Everyday Biotechnology

The Strange Bird We Bring Home for Thanksgiving Dinner
Selective breeding can produce some strange results beyond anything done with genetic engineering. Take the modern domestic turkey, for example...

The Impact of Whole Genome DNA Sequencing on Health Care
As DNA sequencing costs are coming down to the point where this technology can transition from basic research to a routine medical use, there is a lot of discussion how this new in depth information genetic will really affect health care. A couple new studies demonstrate how this technology could be practically used to improve health care of...

Reanimation, Blood Therapy, and Werewolves
The connections Dracula, werewolves,and Frankenstein's monster have with the life sciences and biotechnology.

Biotechnology and Your Holiday Meal
Biotechnology is part of our everyday lives, Christmas included. In addition to the more familiar products of biotechnology, some of the more traditional Christmas foods, some dating back centuries, incorporate the use of microorganisms and a knowledge of how to control them. These include Christmas cake (plum pudding), wassail, jellies, cheeses, and stollen.

Enzyme Biotechnology Products in Your Daily Life
A list of common products of enzyme biotechnology that are used every day in and around the home, such as paper products, detergents, textiles and foods and beverages. These household items are the result of commercialization of natural and recombinant enzymes produced by genetic protein engineering.

What do Fireflies Have to do With Biotechnology?
Fireflies are nocturnal flying beetles that generate light in their abdomen, via a chemical reaction. Find out how firefly luminescence has become a widely used tool in biotechnology.