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 BiotechEvery day we learn more about how to manipulate our genes and the genes of other species. Great possibilities and tough ethical choices loom on the horizon. Come be part of the discoveries and the discussions. |
Research scientists
| Research scientists are making huge breakthroughs in understanding the potential uses of bacteria. Some strains can be used for cleaning up environmental contamination of soils and underground water reservoirs. Others can be used to generate electricity out of mud and organic wastes. |
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Research scientists
| Research scientists have made huge advances in understanding basic biological functions through studying simple life forms, such as viruses and bacteria. These fundamental discoveries of how living things work, help scientists solve real-world problems that effect human quality of life. Many of these break-throughs are helping find cures for various diseases, such as AIDS and hepatitis. |
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Research scientists
| More and more couples are turning to reproductive technologies when they have challenges conceiving. Many of the techniques have been developed through research done for animal breeding purposes. Scientists continue to break new ground in animal biotech labs. Many of these tools will be transferred to the human reproductive sciences. |
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Research Scientists
| Farm animals can produce more than just food. Animal research scientists are developing new animal breeds that naturally create human antibodies (such as immunoglobulin), cells, and tissues. These valuable components can then be used for research or transplanted into people to cure human diseases. |
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Research scientists
| After a new vitamin or other compund is identified, food scientists work to find ways to stabilize and incorporate the compund into foods. Sometimes this is accomplished through specially breeding a plant to inherently produce more of the component. Other times scientists find ways to stabilize the component so less of it is lost in processing or transportation. |
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Animal research scientists
| Animal research scientists develop new breeds of animals for many purposes. Some focus on creating healthier stock that have a reduced need for antibiotics. Others work towards making domesticated animals viable for geographic areas that currently can't support them. Still others are breeding animals who naturally create human antibodies. |
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Research scientists
| Farmers and other growers have been seletively saving seed and cross-pollinating plants for many years to improve the quality of plant strains and to create new breeds with the best properties of two different plants. Research scientists use the same principles but with more sophisticated tools to create new plant varieties that have increased resistance to disease, better nutritional properties, and higher production yields. |
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Research and field scientists
| Scientists in many fields are contributing to this issue. Some are working to develop new plant breeds that require less fertilizers and pesticides. Others are testing to find pesticides that are less harmful to the environment. Similar work is being done on the animal side to minimize the use of hormones and antibiotics in livestock. |
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