Lab-Grown Life

Caroline Steel explores the rapidly advancing field of synthetic biology. She meets researchers rewriting the DNA of living organisms, building synthetic chromosomes for crops and creating artificial cells from scratch to discover how close we are to making life itself. Along the way, she examines the extraordinary potential of these technologies, from making crops more resilient to disease and climate change, improving bio-manufacturing and even understanding the origins of life.

With governments investing billions and expectations running high, Caroline also asks whether synthetic biology can deliver on its bold promises, or whether its greatest impact will come through quieter advances in industry and the iterative nature of science.

Presenter: Caroline Steel
Producer: Ellie Sans
Editor: Martin Smith
Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth