Category Archives: Biotechnology

"Bioscience" redirects here. For the scientific journal, see BioScience. For life sciences generally, see life science. Biotechnology is the use of living systems and organisms to develop or make products, or "any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use" (UN Convention on Biological Diversity, Art. 2).[1] Depending on the tools and applications, it often overlaps with the (related) fields of bioengineering, biomedical engineering, biomanufacturing, molecular engineering, etc. For thousands of years, humankind has used biotechnology in agriculture, food production, and medicine.[2] The term is largely believed to have been coined in 1919 by Hungarian engineer Kroly Ereky. In the late 20th and early 21st century, biotechnology has expanded to include new and diverse sciences such as genomics, recombinant gene techniques, applied immunology, and development of pharmaceutical therapies and diagnostic tests.[2] The wide concept of "biotech" or "biotechnology" encompasses a wide range of procedures for modifying living organisms according to human purposes, going back to domestication of animals, cultivation of the plants, and "improvements" to these through breeding programs that employ artificial selection and hybridization. Modern usage also includes genetic engineering as well as cell and tissue … Continue reading →

Related Links http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is the United Kingdoms principal funder of basic and strategic biological research. To deliver its mission, the BBSRC supports research and training in universities and research centers and promotes knowledge transfer from research to applications in business, industry and policy, and public engagement in the biosciences. The site contains extensive articles on the ethical and social issues involved in animal biotechnology. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources and related issues through public policy, the best available science and efficient management. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture is part of the USDA; its site contains information about the science behind animal biotechnology and a glossary of terms. Related topics also are searchable, including animal breeding, genetics and many others. The Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology is an independent, objective source of information on agricultural biotechnology. Funded by a grant from the Pew Charitable Trusts to the University of Richmond, it advocates neither for nor against agricultural biotechnology. Instead, the initiative is committed to providing information and encouraging dialogue so consumers and policy-makers can make their own informed decisions. Animal biotechnology is the … Continue reading →

Recruitment and Retention To succeed and grow in the 21st century economy, biotechnology employers need to fill each position in their companies - from entry-level to the most advanced - with qualified and skilled individuals. Because the industry is experiencing such rapid growth, biotechnology firms often demand more skilled workers than are available and are projected to need more workers than are currently enrolled in training programs. Skills Competencies and Training While there may be instances where locally industry-driven career ladders and competency models exist, there is a challenge with the lack of nationally-recognized articulated skills competencies and career ladders as well as sources of training. However, the biotechnology industry's challenges in this area are complicated by the rapidly changing environment in which the industry operates. Advances in the underlying sciences have a continuous effect on the technology and processes used by the biotechnology industry; making it necessary for employees working in the industry to upgrade their skills to maintain productivity. Image and Outreach to the Public There is a need for clear information about career options within the biotechnology industry geared towards youth, educators and job seekers for career exploration and recruitment activities. Currently this lack of available information … Continue reading →

Track 1:Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Pharmaceutical Biotechnology is the science that covers all technologies required for producing, manufacturing and registration of biological drugs.Pharmaceutical Biotechnologyis an increasingly important area of science and technology. It contributes in design and delivery of new therapeutic drugs,diagnosticagents for medical tests, and in gene therapy for correcting the medical symptoms of hereditary diseases. The Pharmaceutical Biotechnology is widely spread, ranging from many ethical issues to changes inhealthcarepractices and a significant contribution to the development of national economy.Biopharmaceuticalsconsists of large biological molecules which areproteins. They target the underlying mechanisms and pathways of a disease or ailment; it is a relatively young industry. They can deal with targets in humans that are not accessible with traditional medicines. RelatedBiotechnology Conferences 6thWorld Congress onBiotechnology, October 05-07, 2016, New Delhi India; 10thAsia PacificBiotechCongress July 25-27, 2016, Bangkok, Thailand; 2ndIndustrialBiotechnologyCongress, July 28-29, 2016, Berlin, Germany; 12thBiotechnologyCongress, Nov 14-15, 2016, San Francisco, USA; Global Biotechnology Congress 2016, May 11th - 14th 2016, Boston, MA, USA;BiomarkerSummit 2016, March 21-23, 2016 San Diego, CA, USA; 14th Vaccines Research & Development, July 7-8, 2016 Boston, USA; Pharmaceutical &Biotech Patent LitigationForum, Mar 14 - 15, 2016, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Track 2:Biotechnology in Health Care Biotechnology in health care represents the … Continue reading →

The world has witnessed extraordinary advances in science over the last few decades. Biotechnology - one such area of growth - is a term covering a broad range of scientific activities used in many sectors, such as food, health and agriculture. It involves the use of living organisms or parts of living organisms to provide new methods of production and the making of new products. Biotechnology (also commonly referred to as the life sciences, genetic modification or engineering and genomics) is presenting us with new knowledge, products and methods such as: Like any new technology there are potential benefits and risks. Health Canada is dedicated to following all aspects of the evolution of this technology in particular assessing the benefits and risks in order to help Canadians maintain and improve their health. This section outlines Health Canada's role and responsibilities, as well as the department's first-rate regulatory system and the products it regulates. In addition, you will learn about our current biotechnology-related research activities that are aimed at generating new knowledge and developing new ways to evaluate, assess and monitor products. Visit us regularly, as new material and resources will be added in our ongoing effort to provide you with … Continue reading →

CAREERS To post job/internship opportunities, employers must email BioHealth.info@Maryland.gov a request to post a job/internship link which includes the link to the job description (including application instructions, and the point of contacts name, title, organization address, phone and email.) CurrentOpenings: Dont miss the nextindustry event! Check out our calendar for a list ofBio events. Marylands colleges and universities offer dozens of biohealth technology certificate, two and four year and advanced degree, continuing education and specialized training programs in fields ranging from nanotechnology to biomedical engineering, biotechnology manufacturing to clinical trials project management. A sampling of life sciences related programs are listed below. For more questions, or specific training needs, please contact the Maryland Department of Commerces Office of BioHealth and Life Sciencesfor more information. Four Year Colleges and Universities: Community Colleges: The continuing growth of Biotechnology companies is dependent upon the level of training and education and skills of their workers. Marylands colleges and universities not only offer a wealth of biotechnology education and training programs, but also most willcustomize training targeted to specific needs. A number of private and nonprofit organizations also offer training. These programs include: Bio-Trac Bio-Trac offers hands-on biotechnology training workshops that are ideal for bench … Continue reading →

MARYLAND TECHNOLOGY ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE PATHS FOR MARYLAND ENTREPRENEURS & INNOVATORS BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND EDUCATION PROGRAM Overview Mtech's Biotechnology Research and Education Program (BREP) is the region's premier biotechnology, biopharmaceutical and biofuel research center, designed to bolster Maryland's burgeoning biotechnology industry. The program consists of two core facilities dedicated to providing supplemental research to academia, government and industry. Bioprocessing Scale-Up Facility (BSF) The BSF offers a broad range of bioprocess scale-up and production services, including fermentation, cell culture, separation, purification and product analysis. The BSF's capabilities include up to 250-liter fermentations. Past clients have included Martek Biosciences, MedImmune, NIH, Digene, NIST, and the US Army. MORE >>> Biopharmaceutical Advancement Facility (BAF) The BAF specializes in the development of cell culture-based biopharmaceutical products. The facility's staff members offer extensive expertise in addressing challenging problems with the advancement of anchorage-dependent or suspension-adapted cell lines. MORE >>> The Biotechnology Research and Education Program maintains strong links to the Clark School of Engineerings Fischell Department of Bioengineering which offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degree programs. The Clark School also offers a graduate certification in bioengineering. Learn more about the Fischell Department of Bioengineering BREP's expert staff offer customized training in many aspects of bioprocessing for … Continue reading →

While at St. Edwards University in Austin, TX, I was awarded a Presidential Award in my last year as an undergraduate. I have a doctorate in microbiology, and I have worked with Ebola and Marburg viruses as a researcher at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute in San Antonio, TX, under the direction of Jean L. Patterson. In 2013, I published two peer-reviewed articles on my virus research. When working with students, my main goal is to challenge them to become problem solvers. Facts in all fields of study are in continuous evolution, and students therefore must understand that texts provide the basis for future discovery. As an educator, I require my students to think about contemporary challenges in science which in turn would help them understand how they too can become contributors to scientific thought and understanding. Martin Sulkanen, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Physics My Ph.D. in physics from Cornell University led me to a post-doctoral fellowship at Los Alamos National Laboratory, and a career in astrophysics with companies and organizations such as NASA Marshall Flight Center, Michigan Research and Development Center, and Leidos, Inc. Because of my lifelong fascination with the profound consequences of the basic principles of physics … Continue reading →

Find solutions for a better world at the NSLC on Biotechnology. '; The National Student Leadership Conference has a unique partnership with American University to offer college credit for our high school summer programs. The American University is distinguished as a premier global university and known for turning ideas into action and action into service. As a result of this NSLC/AU alliance, students attending the NSLCs summer programs for high school students have the opportunity to take college credit classes taught by American University faculty at all NSLC locations. This credit option enhances your education within the framework of your program experience, without interrupting NSLC activities. Read more about earning college credit through your NSLC program. Visit research labs Learn from scientists, doctors and engineers working in advanced research labs during exclusive hands-on tours. Hands-on experiments Learn the basics of DNA manipulation during intensive biotech experiments. Explore cutting-edge technologies used in the fields of medicine, energy production, agriculture, and bioengineering. While at the NSLC, you will have the opportunity to step into the lab and learn hands-on the skills used in the field of biotechnology to manipulate DNA and create products like better medicines and cleaner fuels. Lab experiences will … Continue reading →

Frontiers in Biotechnology Biotechnology is an innovative science in which living systems and organisms are used to develop new and useful products, ranging from healthcare products to seeds. The field of Biotechnology is growing rapidly making tremendous impacts in Medical/Health Care, Food & Agriculture. The Global Biotechnology industry is in the growth phase of its economic life cycle. Over the five years to 2014, revenue and industry value added (IVA) growth have outpaced world GDP growth. The Frontiers in Biotechnology track will cover current technological aspects that aim at obtaining products with scientific, industrial, health and agricultural applications, from organisms with increasing levels of complexity from bacteria, yeast, plants, animal cells and virus. With the lectures and demonstrations on stem cell therapy, Embryo transfer technology, next generation sequencing, Drug discovery, biotechnology in food and dairy, etc... The participants are expected to acquire knowledge in techniques and methodologies used in Biotechnology. Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Pharmaceutical Biotechnology is the science that covers all technologies required for producing, manufacturing and registration of biological drugs.Pharmaceutical Biotechnologyis an increasingly important area of science and technology. It contributes in design and delivery of new therapeutic drugs,diagnosticagents for medical tests, and in gene therapy for correcting the medical … Continue reading →