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Revision as of 12:48, 3 December 2021
Sustainable Development Impact
Introduction
The SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) are the fundamental goals of “the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” which is a document adopted at the UN Summit in 2015 to replace the MDGs. The SDGs are a common goal for the international community to achieve a sustainable and better world by 2030, and pledge to "leave no one behind". The SDGs are universal and should be addressed not only by developing countries but also by developed countries themselves.
We have meticulously considered each of the SDGs when structuring our project, and out of the 17 SDGs, our project can contribute to 11 of them.
The three goals we focused on the most:
The other eight goals we contribute to:
We have meticulously considered each of the SDGs when structuring our project, and out of the 17 SDGs, our project can contribute to 11 of them.
The three goals we focused on the most:
The other eight goals we contribute to:
The project's major impact on global food production
Although the inspiration for the project was to reduce flower loss, through Human Practices, we have come to the problem of disease and insect pests to cut flowers, crops, and any other plant that people may find valuable.
The FAO’s The future of food and agriculture Trends and Challenges says that globally, annual crop losses to plant pests are estimated to be between 20 to 40 percent of production. In terms of economic value, plant diseases alone cost the global economy around US$220 billion annually and invasive insects around US$70 billion [1].
Therefore, our project is proposing a solution to the serious food production challenges that are occurring around the world. It is clear that we are tackling the following goal of SDGs:
The FAO’s The future of food and agriculture Trends and Challenges says that globally, annual crop losses to plant pests are estimated to be between 20 to 40 percent of production. In terms of economic value, plant diseases alone cost the global economy around US$220 billion annually and invasive insects around US$70 billion [1].
Therefore, our project is proposing a solution to the serious food production challenges that are occurring around the world. It is clear that we are tackling the following goal of SDGs:
2 hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic ironically proved that newly emerged viruses can spread rapidly around the world. What if we had a similar situation with a virus that infects major food plants like rice, wheat, and corn? In such cases, the integrated package we have developed for virus detection would help to detect viruses at an early stage and reduce the spread of infection
Bonus:
In practice, it is costly to implement virus detection methods and purchase insecticides to solve plant diseases and insect pests. This can be a burden on cut flower farmers and crop farmers who are stakeholders in the SDGs. We interviewed a flower farmer, Mr. Kurokawa, to get his opinion on this matter. As a result, we received feedback that, for example, although it would cost a certain amount of money to introduce a virus detection method, the fact that they thoroughly test for plant viruses, and thus have a high possibility of stable production, would be an appealing point when signing contracts with wholesalers. However, rather than taking this feedback as a reassurance, we repeated the trial and error process in order to achieve a cheaper method of virus detection and of course, a cheaper pesticide. Specifically, we have developed the biomolecular platform “BLOOM” that can produce the enzymes used in our detection using CRISPR-Cas12a, RT-LAMP, and dsRNA used in killing insect pests in a cheap and efficient manner. In the long run, reducing most of the $290 billion worth of economic losses may not be a dream. Related to this, the flower industry is experiencing economic losses due to the short life span of flowers in the sales phase. As a result of our interview with a flower store, Ginkaen, we received feedback that a low-cost antibacterial agent would be helpful. This was also one of the motivations for us to tackle this problem by using antimicrobial peptides and developing "BLOOM".
Bonus:
In practice, it is costly to implement virus detection methods and purchase insecticides to solve plant diseases and insect pests. This can be a burden on cut flower farmers and crop farmers who are stakeholders in the SDGs. We interviewed a flower farmer, Mr. Kurokawa, to get his opinion on this matter. As a result, we received feedback that, for example, although it would cost a certain amount of money to introduce a virus detection method, the fact that they thoroughly test for plant viruses, and thus have a high possibility of stable production, would be an appealing point when signing contracts with wholesalers. However, rather than taking this feedback as a reassurance, we repeated the trial and error process in order to achieve a cheaper method of virus detection and of course, a cheaper pesticide. Specifically, we have developed the biomolecular platform “BLOOM” that can produce the enzymes used in our detection using CRISPR-Cas12a, RT-LAMP, and dsRNA used in killing insect pests in a cheap and efficient manner. In the long run, reducing most of the $290 billion worth of economic losses may not be a dream. Related to this, the flower industry is experiencing economic losses due to the short life span of flowers in the sales phase. As a result of our interview with a flower store, Ginkaen, we received feedback that a low-cost antibacterial agent would be helpful. This was also one of the motivations for us to tackle this problem by using antimicrobial peptides and developing "BLOOM".
Pioneering new technologies for the realization of the sustainable society
In addition, two of the SDGs that deserve special mention are
9 Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
12 Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
12 Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
As for the 9th goal, our biomolecule production platform "BLOOM" has made it possible to "express multiple genes in sequence with an appropriate time delay in a synthetic bacteria." (click here for details). We hope that this platform will be used by many iGEM teams and other synthetic biologists in the future, and that they will produce various biomolecules in a more efficient way or build complex synthetic biological systems to accomplish societal challenges at a faster pace than ever before. “BLOOM” is a platform for innovation.
In addition, for other iGEM teams to contribute to realizing this 9th goal of the SDGs, they can combine our platform with other synthetic biology tools they have focused on to further develop the platform.
As for the 12th goal, we comprehensively supported the entire supply chain of the flower industry by using synthetic biology. This helps flower farmers to fulfill their "responsible production" by reducing various losses in the production, and flower users to fulfill their "responsible consumption" by enjoying the flowers they receive as long as possible.
Furthermore, we noticed that we produced the technology for the flower farmers. Therefore, in order to fulfill our "responsible production" as the producers of the technology, we decided to pursue efficiency and sustainability in the production of biomolecules. This is the biomolecule production platform "BLOOM" as mentioned above.
In this way, the spirit of "Responsible Production and Consumption" was an important concept for our entire project.
In addition, for other iGEM teams to contribute to realizing this 9th goal of the SDGs, they can combine our platform with other synthetic biology tools they have focused on to further develop the platform.
As for the 12th goal, we comprehensively supported the entire supply chain of the flower industry by using synthetic biology. This helps flower farmers to fulfill their "responsible production" by reducing various losses in the production, and flower users to fulfill their "responsible consumption" by enjoying the flowers they receive as long as possible.
Furthermore, we noticed that we produced the technology for the flower farmers. Therefore, in order to fulfill our "responsible production" as the producers of the technology, we decided to pursue efficiency and sustainability in the production of biomolecules. This is the biomolecule production platform "BLOOM" as mentioned above.
In this way, the spirit of "Responsible Production and Consumption" was an important concept for our entire project.
Tackle problems with an environmentally conscious approach
We were extremely careful to choose "environmentally friendly" approaches in constructing our project. In each approach, we used enzymes, peptides, dsRNA, and other biomolecules to detect viruses, control pests, and extend the life of cut flowers. Biomolecules are known to be biodegradable and have little impact on the environment. Therefore, our approach is more environmentally friendly than the existing approaches using chemical synthesis. From this perspective, we can contribute to the two SDGs below.
14 Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
In general, chemical substances are known to have negative effects on the environment. From manufacturing to using and disposing of them, they are discharged into rivers, oceans, and soil, so there are concerns about health hazards and environmental destruction.
For example, SSRIs (serotonin reabsorption inhibitors), known as antidepressants, are not broken down in the human body and are ultimately discharged in urine. In response to this, Lindsey Reisinger of the University of Florida investigated the environmental effects of SSRIs and found that crayfish living in rivers took SSRIs that were discharged into the rivers [2]. They found that the crayfish in the river took SSRIs discharged into the river and became more active and walked for longer periods of time. This may make them more vulnerable to predators such as fishermen and birds in the natural world, and may also disrupt the ecosystem by overfeeding them.
Although the safety of drugs has been investigated to a certain degree, it is often just a test of their effects on living organisms, and their effects from a larger perspective such as the environment and ecosystem are unknown.
Our proposed inhibitor does not use any chemical substances, and is not only effective in the immediate situation, but also considers the impact on the environment after that. In this way, biomolecules that are guaranteed to be degraded will be more useful in terms of sustainable development.
For example, SSRIs (serotonin reabsorption inhibitors), known as antidepressants, are not broken down in the human body and are ultimately discharged in urine. In response to this, Lindsey Reisinger of the University of Florida investigated the environmental effects of SSRIs and found that crayfish living in rivers took SSRIs that were discharged into the rivers [2]. They found that the crayfish in the river took SSRIs discharged into the river and became more active and walked for longer periods of time. This may make them more vulnerable to predators such as fishermen and birds in the natural world, and may also disrupt the ecosystem by overfeeding them.
Although the safety of drugs has been investigated to a certain degree, it is often just a test of their effects on living organisms, and their effects from a larger perspective such as the environment and ecosystem are unknown.
Our proposed inhibitor does not use any chemical substances, and is not only effective in the immediate situation, but also considers the impact on the environment after that. In this way, biomolecules that are guaranteed to be degraded will be more useful in terms of sustainable development.
15 Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
The use of neonicotinoid insecticides is known to increase mortality related CCD (Colony Collapse Disorder) in honey bee colonies [3]. The biological mechanism of the cause is unknown, but it is suggested to be caused by impaired neurological functioning of honeybees and reduced resistance of honeybees to pests. Thus, pesticides used in agriculture and industry may have unexpected adverse effects on the ecosystem. Pesticides used in the flower industry are no exception.
As mentioned above, the pesticides we propose are derived from natural sources and are less likely to harm biological functions, which means that we can protect the ecosystem and the environmental resources it generates.
As mentioned above, the pesticides we propose are derived from natural sources and are less likely to harm biological functions, which means that we can protect the ecosystem and the environmental resources it generates.
The impact of the "flower" chosen as the project theme on society
Flowers have long been man's best friend. Since flowers are an important social and psychological element that makes everyone feel happy and enriches people's minds, we will contribute to the following five SDGs by making the flower industry sustainable and protecting the relationship between people and flowers.
3 Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
First, flowers have the potential to induce distraction from stress and support physical and mental recovery. Viewing a flower image provides automatic recovery effects after psychological stress [4].
Just as viewing natural scenery promotes recovery from psychological stress, viewing images of flowers reduced negative emotions, blood pressure, and cortisol secretion, and fMRI results showed that activation of the right amygdala-hippocampus was suppressed.
Just as viewing natural scenery promotes recovery from psychological stress, viewing images of flowers reduced negative emotions, blood pressure, and cortisol secretion, and fMRI results showed that activation of the right amygdala-hippocampus was suppressed.
4 Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
It is also known that flowers can play a role in good quality education. This is because flowers have the effect of relaxing our psychological state and encouraging us to build better relationships.
For example, in Japan, the council made up of flower farmers in the Tokai region, organized the Flower Education Study Committee, which focused on flower education activities as part of school classes from a young age [5]. They have been involved in various activities such as holding flower arrangement classes as a special activity in partnership with the local community and developing teaching materials using local products in the field of biological training in the Department of Technology and Home Economics.
As part of this project, a questionnaire survey is being conducted at Yahagi Junior High School in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, in which students are asked to take care of a variety of seasonal plants in their classrooms for one year and to examine how this long-term contact with flowers and greenery has affected the students themselves and their school life.
As a result, the following effects were recognized:
For example, in Japan, the council made up of flower farmers in the Tokai region, organized the Flower Education Study Committee, which focused on flower education activities as part of school classes from a young age [5]. They have been involved in various activities such as holding flower arrangement classes as a special activity in partnership with the local community and developing teaching materials using local products in the field of biological training in the Department of Technology and Home Economics.
As part of this project, a questionnaire survey is being conducted at Yahagi Junior High School in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, in which students are asked to take care of a variety of seasonal plants in their classrooms for one year and to examine how this long-term contact with flowers and greenery has affected the students themselves and their school life.
As a result, the following effects were recognized:
- Educational effects
The flowers not only brightened up the atmosphere of the classroom, but also facilitated communication with students who usually do not open up to the flowers, which was useful for student teaching. - Learning effect
By viewing the plants at the same time as their teachers and classmates, the students were able to accumulate knowledge about plants through their daily conversations. When the first-year students visited the third-year students' class, they were surprised to see the difference in the shape of the cyclamen from the one in their own class, and learned about cyclamen management.
8 Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
As we explained above, the diseases and insect pests we have been addressing this year are causing enormous economic losses throughout agriculture. Solving these problems will avoid a total of $290 billion in economic losses worldwide, which will lead to economic growth. In addition, higher per capita productivity due to reduced damage caused by viruses and pests will lead to higher agricultural incomes.
It is also known about the positive impact of placing flowers in offices.
According to a previous study, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in improving the office environment, and an increasing number of offices are placing flowers in their offices. In this previous study, a questionnaire survey was conducted on the psychological effects of the presence of plants on office workers. As a result, it was found that people feel that houseplants in the office have a positive effect on their work, and that flowers are accepted more favorably than house plants because they have a sense of season and a variety of colors, shapes, and textures [6].
In fact, in this year's iGEM Kyoto, we tried to live with flowers by giving each other flowers for members' birthdays and decorating our lab desks with flowers. When we were having a hard time doing experiments or creating wikis, beautiful flowers enriched our hearts and increased our work productivity.
While it is generally accepted that economic growth and environmental issues are difficult to reconcile, here, we resolved the negative interactions of the SDGs by proposing that decorating work spaces with flowers would improve work productivity.
It is also known about the positive impact of placing flowers in offices.
According to a previous study, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in improving the office environment, and an increasing number of offices are placing flowers in their offices. In this previous study, a questionnaire survey was conducted on the psychological effects of the presence of plants on office workers. As a result, it was found that people feel that houseplants in the office have a positive effect on their work, and that flowers are accepted more favorably than house plants because they have a sense of season and a variety of colors, shapes, and textures [6].
In fact, in this year's iGEM Kyoto, we tried to live with flowers by giving each other flowers for members' birthdays and decorating our lab desks with flowers. When we were having a hard time doing experiments or creating wikis, beautiful flowers enriched our hearts and increased our work productivity.
While it is generally accepted that economic growth and environmental issues are difficult to reconcile, here, we resolved the negative interactions of the SDGs by proposing that decorating work spaces with flowers would improve work productivity.
11 Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Recently, as a part of urban development, there is a recent trend to green rooftops of residences, commercial facilities, and offices. This is not only as a heat island countermeasure, but also as a place for employees to relax and form nice community. The introduction of flowers in such places is expected to ease people's psychological stress as explained above, and promote the creation of cities where everyone can sustain to live comfortably [7].
16 Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
In Suginami Ward, Tokyo, Japan, a campaign to plant flowers was held to beautify the streets and eradicate crime.
Suginami Ward, with a population of 528,800, had a record of 1,710 break-ins in 2002, but a vigilance patrol group found that buildings on flower-lined streets were less likely to be burglarized, so they decided to launch "Operation Flower" and asked volunteers to plant seeds on side streets and in front of their homes.
As a result of this and other extensive crime prevention campaigns, the number of robberies in 2008 was reported to have dropped to 390, down almost 80% from 2002[8].
Suginami Ward, with a population of 528,800, had a record of 1,710 break-ins in 2002, but a vigilance patrol group found that buildings on flower-lined streets were less likely to be burglarized, so they decided to launch "Operation Flower" and asked volunteers to plant seeds on side streets and in front of their homes.
As a result of this and other extensive crime prevention campaigns, the number of robberies in 2008 was reported to have dropped to 390, down almost 80% from 2002[8].
Think about the project from a broad perspective by connecting with a variety of people
17 Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
In this project, we were able to work towards the realization of a sustainable society through the cooperation of florists, farmers, and experts in various fields.
The project was shaped through the dedicated efforts of all team members with various talents and personalities, who broke new ground by listening to the voices of the people in the field through Human Practice and consulting with experts in various fields.
The series of activities of iGEM Kyoto 2021 has created a variety of people-to-people interactions. Cooperation between these people can make a small but meaningful step in achieving the major goal of "realizing a sustainable society".
Thank you very much to everyone who helped us.
We are grateful for meeting all of you.
The project was shaped through the dedicated efforts of all team members with various talents and personalities, who broke new ground by listening to the voices of the people in the field through Human Practice and consulting with experts in various fields.
The series of activities of iGEM Kyoto 2021 has created a variety of people-to-people interactions. Cooperation between these people can make a small but meaningful step in achieving the major goal of "realizing a sustainable society".
Thank you very much to everyone who helped us.
We are grateful for meeting all of you.
References
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, The future of food and agriculture Trends and Challenges, https://www.fao.org/3/i6583e/I6583E.pdf
- Alexander J. Reisinger, Lindsey S. Reisinger, Erinn K. Richmond, Emma J. Rosi (2021) "Exposure to a common antidepressant alters crayfish behavior and has potential subsequent ecosystem impacts", Ecosphere, 12, 10.
- Chensheng Lu, Kenneth M. Warchol, Richard A Callahan (2012) "In situ replication of honey bee colony collapse disorder", Bulletin of Insectology, 65, 1, pp.99-106.
- Hiroko Mochizuki-Kawai, Izumi Matsuda, Satoshi Mochizuki (2020) "Viewing a flower image provides automatic recovery effects after psychological stress", Journal of Environmental Psychology, 70, 101445.
- KAKI-ENGEI WEB, (JAPANESE) 東海地域花き普及・振興協議会 -- 中学校で花の効果検証, http://www.kakiengei.jp/news/d/?nid=2014011507.
- Hiroko Imanishi, Masako Namao, Katsuhiko Inamoto, Motoaki Doi, Hideo Imanishi (2002) “Effects of Plants in the Workspace on Attitudes and Perceptions of Employees”, Horticultural Research (Japan), 1, 1, pp.71-74.
- Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, (JAPANESE) 緑を活かした建物の魅力向上ガイドブック, https://www.mlit.go.jp/common/001341506.pdf
- Reuters, "Tokyo residents fight burglars with flower power", https://jp.reuters.com/article/us-japan-flowers/tokyo-residents-fight-burglars-with-flower-power-idUSTRE55B0LN20090612