"Biotechnology" is a term used to describe a range of techniques that involve the use live organisms like yeast or bacteria to make a variety of products. These products can be used in many ways. Some are used for food supplements while others are used for drug, cosmetic, and research purposes.
Many biotech innovations result from research done by universities, which often have the responsibility for inventing new technologies. Many products are intended to improve the health of the user and the environment. They often include new enzymes, metabolic engineering, and other novel tools. They can also include genetic modifications, which alter the genetic makeup of a particular gene. These changes can be used to improve the effectiveness of a drug, or for treatment of a disease.
Research groups often bring new technologies to the industry. One example is the creation of a new enzyme that can degrade artificial surfactants. Other examples include tissue engineering, which involves growing cells to produce tissue for implantation, and gene therapy, which replaces a defective gene with a healthy one.
Biotech innovation is also used to produce potent vaccines and create tolerant plants as well as novel pharmaceuticals. These products are often used to target antibiotic-resistant bacteria. They can also be leveraged for other emerging applications.
Recent years have seen the creation of new products by mapping the genes of humans, animals, plants. This includes the development of genetically engineered food products, such as seedless watermelon. Some of these products use new technologies such Marker Assisted Selection.
Biotech innovations also include biofuels made from algae. Algae is a versatile plant that can be grown anywhere. The biomass can be used to produce oil, biodiesel, or used for food supplements. Research into the production of pharmaceuticals also involves algae. This research led to the creation of new substances that can combat AIDS as well as cancer.
Biotech innovations can also be used to produce personal monitoring kits that are specifically designed for patients who have to better manage their diseases. They include products that can measure the levels of various elements in the body. Some products can monitor the environment in which food is grown. These products can be used in order to make foods more suitable to local conditions.
Another example of biotech innovation is the creation biodegradable products. People are searching for alternatives because of growing oil dependence. This is especially true in China, which is experiencing severe air pollution. Therefore, it is imperative to make urgent changes in the supply of energy. New sources of energy are needed, but they must be created in an environmentally-friendly manner.
China has many biotech innovations. One example is the development of mRNA vaccinations that target antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Other products are in preclinical stages. These products are being developed for Parkinson's, other diseases, and they may also be used to fight leukaemia.