Research areas

Abstract

Biotechnology provides both benefits and risks. Plant biotechnology has improved agricultural yields, and along with microbial biotechnology, it has developed antibiotics and genetically derived drugs. The tools of biotechnology include DNA sequencing, recombinant DNA technologies, DNA synthesis, and genome editing. These technologies hold promise for new treatments for diseases, such as CRISPR/Cas9 for repairing genetic defects. However, the rapid pace of progress and falling costs carry the risk that biotechnology work could move out of well-equipped laboratories into private homes, and bioweapons could be developed. Concerns also arise with the potential for misuse of biotechnology information such as DNA databases, or with synthetic genetic developments such as attempts to bring back extinct species or engineer new ones. – AI-generated abstract.