Over 100 scientists from around the world are preparing to build machines out of microscopic biological components. The teams, most of whom are students, will be competing against each other and have 3 months from June to build their machines. The competition, in its 6th year, is run by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston, who will provide the registry from where teams will order components; the registry details 3200 biological parts and is the equivalent to a hardware store. These parts are known as 'biobricks', hence the first prize trophy will be a metal Lego brick the size of a shoebox.Competition organisers aim to accelerate progress in synthetic technology, and in previous years potentially useful machines have been created. However, critics have concerns that dangerous new organisms may be accidentally created, or that terrorists may pick up the knowledge to engineer deadly viral strains.

Meagan Reeves, assistant director of the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition, said: 'Our Mission has been to see if we can use biological parts to build things and operate them.' One of Britain's best hopes this year is headed by Paul Freemont, co-founder of the Institute of Systems and Synthetic Biology at Imperial College London. They have yet to decide what to build, but one idea involves using vats of bacteria to make clothing. (guardian.co.uk 2009; 15 April)