nl_BE\",\"name\":\"Dutch (Belgium)\",\"native_name\":\"Nederlands (België)\",\"direction\":\"ltr\",\"language\":{\"code\":\"nl\",\"name\":\"Dutch\"},\"language_code\":\"nl\"},\"name\":\"Deep Dive\",\"description\":\"\",\"slug\":\"deep-dive\"}}}],\"translations\":[],\"images_number\":4,\"videos_number\":0,\"uploadcare_assets_group_uuid\":null,\"coverage_number\":0,\"auto_matched_coverage_number\":0,\"last_coverage_at\":null,\"seo_settings\":{\"default_meta_title\":\"(Re)building life: The past, present, and future of synthetic biology \",\"default_meta_description\":\"The field of synthetic biology has seen remarkable developments in the last decade or two\",\"meta_title\":null,\"meta_description\":null,\"canonical_url\":null},\"is_demo\":false,\"thumbnail_image\":\"{\\\"version\\\":2,\\\"uuid\\\":\\\"0c86d083-56a4-4266-a3f3-b1e56fffb738\\\",\\\"filename\\\":\\\"GESB campaign visual v3.jpg\\\",\\\"mime_type\\\":\\\"image/jpeg\\\",\\\"size\\\":173297,\\\"original_width\\\":1900,\\\"original_height\\\":822,\\\"effects\\\":[\\\"/crop/1900x604/0,93/\\\",\\\"/preview/\\\"]}\",\"header_image\":\"{\\\"version\\\":2,\\\"uuid\\\":\\\"0c86d083-56a4-4266-a3f3-b1e56fffb738\\\",\\\"filename\\\":\\\"GESB campaign visual v3.jpg\\\",\\\"mime_type\\\":\\\"image/jpeg\\\",\\\"size\\\":173297,\\\"original_width\\\":1900,\\\"original_height\\\":822,\\\"effects\\\":[\\\"/crop/1900x604/0,93/\\\",\\\"/preview/\\\"]}\",\"preview_image\":null,\"social_image\":null,\"social_text\":\"(Re)building life: The past, present, and future of synthetic biology \",\"tag_names\":[],\"content\":\"$43\",\"attached_gallery_content\":null,\"referenced_entities\":{\"stories\":{},\"coverages\":{}},\"attached_videos_content\":null,\"attached_bookmarks_content\":null,\"attached_attachments_content\":null,\"attached_contacts_content\":null}}],\"$undefined\",[\"$\",\"$L44\",null,{\"translations\":[{\"code\":\"en\",\"href\":\"https://blog.vib.be/rebuilding-life-the-past-present-and-future-of-synthetic-biology\"}]}]],\"$L45\"]\n"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"46:\"$Sreact.fragment\"\n47:I[43583,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"5087\",\"static/chunks/5087-a1bc8799fa595ca4.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"4081\",\"static/chunks/4081-5b0b1e63ad87fe5f.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"9496\",\"static/chunks/9496-a86ade40e937220a.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2731\",\"static/chunks/2731-274a3bcc6d28c238.js\",\"7737\",\"static/chunks/7737-1e371492aed137ac.js\",\"8289\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/(story)/%5Bslug%5D/page-faf99450a34e69ac.js\"],\"Image\"]\n48:I[13518,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"5087\",\"static/chunks/5087-a1bc8799fa595ca4.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"4081\",\"static/chunks/4081-5b0b1e63ad87fe5f.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"9496\",\"static/chunks/9496-a86ade40e937220a.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2731\",\"static/chunks/2731-274a3bcc6d28c238.js\",\"7737\",\"static/chunks/7737-1e371492aed137ac.js\",\"8289\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/(story)/%5Bslug%5D/page-faf99450a34e69ac.js\"],\"CategoriesList\"]\n49:I[86771,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"5087\",\"static/chunks/5087-a1bc8799fa595ca4.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"4081\",\"static/chunks/4081-5b0b1e63ad87fe5f.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"9496\",\"static/chunks/9496-a86ade40e937220a.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2731\",\"static/chunks/2731-274a3bcc6d28c238.js\",\"7737\",\"static/chunks/7737-1e371492aed137ac.js\",\"8289\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/(story)/%5Bslug%5D/page-faf99450a34e69ac.js\"],\"SocialShare\"]\n4a:I[10687,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,".js\",\"5087\",\"static/chunks/5087-a1bc8799fa595ca4.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"4081\",\"static/chunks/4081-5b0b1e63ad87fe5f.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"9496\",\"static/chunks/9496-a86ade40e937220a.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2731\",\"static/chunks/2731-274a3bcc6d28c238.js\",\"7737\",\"static/chunks/7737-1e371492aed137ac.js\",\"8289\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/(story)/%5Bslug%5D/page-faf99450a34e69ac.js\"],\"StoryBookmarkContextProvider\"]\n4c:I[55033,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"5087\",\"static/chunks/5087-a1bc8799fa595ca4.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"4081\",\"static/chunks/4081-5b0b1e63ad87fe5f.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"9496\",\"static/chunks/9496-a86ade40e937220a.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2731\",\"static/chunks/2731-274a3bcc6d28c238.js\",\"7737\",\"static/chunks/7737-1e371492aed137ac.js\",\"8289\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/(story)/%5Bslug%5D/page-faf99450a34e69ac.js\"],\"VariableContextProvider\"]\n4d:I[18506,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"5087\",\"static/chunks/5087-a1bc8799fa595ca4.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"4081\",\"static/chunks/4081-5b0b1e63ad87fe5f.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"9496\",\"static/chunks/9496-a86ade40e937220a.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2731\",\"static/chunks/2731-274a3bcc6d28c238.js\",\"7737\",\"static/chunks/7737-1e371492aed137ac.js\",\"8289\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/(story)/%5Bslug%5D/page-faf99450a34e69ac.js\"],\"AttachBodyClass\"]\n4e:I[88742,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"5087\",\"static/chunks/5087-a1bc8799fa595ca4.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac46"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"1e32bf0.js\",\"4081\",\"static/chunks/4081-5b0b1e63ad87fe5f.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"9496\",\"static/chunks/9496-a86ade40e937220a.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2731\",\"static/chunks/2731-274a3bcc6d28c238.js\",\"7737\",\"static/chunks/7737-1e371492aed137ac.js\",\"8289\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/(story)/%5Bslug%5D/page-faf99450a34e69ac.js\"],\"Image\"]\n4f:I[70677,[\"8502\",\"static/chunks/8502-7fc13462a0bc6603.js\",\"2757\",\"static/chunks/2757-ef811d44fdd2f1be.js\",\"5087\",\"static/chunks/5087-a1bc8799fa595ca4.js\",\"3920\",\"static/chunks/3920-38fdbac461e32bf0.js\",\"4081\",\"static/chunks/4081-5b0b1e63ad87fe5f.js\",\"3044\",\"static/chunks/3044-7c47d97ced9bd286.js\",\"9496\",\"static/chunks/9496-a86ade40e937220a.js\",\"582\",\"static/chunks/582-4b24e3a56392fbe0.js\",\"5431\",\"static/chunks/5431-2d096ceda6957aaf.js\",\"2731\",\"static/chunks/2731-274a3bcc6d28c238.js\",\"7737\",\"static/chunks/7737-1e371492aed137ac.js\",\"8289\",\"static/chunks/app/%5BlocaleCode%5D/(story)/%5Bslug%5D/page-faf99450a34e69ac.js\"],\"Share\"]\n4b:{}\n50:[\"facebook\",\"twitter\",\"linkedin\"]\n"])</script><script>self.__next_f.push([1,"45:[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"className\":\"Story_container__kSD_S\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"article\",null,{\"className\":\"$undefined\",\"children\":[null,[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"className\":\"HeaderImageRenderer_renderer__CLZBG\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"section\",null,{\"className\":\"prezly-slate-document\",\"data-version\":\"0.50\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"$L47\",null,{\"node\":{\"type\":\"image-block\",\"href\":\"\",\"file\":{\"version\":2,\"uuid\":\"0c86d083-56a4-4266-a3f3-b1e56fffb738\",\"filename\":\"GESB campaign visual v3.jpg\",\"mime_type\":\"image/jpeg\",\"size\":173297,\"original_width\":1900,\"original_height\":822,\"effects\":[\"/crop/1900x604/0,93/\",\"/preview/\"]},\"layout\":\"contained\",\"align\":\"center\",\"new_tab\":true,\"width\":\"100%\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"\"},{\"text\":\" \"}]},\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"\"]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"1\",{\"children\":[\" \"]}]]}]}]]}]}]]}],[\"$\",\"$L48\",null,{\"categories\":[{\"id\":6205,\"locale\":\"en\",\"slug\":\"structural-biology\",\"name\":\"Structural Biology\",\"description\":\"\",\"public_stories_number\":\"$undefined\"},{\"id\":8701,\"locale\":\"en\",\"slug\":\"deep-dive\",\"name\":\"Deep Dive\",\"description\":\"\",\"public_stories_number\":\"$undefined\"}],\"showAllCategories\":true}],[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"className\":\"HeaderRenderer_renderer__dpgga\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"section\",null,{\"className\":\"prezly-slate-document\",\"data-version\":\"0.50\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"h1\",null,{\"className\":\"prezly-slate-heading prezly-slate-heading--heading-1 prezly-slate-heading--align-inherit\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"strong\",null,{\"children\":[\"(Re)building life: The past, present, and future of synthetic biology\"]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"1\",{\"children\":[\" \"]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"1\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"className\":\"Subtitle_subtitle__fvSfR\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"strong\",null,{\"children\":[\"The field of synthetic biology has seen remarkable developments in the last decade or two\"]}]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"2\",{\"children\":null}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"3\",{\"children\":null}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"4\",{\"children\":null}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"5\",{\"children\":null}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"6\",{\"children\":null}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"7\",{\"children\":null}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"8\",{\"children\":null}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"9\",{\"children\":null}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"10\",{\"children\":null}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"11\",{\"children\":null}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"12\",{\"children\":null}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"13\",{\"children\":null}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"14\",{\"children\":null}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"15\",{\"children\":null}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"16\",{\"children\":null}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"17\",{\"children\":null}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"18\",{\"children\":null}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"19\",{\"children\":null}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"20\",{\"children\":null}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"21\",{\"children\":null}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"22\",{\"children\":null}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"23\",{\"children\":null}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"24\",{\"children\":null}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"25\",{\"children\":null}]]}]}]]}],[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"className\":\"Story_linksAndDateWrapper__3UhKZ Story_left__kvsEa\",\"children\":[false,[\"$\",\"$L49\",null,{\"socialNetworks\":[\"facebook\",\"twitter\",\"linkedin\"],\"url\":\"http://prez.ly/v1Xc\",\"title\":\"(Re)building life: The past, present, and future of synthetic biology \",\"summary\":\"If we understand living systems as wholes constructed from parts, can we design new parts or redesign existing ones to build living systems and components according to desired specifications?\",\"uuid\":\"ab342121-5d96-4748-83a0-7d1a7bf1f031\",\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https://avatars-cdn.prezly.com/story/7088/705147/8131392324686a0cc75f5321b5720fc3a68869a347cb6fef6edbaf244bf92048?t=1732089606\u0026v=3\",\"trackingContext\":\"Story Page Header\"}]]}],[\"$\",\"$L4a\",null,{\"referencedStories\":\"$4b\",\"children\":[\"$\",\"$L4c\",null,{\"value\":{\"publication.date\":\"2024-11-20T08:00:00+00:00\"},\"children\":[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"className\":\"ContentRenderer_renderer__tPJbs\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$L4d\",null,{\"className\":\"ContentRenderer_body__XLXHl\"}],[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"section\",null,{\"className\":\"prezly-slate-document\",\"data-version\":\"0.50\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":null}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"1\",{\"children\":null}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"2\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"className\":\"styles_paragraph__GiKq6\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"If we understand living systems as wholes constructed from parts, can we design new parts or redesign existing ones to build living systems and components according to desired specifications? \"]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"3\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"className\":\"styles_paragraph__GiKq6\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"That is the promise of synthetic biology: (re)design biological building blocks and put them together into a system of your choice. Of course, life is more complicated than that. And yet, the field of synthetic biology has seen remarkable developments in the last decade or two. \"]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"4\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"className\":\"styles_paragraph__GiKq6\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"In 2000, two papers in the journal \"]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"1\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"em\",null,{\"children\":[\"Nature\"]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"2\",{\"children\":[\" introduced the \"]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"3\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"a\",null,{\"className\":\"styles_link__gwrpq\",\"href\":\"https://www.nature.com/articles/35002131\",\"rel\":\"noopener noreferrer\",\"target\":\"_blank\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"u\",null,{\"children\":[\"genetic toggle switch\"]}]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"4\",{\"children\":[\" and the \"]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"5\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"a\",null,{\"className\":\"styles_link__gwrpq\",\"href\":\"https://www.nature.com/articles/35002125\",\"rel\":\"noopener noreferrer\",\"target\":\"_blank\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"u\",null,{\"children\":[\"repressilator.\"]}]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"6\",{\"children\":[\" These represent the first genetic circuits purposefully designed by humans. The toggle switch can turn target gene expression on and off while the repressilator oscillates like a circadian rhythm clock, periodically inducing the synthesis of GFP in individual cells. \"]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"5\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"className\":\"styles_paragraph__GiKq6\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"The big leap, though, arrived in 2012 with the paper that introduced \"]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"1\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"a\",null,{\"className\":\"styles_link__gwrpq\",\"href\":\"https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1225829\",\"rel\":\"noopener noreferrer\",\"target\":\"_blank\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"u\",null,{\"children\":[\"CRISPR/Cas\"]}]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"2\",{\"children\":[\" to the world as a new generation of gene editing tool. CRISPR/Cas revolutionized genetic engineering by enabling precise, accurate, and efficient genetic alterations. In the wake of this discovery, synthetic biology flourished. Synthetic minimal cells and sophisticated gene circuits pushed the boundaries of what engineered cells can be – from sensors to cancer fighters. Gene drives emerged as a powerful, yet controversial, tool for controlling populations of disease vectors like mosquitoes. Synthetic biology's role in medicine led to the advent of mRNA vaccines and CAR-T cell therapies. AI and machine learning accelerated the design and optimization of synthetic biology experiments, while DNA data storage advanced toward becoming a practical solution for future data needs. \"]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"6\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"className\":\"styles_paragraph__GiKq6\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"In 2020, both Emmanuelle Marie Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their work on genome editing with CRISPR; the first time in history that the Nobel Prize was won by two women. \"]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"7\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"className\":\"styles_paragraph__GiKq6\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"Let’s take a look at the present and future of synthetic biology, and what better way to do that than by considering the work of \"]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"1\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"a\",null,{\"className\":\"styles_link__gwrpq\",\"href\":\"https://vorobievalab.sites.vib.be/en\",\"rel\":\"noopener noreferrer\",\"target\":\"_blank\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"u\",null,{\"children\":[\"Anastassia Vorobieva\"]}]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"2\",{\"children\":[\" (VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology) and \"]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"3\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"a\",null,{\"className\":\"styles_link__gwrpq\",\"href\":\"https://voneschlab.sites.vib.be/en\",\"rel\":\"noopener noreferrer\",\"target\":\"_blank\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"u\",null,{\"children\":[\"Sibylle Vonesch\"]}]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"4\",{\"children\":[\" (VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology), who are part of the organizing committee for our coming \"]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"5\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"a\",null,{\"className\":\"styles_link__gwrpq\",\"href\":\"https://www.vibconferences.be/events/next-generation-synthetic-biology-5th-edition\",\"rel\":\"noopener noreferrer\",\"target\":\"_blank\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"u\",null,{\"children\":[\"Next-Generation Synthetic Biology (5th edition)\"]}]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"6\",{\"children\":[\" conference? \"]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"8\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"$L4e\",null,{\"node\":{\"type\":\"image-block\",\"href\":\"\",\"file\":{\"version\":2,\"uuid\":\"e5796ea3-0615-4a54-9b1a-7d7a397cc72e\",\"filename\":\"Anastassia Sibylle.png\",\"mime_type\":\"image/png\",\"size\":1693627,\"original_width\":1401,\"original_height\":611,\"effects\":[]},\"layout\":\"contained\",\"align\":\"center\",\"new_tab\":true,\"width\":\"57.06%\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Anastassia Vorobieva and Sibylle Vonesch\"}]},\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"Anastassia Vorobieva and Sibylle Vonesch\"]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"9\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"h3\",null,{\"className\":\"styles_headingTwo__ZQS6u\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"strong\",null,{\"children\":[\"Designing proteins\"]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"1\",{\"children\":[\" \"]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"10\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"className\":\"styles_paragraph__GiKq6\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"Parts of our DNA – genes – are transcribed into RNA and then translated into proteins. These proteins are molecules that perform a wide variety of functions in our cells. Among those functions, we find transport. Some proteins carry other molecules while others form ‘tunnels’ through cell walls to ensure that the right things can move in and out of cells. A family of those proteins are known as transmembrane beta-barrels. \"]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"11\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"className\":\"styles_paragraph__GiKq6\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"Anastassia Vorobieva and her team design such transmembrane proteins to make pores that can act as biological sensors and channels. By combining computation design and experimental characterization, Anastassia and her colleagues \"]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"1\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"a\",null,{\"className\":\"styles_link__gwrpq\",\"href\":\"https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adn3796\",\"rel\":\"noopener noreferrer\",\"target\":\"_blank\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"u\",null,{\"children\":[\"recently designed\"]}]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"2\",{\"children\":[\" nanopores from scratch. Think of nanopores as single-molecule detectors that can, for example, rapidly sequence DNA. Designing these pores in different sizes and shapes is the first step to building a new generation of synthetic biology tools in the form of biological sensors, scaffolds, and sequencers. \"]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"12\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"$L4e\",null,{\"node\":{\"type\":\"image-block\",\"href\":\"\",\"file\":{\"version\":2,\"uuid\":\"7785d0c0-6fcb-44c4-99f4-cfc25cd1a83d\",\"filename\":\"UWIPD_BetaBarrelCover_NatureSubmission_20180606.jpg.jpg\",\"mime_type\":\"image/jpeg\",\"size\":135448,\"original_width\":950,\"original_height\":633,\"effects\":[]},\"layout\":\"contained\",\"align\":\"center\",\"new_tab\":true,\"width\":\"45%\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Illustration of a beta-barrel\"}]},\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"Illustration of a beta-barrel\"]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"13\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"h3\",null,{\"className\":\"styles_headingTwo__ZQS6u\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"strong\",null,{\"children\":[\"MAGESTIC microbes\"]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"1\",{\"children\":[\" \"]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"14\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"className\":\"styles_paragraph__GiKq6\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"Designing genes and proteins is a great start, but we also need to understand how these ‘designs’ are expressed in real life. In other words, to make functional changes in biological systems, we have to chart the paths from genotype (the full genetic makeup of an organism) to phenotype (all the expressed traits of an organism). \"]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"15\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"className\":\"styles_paragraph__GiKq6\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"To do so, the lab of Sibylle Vonesch uses MAGESTIC, or Multiplexed Accurate Genome Editing with Short, Trackable, Integrated Cellular barcodes – one of several \"]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"1\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"a\",null,{\"className\":\"styles_link__gwrpq\",\"href\":\"https://academic.oup.com/femsre/article/48/5/fuae020/7725053\",\"rel\":\"noopener noreferrer\",\"target\":\"_blank\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"u\",null,{\"children\":[\"CRISPR-based approaches for high-throughput genomics\"]}]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"2\",{\"children\":[\". With this method, scientists can engineer thousands of specific mutations in parallel in large groups of yeast cells. Because the mutations have a DNA ‘barcode’, the researchers can observe and quantify which mutations have which effects, as well as how different environments might affect the link between mutation and effect. MAGESTIC effectively proves a tool to generate and screen many yeast mutants that may have industrial and medical applications. \"]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"16\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"$L4e\",null,{\"node\":{\"type\":\"image-block\",\"href\":\"\",\"file\":{\"version\":2,\"uuid\":\"c1333693-6e89-408f-88f7-f54019c36376\",\"filename\":\"MAGESTIC.jpg\",\"mime_type\":\"image/jpeg\",\"size\":19122,\"original_width\":950,\"original_height\":180,\"effects\":[]},\"layout\":\"contained\",\"align\":\"center\",\"new_tab\":true,\"width\":\"100%\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Illustration of the MAGESTIC workflow\"}]},\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"Illustration of the MAGESTIC workflow\"]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"17\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"className\":\"styles_paragraph__GiKq6\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"Protein tunnels and MAGESTIC tools are only glimpses of the present and future of synthetic biology. \"]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"1\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"a\",null,{\"className\":\"styles_link__gwrpq\",\"href\":\"https://vib.be/en/technologies/tech-watch-core\",\"rel\":\"noopener noreferrer\",\"target\":\"_blank\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"VIB's Tech Watch Core\"]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"2\",{\"children\":[\", whose Technology Expert Toon Swings also sits on the organizing committee of the Next-Generation Synthetic Biology (5th edition) conference, has already funded various synthetic biology projects. \"]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"18\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"className\":\"styles_paragraph__GiKq6\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"As our knowledge of life and our technologies improve, so does our ability to (re)design biological systems. With this power, of course, comes an equally great responsibility to do so ethically. \"]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"19\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"className\":\"styles_paragraph__GiKq6\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"The potential of synthetic biology is immense. Let’s use it well. \"]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"20\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"hr\",null,{\"className\":\"prezly-slate-divider\"}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"21\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"className\":\"prezly-slate-callout prezly-slate-callout--align-inherit\",\"data-icon\":\"🧬\",\"children\":[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"Want more synthetic biology? Grab the final seats at the \"]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"1\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"a\",null,{\"className\":\"styles_link__gwrpq\",\"href\":\"https://www.vibconferences.be/events/next-generation-synthetic-biology-5th-edition\",\"rel\":\"noopener noreferrer\",\"target\":\"_blank\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"u\",null,{\"children\":[\"Next-Generation Synthetic Biology (5th edition)\"]}]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"2\",{\"children\":[\" in Ghent, from December 10 to 11. Experts from academia and industry will be there to talk about engineering living systems, from molecules to ecosystems. \"]}]]}]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"22\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"hr\",null,{\"className\":\"prezly-slate-divider\"}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"23\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"id\":\"contact-6a9edfa6-38a4-4c0b-9c8d-3e161540a866\",\"className\":\"prezly-slate-contact prezly-slate-contact--card\",\"children\":[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"className\":\"prezly-slate-contact__wrapper\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"className\":\"prezly-slate-contact__avatar\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"img\",null,{\"alt\":\"Gunnar De Winter\",\"src\":\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/442d8573-adf0-4565-b1d8-2d94708dae2f/-/crop/4021x4024/0,0/-/preview/-/scale_crop/128x128/center/-/format/auto/\",\"className\":\"prezly-slate-contact__avatar-image\",\"title\":\"Gunnar De Winter\"}],false]}],[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"className\":\"prezly-slate-contact__content\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"h3\",null,{\"className\":\"prezly-slate-contact__name\",\"children\":\"Gunnar De Winter\"}],[\"$\",\"div\",null,{\"className\":\"prezly-slate-contact__job-description\",\"children\":\"Science Communications Expert, VIB\"}],[[\"$\",\"ul\",null,{\"className\":\"prezly-slate-social-fields prezly-slate-social-fields--card prezly-slate-contact__social-fields\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"li\",null,{\"className\":\"prezly-slate-social-field prezly-slate-social-fields__field\",\"title\":\"gunnar.dewinter@vib.be\",\"children\":[\"$\",\"a\",null,{\"className\":\"prezly-slate-social-field__link\",\"href\":\"mailto:gunnar.dewinter@vib.be\",\"rel\":\"noreferrer noopener\",\"target\":\"_blank\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"svg\",null,{\"xmlns\":\"http://www.w3.org/2000/svg\",\"width\":16,\"height\":17,\"fill\":\"none\",\"viewBox\":\"0 0 16 17\",\"role\":\"img\",\"className\":\"prezly-slate-social-field__icon\",\"children\":[\"$\",\"path\",null,{\"fill\":\"currentColor\",\"fillRule\":\"evenodd\",\"d\":\"M0 4.34v8.334c0 1.19.981 2.16 2.182 2.16h11.636c1.201 0 2.182-.97 2.182-2.16V4.326c0-1.19-.981-2.16-2.182-2.16H2.182C.98 2.167 0 3.137 0 4.327zm1.524-.318a.73.73 0 0 1 .658-.414h11.636c.29 0 .541.17.658.414L8 8.52zm13.021 1.712v6.94a.727.727 0 0 1-.727.718H2.182a.727.727 0 0 1-.727-.718v-6.94l5.905 4.1c.384.267.896.267 1.28 0z\",\"clipRule\":\"evenodd\"}]}],[\"$\",\"span\",null,{\"className\":\"prezly-slate-social-field__value\",\"children\":\"gunnar.dewinter@vib.be\"}]]}]}],\"\",\"\"]}],[\"$\",\"ul\",null,{\"className\":\"prezly-slate-social-fields prezly-slate-social-fields--card prezly-slate-contact__social-fields\",\"children\":[null,null,null]}]]]}]]}]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"24\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"className\":\"styles_paragraph__GiKq6\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"\"]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"1\",{\"children\":[\" \"]}]]}]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"25\",{\"children\":[\"$\",\"p\",null,{\"className\":\"styles_paragraph__GiKq6\",\"children\":[[\"$\",\"$46\",\"0\",{\"children\":[\"\"]}],[\"$\",\"$46\",\"1\",{\"children\":[\" \"]}]]}]}]]}]}]]]}]}]}]]}],[\"$\",\"$L4f\",null,{\"actions\":{\"show_copy_content\":false,\"show_copy_url\":true,\"show_download_assets\":false,\"show_download_pdf\":false},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https://avatars-cdn.prezly.com/story/7088/705147/8131392324686a0cc75f5321b5720fc3a68869a347cb6fef6edbaf244bf92048?t=1732089606\u0026v=3\",\"socialNetworks\":\"$50\",\"summary\":\"If we understand living systems as wholes constructed from parts, can we design new parts or redesign existing ones to build living systems and components according to desired specifications?\",\"slug\":\"rebuilding-life-the-past-present-and-future-of-synthetic-biology\",\"title\":\"(Re)building life: The past, present, and future of synthetic biology \",\"uploadcareAssetsGroupUuid\":null,\"url\":\"http://prez.ly/v1Xc\",\"uuid\":\"ab342121-5d96-4748-83a0-7d1a7bf1f031\"}],false]}]\n"])</script></body></html>