What is Biotechnology
Biotechnology can be defined as an application of knowledge or techniques that use living organisms or derivatives for producing consumer goods, materials and energy. It uses living organisms such as bacteria, plants, animals or other types of cells while manipulating their genetic makeup to produce proteins for dietary supplements, drugs or chemicals for use by various industries. Examples include using yeast which can ferment sugars for beer production while using enzymes produced by bacteria to create cheese from cow's milk.
The biotechnology industry was first started as a research facility to study problems in genetics and molecular biology. Research at the time were developed by small biotech companies which provided a huge impact on modern medicine. Since then, it has grown significantly and is now used in different industries for various purposes such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, environment and others.
Biotechnology in Pharmaceutical Industry
Biotechnology plays a major role in the life science industry. For instance, companies like Genentech work with recombinant DNA to generate human insulin for treating diabetes patients while other genetic treatment was developed by large corporations such as Hoffman-La Roche (NYSE:ROG), Novartis (NYSE:NVS), GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE:GSK) and AstraZeneca (LSE:AZN). Companies like Monsanto (NYSE:MON) used biotechnology to create genetically engineered seeds which are resistant to drought conditions while some produce products commonly found on supermarket shelves today. Organic farming has increasingly popular not only because of the trend but because of the benefits it brings to the environment.
The biotechnology industry is also used in pharmaceuticals, therapeutics and diagnostics. Companies like Genentech are using biotechnology to develop new lifesaving drugs. For example, they are working on developing treatments for cancer, inflammatory diseases and other serious illnesses which are common among aging baby boomers today. Biotechnology is now being used in the discovery phase of drug development through genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics methods to identify targets for intervention or diagnosis as well as patient response to therapy. Companies like Becton Dickinson (NYSE:BDX), ThermoFisher Scientific (NYSE:TMO) provide equipment that allows scientists to analyse genomes by sequencing and other laboratory tools. In vitro diagnostics, for example, is used to detect bacteria, viruses and other pathogens in a short period of time while biopharmaceuticals are used in the treatment of cancer through monoclonal antibodies.
Pharmaceutical drugs can be used not only to treat physical conditions but mental ones as well. Drug companies like Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd (OTSKF:OTSK) saw a potential market for their products due to the rapid growth of aging population in Japan and developed antipsychotic drug Abilify which treats people suffering from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Biotechnology is also under research for use in stem cell therapy by creating embryonic-like stem cells that can transform into any type of cell in the body to treat conditions like diabetes, Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injuries.
Biotechnology in Agriculture Industry
The biotechnology industry is also used in agriculture by companies like Monsanto Company (MON) which created genetically engineered seeds that are resistant to drought or insects. They use biotechnology to create herbicide-tolerant crops which are more productive than conventional ones with less risk of weed contamination through spraying of herbicides. Some GMO products are found on supermarket shelves today but there are still concerns about human health due to lack of long term studies showing potential risks it might bring.
On the other hand, the role of biotech in modern agriculture is crucial for improving crop productivity and food quality while providing environmentally friendly methods in controlling plant pests and diseases.Biofertilizers are being developed by companies like Solanum Trilobatum Ltd.
which is a research startup company in India to increase crop productivity while reducing the use of chemical fertilizers. It uses biotechnology to produce nitrogen-fixing bacteria for supplying nitrogen required by plants in different soils, climate conditions and geographic locations. This improves soil fertility while helping curb food shortages which are common among developing countries.
Biotechnology in Food Industry
The role of biotech in modern agriculture has contributed to providing clean, safe food supplies for growing populations around the world without harming the environment. Companies like Astrazeneca have worked on producing microorganisms that can breakdown toxins found in contaminated waters due to oil spills at sea.
It has been reported that a microbe known as phytase was discovered in the soil of sugar beet fields that can break down carcinogenic toxins. Companies like Merial have also worked on developing vaccines to protect livestock from deadly diseases such as foot and mouth disease which affects mostly farm animals. Biotechnology research is now being used to develop pest-resistant crops, prevent or reduce crop damage from insects, weeds or infectious plant diseases while improving food quality and nutritional value.
In addition to agricultural uses, biotechnology is now finding a role for use in forestry products by companies like International Paper Company (NYSE:IP). It made an investment into biotech startup company ArborGen LLC which allows trees to produce desired traits such as increased wood fiber yield, faster growth rates and improved resistance to disease. Company officials believe that biotechnology can reduce the amount of chemicals used for controlling pests which are harmful to forests while promoting sustainable forestry management practices.
Future Implications of Biotech Research
"A popular line of thinking in the scientific world today is that humans could one day be genetically altered so as to resist aging and also gain superior health, strength and intelligence. Recent breakthroughs in genetic sequencing technology have made it possible for scientists to map out entire genomes or strands of DNA with increasing accuracy, raising the possibility that one day doctors might use this information to create genetically modified humans able to live longer, healthier lives."
This field of biotechnology has contributed to improving human health by developing new forms of medications that are more effective in curing various types of diseases with fewer side effects. Biopharmaceutical companies like Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN) have used biotechnology to develop different drugs that have improved the quality of life for many people suffering from illnesses such as anemia, osteoporosis or breast cancer, among others. Its biosimilar drug known as Inflectra is now being used by patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease which are autoimmune conditions involving inflammation in the joints or intestinal tract respectively. It is indicated for use before surgery to reduce pain while also being used after surgical procedures to prevent post-surgical adhesions.
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