-
10,000 BCE
Agriculture
When humans started harvesting wheat, they noticed that the grains scattered too much when cut. They found a new hybrid wheat with larger grains and heavier seeds that won't be carried by the wind. This plant resulted in the mating between emmer wheat and a strain of wild goat grass. We still use this kind of wheat today in the production of brean and grain products. -
Gregor Mendel
He created the modern science of genetics by proving that seed color and shape in garden peas are inherited and that every trait was influenced by each parent. -
E. Coli and Insulin
Before the use of E. Coli bacteria for the production of insulin, scientist would extract insulin from other animals and transfer it to humans. Often times people have sever reactions to this insulin. Human insulin can be produced in E. Coli so it accepted by the human body, and won’t cause any bad reactions. -
Disease Detection
Food suspected of containing salmonella is mixed with the antibodies. If salmonella antigens are present, the antibodies will bind to and kill the salmonella. These antibodies will not bind to any other antigen. -
CAT and NMR Technology
Computer assisted tomography (CAT) uses beams of X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the body. When combined together, this creates a three-dimensional image of structures inside the body. 3D images can also be produced by Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). An NMR uses radio waves and a magnetic field to make an image based on chemical composition of body parts. CAT scans show structured based on their ability of block X-rays but NMR shows the chemical differences in the body. -
What is Biotechnology?
Biotechnology is the use of our growing understanding of the genetic and physical biology of living organisms to develop new products and services to improve many different fields of technology. -
Top Biotech. Companies
Amgen, Biogen Idec, and Celgene are among the most widely known biotech companies -
How Biotechnology is Used
Healthcare/ pharmaceuticals (drug discovery and development, clinical trials, personalized medicine and diagnostics)
Agriculture/ Food (GMO’s, improving quality and nutritional value of food)
Industrial Manufacturing (textiles and plastics)
Biofules
Mining
Pollution monitoring and waste management (biosensors, bioremediation)
Conservation (CBOL)
Biodefense
Forensics
Human Origins -
The Future of Biotechnology
The biotechnology industry has been increasing at a constant rate over the years and it is only suppose to go up from there.
