Biotechnology is the technology for the 21th century by John B Galt

Biotechnology is a popular term for the generic technology of the 21st century. Biotechnology is also used to recycle, treat waste, clean up sites contaminated by industrial activities (bioremediation), and also to produce biological weapons. Biotechnology is also commonly associated with landmark breakthroughs in new medical therapies to treat diabetes, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, cancers, arthritis, haemophilia, bone fractures, multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular as well as molecular diagnostic devices than can be used to define the patient population. Biotechnology is being used to engineer and adapt organisms especially microorganisms in an effort to find sustainable ways to cleanup contaminated environments.

Biotechnology

Biotechnology is being used to speed up breeding programmes for plants, livestock and fish and to extend the range of traits that can be addressed. Biotechnology is used in disease diagnostics and for the production of vaccines against animal diseases. Biotechnology can make the application of conventional breeding methods more efficient. Biotechnology has long been a source of innovation in livestock and aquaculture production and processing and has had a profound impact on both sectors.

Research

Research is focusing on the development of cleaner industrial products and processes and on more sustainable agricultural practices. Researchers in biotech - the country's second-most developed science after astronomy - were also able to expand their knowledge into other biotech applications. In the issue of embryonic stem cell research, for example, stem cells can only be extracted from a week old embryo, something many, including this reviewer, consider to be the very early stages of human life, and therefore should not be sacrificed for the possible good of others.

Genetic

Genetic engineering can be applied to humans to replace or supplement defective genes. Genetically altered mammalian cells, such as Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells, are also widely used to manufacture pharmaceuticals. Genetic variation of a species or population can be assessed in the field or by studying molecular and other markers in the laboratory. Genetic linkage maps can be used to locate and select for genes affecting traits of economic importance in plants or animals. Genetic fingerprinting has been used in advanced tree-breeding programmes in which the correct identification of clones for large-scale propagation programmes is essential.

Biotechnology is the science for this century. Biotechnology is a collection of tools that can be applied to many areas of food and agriculture (including animals, crops, fish and forest trees). Biotechnology is enhancing medical research and treatment, and it is helping farmers be more productive. Biotechnology is critical to the survival of the planet, President Bill Clinton told members of the industry from around the world who gathered at BIO 2006 in Chicago earlier this month. Biotechnology is a broad umbrella encompassing the polarities of fundamental and applied research. Biotechnology is making a significant impact on food production, with great potential for future advancements.

About the Author:
Who is John B Galt? John B Galt is an avid writer and frequent contributor to thefreshest.info. Click for more info about biotechnology.