Synthetic biology is one of the 21st century’s fastest growing fields of research. Building on traditional genetic engineering, synthetic biology uses multi-gene modules and pathways to make very significant changes to what cells can do. Synthetic Biology: A Very Short Introduction provides a concise explanation of what synthetic biology is, and how it is beginning to affect many fields of technology, such as new drug manufacture, biofuel production, tackling pollution, and medical diagnostics. There is also the possibility of creating new life from non-living starting materials. The considerable controversies surrounding synthetic biology are also discussed, including fears that the dangers of engineering life are worse than its benefits.