Editorial overview: Synthetic cells, genomes, and phenotypes through computer modeling and rational design

After two decades of exciting progress, innovative research in synthetic biology has transformed the work of systems biology, metabolic engineering, and biotechnology. The field's research includes many notable achievements, such as bacteria performing complex computation, yeast cells manufacturing complex drugs, and human cells designed to correct genetic diseases. Programming living cells with synthetic genes to perform useful new functions has even become a routine achievement for summer school students