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Description
What happens when a genetic engineering company works with a hip-hop engineering company to tell the story of DNA in rap videos?
Biotechnology company Synthego creates custom-edited cells for medical research purposes using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, allowing for rapid research innovation to develop treatments for a range of diseases, from cancer to Huntington’s disease, and also organizes the global “World CRSIPR Day” scientific symposium.
In October 2021, Synthego worked with Event Rap artists to produce a collection of rap videos to screen and premiere at their online World CRISPR Day celebration in front of a live audience of more than 1,000 geneticists. Event Rap artists wrote the songs on a series of DNA-themed sub-topics suggested by Synthego, submitted the lyrics to the scientific research team for comment, and then recorded and filmed the songs and videos, making the resulting collection a classic example of “Peer-Reviewed Rap”.
The videos streamed to the online international audience in a one-hour presentation that included live renditions, interviews, ‘rap up’ recaps of the conference sessions, and interactive freestyle rhymes on scientific topics suggested by attendees.
And after the event concluded, the videos continue to be available online for Synthego’s use, and as a teaching resource for new generations learning about DNA.
Happy world CRISPR Day!
