Biotechnology basics

Ever wonder what is biotechnology? iGEM? what about DNA or bioart?

Use this space to find the answers to your "What is...." questions

The future of science is here: Find out 5 exciting careers in biotechnology!

The future of science is here: Find out 5 exciting careers in biotechnology!

Every day, new advances in biotechnology and genetic engineering reshape our society and economy. Biotechnology (technology that uses biological systems, or “living organisms”) can help us create sustainable food and energy, new materials, innovative medicines, and much more. The biotechnology industry impacts billions of lives every year and is a cornerstone of our civilization. 

Some of the most exciting emerging careers involve biotechnology. Learn about the top 5 emerging careers in biotechnology, and how you can get involved.

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What is iGEM, and how do I get involved?

What is iGEM, and how do I get involved?

iGEM is an independent and non-profit foundation that supports community members who want to learn about genetic engineering. 

They host an international competition every year called the “Giant Jamboree”, where participants get an opportunity to present their work. As of 2022, this competition has been going on for 19 years!

Does this sound like something you would like to get involved in? Read this post to learn how to get started with iGEM.

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What is the Human Genome Project?

What is the Human Genome Project?

A genome is the complete set of DNA that makes an organism what it is. There’s a lot of information that’s packed into our DNA, ranging from our skin and hair color to our susceptibility to certain diseases, which is why it’s so important for us to understand our DNA. 

The Human Genome Project sought out this exact goal and brought together scientists from across the globe to help sequence the entirety of our DNA. 

Learn more about how it was done, and how it has changed what we know about our bodies! 

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What is De-extinction?

What is De-extinction?

De-extinction is the process of recreating extinct species using biotechnology. 

Although there are many opinions about de-extinction, the most heated argument is whether or not it is ethically right or wrong. 

Because humans have caused many animal extinctions due to hunting and harming habitats through industrialization, does it make sense to bring back extinct animals? 

What is your opinion about de-extinction after reading the blog post? Do you think it should or should not be attempted? 

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What is a virus?

What is a virus?

Viruses are tiny, but they pack a big punch. Viruses spread and multiply fast, causing some of the most common and contagious diseases in the world. ... Coronaviruses like the nCov-19, more recently called SARS-CoV-2, which leads to the COVID-19 disease, are single-stranded RNA viruses, which means that their genome consists of a strand of RNA (rather than DNA). 

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