Biology and Bioengineering
Unlocking the power of biology and bioengineering for biodefense and biosecurity
We work to measure, understand, and harness biological systems and processes to drive innovation and enable new capabilities to address critical challenges to national security and human health. Our expertise spans the domains of biochemistry, molecular biology, virology, microbiology, plant biology, marine biology, genomics, bioinformatics, microfluidics, and computational biology.
Related Projects
Advancing Biomanufacturing for National Security
Researchers at APL are combining their technical expertise, creativity, and national security acumen to put biomanufacturing to work to make supply chains more secure, strengthen the defense industrial base, and produce materials wherever and whenever.
Biological Threat Analysis
APL is developing innovative ways to evaluate biological threats in a natural environment.
Enlisting eDNA to Understand Ecosystems
APL researchers are using genetic information to observe animals, plants, and microbes in their natural environments, and pioneering environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis methods to study marine ecosystems that the world relies on as the foundation of global food webs.
Neuroscience-Inspired Artificial Intelligence
Developing next-generation learning algorithms that draw inspiration from biological nervous systems to revolutionize intelligent systems.
Reversing the Loss of Coral Reefs
Recognizing the need to safeguard America’s coastlines and the value natural structures play in their protection, APL researchers are finding ways to use materials science to support coral reef growth and restoration.
Related News
News
Oct 29, 2024
Johns Hopkins Teams Poised to Create Transformative Technologies
Cheap and plentiful hydrogen harvested from water. Lightning-fast biocomputers running on brain-like substrates. Widely available noninvasive brain scans for early detection of neurological disease. A visual prosthesis in the form of glasses that returns sight to people with previously incurable vision loss. These are the four boundary-pushing proposals funded in this year’s cycle of the SURPASS initiative.
News
Oct 15, 2024
Johns Hopkins APL Biomanufacturing Breakthroughs Bolster National Security
APL researchers are developing biological solutions to address some of the most pressing security challenges facing the nation, including supply chain reliance, industrial base improvement and eco-friendly waste removal.
News
Jul 25, 2024
Unveiling the Nation’s Bold Strategy to Advance Environmental DNA: Key Workshop Takeaways
Over 250 scientists, practitioners and policymakers recently gathered on Johns Hopkins APL’s campus for the Third National Workshop on Marine Environmental DNA to launch a new federal aquatic eDNA National Strategy, discuss state-of-the-art eDNA science, and identify implementation opportunities that will realize the full potential of eDNA as a tool to monitor aquatic ecosystems.
Feature Story
May 21, 2024
Into Vanishing Ice
The melting Arctic is creating new trade, economic and operational opportunities — but also new challenges that could threaten the U.S. border and the region’s fragile ecosystem. Researchers at Johns Hopkins APL are pooling their expertise and established experience in materials, modeling, AI and sensing to develop the technology and knowledge for a sustainable and lasting foothold in this rapidly changing region.
News
Apr 25, 2024
Johns Hopkins APL Developing a Suite of Solutions to Address Coastal Challenges
As coastlines become more difficult to secure, APL is combining expertise in materials engineering, marine biology, plant biology, computer science and modeling to fortify coastal resilience.