What is synthetic biology?

According to NIH National Human Genome Research Institute, synthetic biology is a field of science that involves redesigning organisms for useful purposes by engineering them to have new abilities. Synthetic biologists can create microorganisms harnessed for bioremediation to clean pollutants from our water, soil and air;  create modified rice to produce beta-carotene, a nutrient usually associated with carrots, that prevents vitamin A deficiency; engineered Yeast to produce rose oil as an eco-friendly and sustainable substitute for real roses that perfumers use to make luxury scents.

References:

https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/policy-issues/Synthetic-Biology