Geek Blog

Biotech: Info and Trends

Biotechnology is the manipulation of biological organisms to make products that benefit human beings. Biotechnology contributes to such diverse areas as food production, waste disposal, mining, and medicine.

 

Although biotechnology has existed since ancient times, some of its most dramatic advances have come in more recent years. Modern achievements include the transferal of a specific gene from one organism to another (by means of a set of genetic engineering techniques known as transgenics); the maintenance and growth of genetically uniform plant- and animal-cell cultures, called clones; and the fusing of different types of cells to produce beneficial medical products such as monoclonal antibodies, which are designed to attack a specific type of foreign substance.

 

History:

The modern era of biotechnology had its origin in 1953 when American biochemist James Watson and British biophysicist Francis Crick presented their double-helix model of DNA. This was followed by Swiss microbiologist Werner Arber's discovery in the 1960s of special enzymes, called restriction enzymes, in bacteria. These enzymes cut the DNA strands of any organism at precise points. In 1973 American geneticist Stanley Cohen and American biochemist Herbert Boyer removed a specific gene from one bacterium and inserted it into another using restriction enzymes. This event marked the beginning of recombinant DNA technology, commonly called genetic engineering. In 1977 genes from other organisms were transferred to bacteria. This achievement eventually led to the first transfer of a human gene, which coded for a hormone, to Escherichia coli bacteria. Although the transgenic bacteria (bacteria to which a gene from a different species has been transferred) could not use the human hormone, they produced it along with their own normal chemical compounds.

 

In the 1960s an important project used hybridization followed by selective breeding to increase food production and quality of wheat and rice crops. American agriculturalist Norman Borlaug, who spearheaded the program, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 in recognition of the important contribution that increasing the world's food supply makes to the cause of peace.

 

Modern trends:

Today biotechnology is applied in various fields. In waste management, for example, biotechnology is used to create new biodegradable materials. One such material is made from the lactic acid produced during the bacterial fermentation of discarded corn stalks. When individual lactic acid molecules are joined chemically, they form a material that has the properties of plastics but is biodegradable. Widespread production of plastic from this material is expected to become more economically viable in the future

Biotechnology also has applications in the mining industry. In its natural state, copper is found combined with other elements in the mineral chalcopyrite. The bacterium Thiobacillus ferrooxidans can use the molecules of copper found in chalcopyrite to form the compound copper sulfate (CuSO4), which, in turn, can be treated chemically to obtain pure copper. This microbiological mining process is used only with low-grade ores and currently accounts for about 10 percent of copper production in the United States. The percentage will rise, however, as conventionally mined high-grade deposits are exhausted. Procedures have also been developed for the use of bacteria in the mining of zinc, lead, and other metals.

 

The field of medicine employs some of the most dramatic applications in biotechnology. One advance came in 1986 with the first significant laboratory production of factor VIII, a blood-clotting protein that is not produced, or has greatly reduced activity, in people who have hemophilia. As a result of this condition, hemophiliacs are at risk of bleeding to death after suffering minor cuts or bruises. In this biotechnological procedure, the human gene that codes for the blood-clotting protein is transferred to hamster cells grown in tissue culture, which then produce factor VIII for use by hemophiliacs. Factor VIII was approved for commercial production in 1992.

 

Controversies:

Some people, including scientists, object to any procedure that changes the genetic composition of an organism. Critics are concerned that some of the genetically altered forms will eliminate existing species, thereby upsetting the natural balance of organisms. There are also fears that recombinant DNA experiments with pathogenic microorganisms may result in the formation of extremely virulent forms which, if accidentally released from the laboratory, will cause worldwide epidemics. Some critics cite ethical dilemmas associated with the production of transgenic organisms.

 

In 1976, in response to fears of disastrous consequences of unregulated genetic engineering procedures, the National Institutes of Health created a body of rules governing the handling of microorganisms in recombinant DNA experiments. Although many of the rules have been relaxed over time, certain restrictions are still imposed on those working with pathogenic microorganisms.

 

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You may also browse some sites related to biotech:

• www.accessexcellence.org
• www.biotecknowledge.com
• www.foodbiotech.org
• www.sciweb.com

www.i-geek.blogspot.com

Red Shift: Miracle with quasars

Red Shift, antagonist with gearShifts, are wonder of the modern discovery. This is a shift observed towards longer wavelengths in spectral lines of some or many celestial objects. Lastime when I was revamping my knowledge of astro-physics, red shift got deep in, consequently this brief in here from Encarta-2006 goes like:

Red Shift, shift towards longer wavelengths observed in the lines of spectra of celestial objects. The American astronomer Edwin Powell Hubble, in 1929, linked the red shift observed in spectra of galaxies to the expansion of the universe. Hubble suggested that this red shift, called the cosmological red shift, is caused by the Doppler effect and hence indicates the speed of recession of the galaxies—and, by using Hubble's law, the distances of the galaxies.

A second mechanism for the red shift is the gravitational red shift, also called the Einstein shift. It was predicted by Albert Einstein's general relativity theory, according to which periodic processes are slowed down in a gravitational field. The Einstein shift is noticeable in the spectra of compact massive stars, such as white dwarfs.

The large red shifts observed in quasars are generally believed to be cosmological. Some scientists, however, believe that the red shifts in quasars are caused by the Einstein shift or by another unknown mechanism.

Do You Love Someone This Much?

 

A girl and a guy were speeding over 100 mph on the road on a motorcycle……..

 

Girl: Slow down. I’m scared.

Guy: No this is fun.

Girl: No its not. Please, its too scary.

Guy: Then tell me you love me.

Girl: Fine, I love you. Slow down!

>>> ……>>

Guy: Now give me a BIG hug.

>>> Girl hugs him>>>

Guy: Can you take my helmet off & put it on yourself? It’s bugging me.

 

 

 

>>> In the paper the next day: A motorcycle had crashed into a building because of brake failure. Two people were on it. But only one survived.

 

>>> Truth >>>

 

The truth was that halfway down the road, the guy realized that his brakes broke, but didn’t let the girl know it. Instead, he had her say she loved him and felt her hug him one last time, then had her wear his helmet so that she would live even though it meant that he would die.

 

If there’s anyone in life you love this much, please comment on.

Nepal King finally addresses the nation!

 Proclamation to the Nation from His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev (21 April 2006)

Beloved Countrymen,
You are all aware that, given the situation prevailing in the country then, we were compelled to take the decision of 1 February 2005 to set in motion a meaningful exercise in multiparty democracy by activating all elected bodies, ensuring peace and security and a corruption-free good governance through the collective wisdom, understanding and the united efforts of all the Nepalese. By supporting our decision, the Nepalese people made amply clear their desire for peace and democracy and the civil servants demonstrated sincerity towards their duties. We are appreciative of this. We also have high regard for the dutifulness, valour and discipline displayed by the security personnel, upholding their glorious traditions.
By visiting different parts of the country, we made honest endeavours to acquaint ourselves with the hopes and aspirations of our people, mitigate their hardships and boost their morale. We also called on the political parties to enter into a dialogue in the interest of the nation and people afflicted by violence and terrorism. However, this did not materialise. The ideals of democracy can be realised only through the active participation of political parties. In keeping with the traditions of the Shah Dynasty to reign in accordance with the popular will in the greater interest of the nation and people and our unflinching commitment towards Constitutional Monarchy and multiparty democracy, we, through this Proclamation, affirm that the Executive Power of the Kingdom of Nepal, which was in our safekeeping, shall, from this day, be returned to the people and be exercised in accordance with Article 35 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal - 1990. As the source of Sovereign Authority is inherent in the people, harmony
and understanding must be preserved in the interest of the nation and people in an environment of peace and security. While safeguarding multiparty democracy, the nation must be taken ahead along the road of peace and prosperity by bringing into the democratic mainstream those who have deviated from the constitutional path. Similarly, a meaningful exercise in democracy must be ensured with the activation of representative bodies through elections as soon as possible. We, therefore, call upon the Seven Party Alliance to recommend a name, for the post of Prime Minister, at the earliest for the constitution of the Council of Ministers which will bear the responsibility of governing the country in accordance with the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal - 1990. The present Council of Ministers will continue to function until the appointment of the Prime Minister.
May Lord Pashupatinath bless us all!
Jaya Nepal!
(Unofficial Translation)
Source: Royal Palace Secretariat

 

Future Summit: Fate of the future!

 

 

Future on the Earth is beyond our imagination. By 2035, we would have enchanting wow! Are we living? There is no doubt that many scientific innovations are already crouching our way of life. Cyborgs are no more human dreams, fantasy will rule our mind. A little brain to think of the earthly phenomenon of decades ahead!

 

One of the ever to be organized assembly on Future Summit is certainly going to procreate advancements we’d have never thought of. Projects that could lead to new sources of energy; cures for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and migraine headaches; machines that will soon fill the world around us, as well as machines we'll implant in ourselves. CNN Future Summit is what this all about.

 

An Englishman in Singapore. An Australian in Boston. An American in Toulouse. One is seeking to create artificial life; others to create artificial intelligence. The committee of ten helping to shape our discussion of the future of science and technology is really immense to talk of.

 

A CNN Future Summit technology profile has details to be explored. I suggest You visit these pages which discuss the following scopes and areas to be expounded.

 

ü       Cybernetics: Merging machine and man

Ever since our ancestors first started making tools, humanity has been trying to go beyond its limitations to improve on the way our bodies interact with nature.

 

ü       Robots: The future is now

Humans have always been fascinated by the idea of robots. Science-fiction, so often the medium through which society explores the potential impact of new technology, has always been obsessed with robots, and some of the most enduring sci-fi characters have been robots, from R2D2 and C3PO, to The Terminator and Data.

 

ü       The promise of stem cell research

Chances are very good you've heard about stem cells. Whether from reports of their almost miraculous ability to cure and restore, or very public controversies over their source or the research itself, stem cells have been a hot topic in the news for years.

 

ü       The code of life

Genes are the basic building blocks of life, and in studying them genetic science is giving us the ability to adapt and alter ourselves fundamentally, providing unprecedented opportunities to improve on nature.

 

 

Some areas to be explored in this summit are from genetic engineering, cyborg, genetic testing, future of humanity, brain signals and their utilizations with recordings, making work on beyond human ability thru human themselves, possibility of stem cell therapy: applications and workings, robots on daily lives, society; and work, humanoid robots to befren, and so many. I could just point out some few over here. You may be delighted to visit these topics in detail, click here.

Another outbreak from Yahoo Mail!

Another outbreak from Yahoo Mail!
Whois going to create an IM society and what is this Y! to do with. Another forwarded message stating Yahoo to charge you for using IM...

Read yourself....

 

Hey, sorry to break the news but you have 6 days 2 send this or you can say buh bye to your account. Yahoo is going to charge ten dollars a month for instant messenger to whoever doesn't send this message your account wil be deactivated and it will cost ten dollars a month to use it!!! To send this to everyone on your list right click on your group then click send message to all in group sorry about this.....DO NOT DELETE.....we want to find out which of our users are actually using their yahoo. -gM-