Ginkgo is part of a field called “synthetic biology” that holds immense promise — but also freaks people out. It involves writing genetic code and inserting it into simple organisms to change their function.

If microbes could be programmed as easily as software, the varieties of molecules used in foods, fragrances and other products would multiply–a vision that Ginkgo Bioworks Inc. aims to achieve after raising $9 million in Series A venture financing.

Gingko Bioworks sounds kind of like a mad science lab of the future. The Boston-based biotech company is currently working on a project with DARPA to treat antibiotic-resistant germs, using designer microbes to convert CO2 emissions into fuel and is somehow making yeast smell like roses.