Biotech: The New Engine of the Global Economy

In the history of science, many branches have been established throughout the centuries and each branch had their acme for a century or two – rationalism in ancient time, astronomy in the 16^th century, and chemistry, physics, geology and biology in the 19^th century. Today, we are now in the 21^st century, many say it’s the century for biotechnology.

What is biotechnology?

Biotechnology is the manipulation of biological organisms to make products for the benefit of humans. It contributed to a diverse area of the human lifestyle: food production, waste disposal, medicine and recently the environment we live in.

History of biotechnology

Although biotechnology has been around during the ancient times, the science has just achieved its most dramatic advances in the recent years because of the deeper understanding of other organisms. The first achievement in biotechnology was in the area of food production in 5000 B.C, it is the first hybridization of plants and animals for greater food supply centered in the cattle industry and farming -- this lead to the first ever biotechnology product, agriculture. Perhaps the greatest achievement that took biotechnology in the limelight is the discovery of the double-helix structure of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953. This followed by the discovery of restriction enzymes by Werner Arber in the 1960s; that enables the scientists to cut and extract fragments of DNA of an organism. Because of this, Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer were able to undertake recombinant DNA technology, more commonly known as genetic engineering, in 1973. They used the restriction enzymes to insert genes of one bacterium to another. The most renowned, next to Watson and Crick’s double-helix structure, is the advent of polymerase chain reaction by Kary Mullis in 1983. This is a technique which uses an enzyme from a bacterium, Thermus acquaticus, to create millions of copies of a fragment of DNA by subjecting it to different controlled temperatures. Accordingly, the new technology sparked the interest of more and more scientists to venture in that branch of science.

Global inclination in biotechnology

With the help of previous discoveries and innovation of technological tools, more and more researches are being done and published in biotechnology. In waste management and environmental protection, biodegradable materials have been created for more eco-friendly wastes and wind and water turbines, solar panels and biogas generators has been continuously improved and introduced for public use in lieu of fossil fuel and coal burning electric source. Moreover, industries and companies have been compelled to do promote proper waste management to lessen pollution and create eco-friendly environment and products, like turning the building’s rooftop into green houses to absorb greenhouse gases in the environment. On the other hand, environmentalists create new tools to closely monitor the trends of global warming and climate change. These all help to save the environment and natural resources, thus promoting industrial ecology and eco-tourism.

The most phenomenal application of biotechnology is in the field of food production and medicine. Many have said through genetic modification of plants and animals, the problem in starvation would be answered. This is because genetically modified organisms yield more and bigger products, i.e. BT corn and touted cattles and poultry. Biotechnology now plays a big role in medicine by producing drugs for untreatable diseases like cancer, autoimmune diseases and neurological disorders, and by introducing alternative treatments to patients, such as gene dopping, stem cell treatments, and fertility treatments.

Nevertheless, these current trends are criticized in their effectiveness, relative side effects and ethical and moral integrity.

Biotechnology in the Philippines 

Local scientists and technologists also ride with the wave of biotechnology. In fact, many companies invest for the researches done in this field. A prime institute has been established to do these sort of things and we are lucky to have a tour inside their facilities, it is the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology of the University of the Philippines (NIMBB-UP). It was established to meet the need for molecular biologists and biotechnologists in the academe and industry. The institute is endowed with state-of-the art equipment and renowned scientists to pursue various biotechnological studies. Their equipment include centrifuges, glass sterilizer, ultraviolet illuminator, spectrophotometer, electrophoresis and, the most important laboratory equipment in biotechnological studies, polymerase chain reaction machines and DNA sequencers. Because of their capability to undertake various studies, the institute’s research facilities are subdivided into Aquatic Biotechnology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Immunology, Medical Biotechnology and Genome Research, Molecular Microbiology, Molecular Toxicology, Plant Molecular Biology and Virology, and Protein Structures. These facilities are individualized from each other to do their own research project. Apart from this, several institutions have been established to carry out such experiments. There are also individuals that put up their own laboratories for biotechnological usage, such as horticulture.

Into the world of NIMBB

The newest laboratory in the NIMBB is the Aquatic Biotechnology laboratory. This facility specializes in the study of freshwater green algae and microalgae such as Chlorella. They are also doing a project on the phylogenetics of algae and its probability to be an alternative source of electricity from biomass production.

Another laboratory is the Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory which is doing studies with a wide range – isolation and analysis of fluorescent proteins from local invertebrates, analysis of candidate genes in hyperactivity of mouse, and nanomaterials for imaging and therapeutic agents for cancer.

The Protein Structure and Immunology Laboratory focuses on the peptide vaccine against the parasitic agent of malaria disease, Plasmodium falciparum, protein structure analysis of metastatic and non metastatic cancer cells and fluorescence in marine animal proteins.

A laboratory that focuses on the medical importance of organism is the Medical Biotechnology and Genome Research Laboratory, which has a project regarding the isolation, analysis and phylogentics of sea snails and their toxins. They are trying to identify which proteins and genes in the toxin of the snails would be of medical use.

The Molecular Microbiology Laboratory ventures in characterization of endemic species and water-borne pathogens, detection of GM corns and soybeans, detection of oil degrading bacteria, analysis of Vibrio organism and detection of strains of Saccharomyces in wine and biofuel production.

Phylogenetics of zebrafish and treatments for acute coronary syndrome are the current projects of the Molecular toxicology laboratory.

The Plant Molecular Biology and Virology laboratory undertakes a study in the gene construct for transgenic abaca to make it virus-free and make anti-bodies for viruses in plants. They use a gene gun to introduce new genes in the plants.

The institution carries out all these projects with the help of the funding of local and international organizations. It also caters to the young minds to develop their skills and knowledge and later venture into biotechnology. This proves that there is bright future for biotechnology in the country despite oppression being done by developed countries to developing countries, like the Philippines. Furthermore, the results of these researches would change the way people’s perception on biotechnology and genetic engineering. Apart from this, it would enable the Filipino researchers to make a name in the international scientific community on our capabilities to do such works for science.

Sprouting from biotechnology

A remarkable product of biotechnology having a trend in the Philippine setting is the industry of Horticulture. It involves the manipulation of plant organisms to yield a desired product. One of the researchers that we have met working in this industry is Mr. Ray Ong. He is a horticulturist that uses improvised materials and tools to carry out the experiments he is doing. Among his experiments are the propagation of various plants, such as chrysanthemums, ferns and orchids, and embryo rescue of endemic ferns. This is a helpful way to generate employment to laboratory technicians and preservation of the floral biodiversity of the country.

Philippine biotechnology and sustainable development

With all these various techniques and equipment being utilized by the biotechnology industry, it is inevitable that the environment may be of harm’s way. Consequently, the society should integrate the principles of the sustainable development to protect the environment. Nowadays, the private sector and government have used their powers to protect the environment and many non-profit organizations have volunteered to watch the propagation of this industry and its effect in the environment. 

References:

Levine, L. (2009). Biotechnology. Microsoft Encarta [DVD]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation.

Peters, P. (1993). What is biotechnology? Biotechnology: a guide to genetic engineering. WM: Browning Publishing.

ScienceDaily. (2010). Biotechnology news. Retrieved October 7, 2010 from http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/biotechnology/

Rao, C. K. (2008). Genetic modification in nature. Foundation for biotechnology awareness and eduction. Retrieved October 7, 2010 from http://fbae.org/2009/FBAE/website/special-topics_biotech_basics_gm_ge.html

National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology – University of the Philippines. (2010).  Research. Retrieved October 7, 2010 from http://www.nimbb.upd.edu.ph/?page_id=24

Genetic Modification equates to Sustainable Development??

High tech, innovative, futuristic – these are the words that we say when we see new tools. These new tools help us to increase our control and understanding of our environment – technology. Technology has come a long way through centuries of discovery: from stone weapons to metals, natural to synthetic, bone fire to electric stoves. A great advancement indeed and it also helped us to live our life easily since technologists, together with scientists, continuously present us new tools.

With the greater public demand to use innovative tools, technologists and scientists seek every possible source of advancement. Perhaps the most recent and controversial technology ever made is the use of genetic engineering. It is the most recent since it is only in the latter part of the 20^th century that the genes in the DNA of an organism have been available for scientific studies with the creation of PCR techniques and such. This technology has been controversial because of the ethics behind human manipulation of genes to yield their perspective organisms. Some religious organizations connote these kind of technology as a play of God since the scientists and technologists’ max-and-match the genes of organisms to have the “perfect” organism they can benefit from.  

This technology does not only involved human or animal genes, but it is commonly involved with the genes of plants. Plants that are genetically engineered are called Genetically Modified Plants, or in broader terms, Organisms. Genetic modifications of plants involve the selection and transferring of different genes to make an organism more useful. 

BT Corn

Many critiques argued that, although plants may be altered into more useful organisms, the effects can outweigh the advantages of this technology. In the internet, there is a wide-spread of issues talking about the detrimental effects of the plants - it creates incredibly toxic colons, alters the genetic make up of good bacteria and other various health hazards associated with the consumption of such. It has been a big issue in the worldwide web with all the mockery that can be done to the GMOs. 

Nevertheless, scientists and technologists still pursue the use of such technique that led civilians to compose groups to fight the growth of the industry. Their strongest argument is that the GM plants will help solve famine while caring for the environment. 

In the light of the Philippines Agenda 21 which promotes Sustainable Development, the justification of the existence of the GM plants may be grounded. The society is composed of the civilians, the government and economy together with the natural resources, in whatever endeavor is the framework for the sustainable development and branches out to other dimensions and principles.

In the plus side, the existence of GM plants have made great progress in human development by inculcating new knowledge to the society, therefore, the society grows with them as well as the economy of that certain country. 

However, the negative side is far ahead of the plus side. Human development in the plus side is only in the knowledge or science behind the technology, but human development in terms of life style and longevity are jeopardized by the effects in the health of, not only humans, living things. The spiritual, cultural and moral development is also compromised because the scientists and technologists manipulate the genes of these organisms and some may be greedy and/or overstep the boundaries of science and nature. Societal development in the global cooperation becomes competitive for new products to present which may even lead to warfare which in turn may also compromise the political development. Most importantly, the ecological development of a certain area where Gm plants are grown will be in trouble. The natural flora will be affected if a new organism is introduced to their habitat, especially if the GM plants are pesticide or herbicide-tolerant. The biodiversity of the area may decline because of the mechanism of actions of some genes introduced to the plant. 

With all these issue present and the existing studies that published, we must always think of the consequences of our actions and how we tolerate the actions of others. If we tolerate the genetic manipulation of plants, what will happen to our moral being? Our spirituality? Most importantly, if we eat this things, what will happen in the long-run. We may live to be fifty years old and only then will we ever see the negative effects to our bodies and to the environment. We must always remember there is more than what meets the eye: scientists and technologists may present aesthetic products but has detrimental secrets inside of it. Moreover, it is a no time-limit to science, manifestations of probable effects may only be seen after generations from us. Whatever path we chose on this endeavor, there are always be a feedback, much like the yin of yang, and we must be prepared. 

References:

Natural News Network. (2008). GMOs news and articles. Retrieved September 30, 2010 from http://www.naturalnews.com/GMOs.html 

Ocampo, D. (2008). GMOs Potential threat to Fertility. Greenpeace. Retrieved September 30, 2010 from http://www.greenpeace.org/seasia/en/press/releases/gmos-potential-threat-to-ferti 

Philipps, T. (n.d.) What are GMOs? Retrieved September 30, 2010 from http://biotech.about.com/od/faq/f/GMOs.htm

Relfe, S. (n.d.). genetically engineered organisms (GMOs): the greatest threat ever to humans and animals. Retrieved September 30, 2010 from http://www.relfe.com/GMOs.html

Say No to GMOs Organization. (n.d.) 10 reasons why we don't need GM foods. Retrieved September 30, 2010 from http://www.saynotogmos.org/10reasons_need.pdf

Whitmann, D. B. (2000). Geneticall modified foods: harmful or helpful? Retrieved September 30, 2010 from http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php

Insurgency for Science's Sake

We are now in the 21st century, and many say that we have come a long way from how our ancestors have lived. We now have so many things that make our lives a breeze - new tools and deep understanding on how living- and non-living things work. But how did we ever made it this far? It's because of a systematic body of knowledge, we now know as S-C-I-E-NCE. Science, as they say, paved the road from the ignorance to knowledge because of the discoveries of scientists. Nevertheless, many of us do not pay attention as to how these knowledges were deciphered by the scientists.

For centuries, beginning with the ancients, scientists have sought different ways to explain the phenomena of nature. Thus, they have constructed a guideline on how to do so: the scientific method. It is a step-by-step process of observation, prediction and experimentation for a scientific study. Although there is an "established" scientific method, new knowledge led scientists to present different approaches. (Take quizzes to test your mastery of the Scientific Method: http://www.quizmoz.com/quizzes/Science-Quizzes/s/Scientific-Method-Quiz.asp, http://www.biology4kids.com/extras/quiz_studyscimeth/q02.html)

Galileo Galilei and his telescope

For more facts visit
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/08/090825-galileos-telescope-400-anniversary-facts.html

Galileo presenting his theory to priests

One of the prominent revolutionary scientists in the Renaissance period is Galileo Galilei. Most us only regard him as the one who invented the telescope; what we didn't know was that he is one of the scientists that initiated the scientific revolution.

Galileo in his trial against the Roman Catholic Church 

He initiated the split between science and religion from his works on physics, inspired by Nicolaus Copernicus. Galilei used mathematics, experimentation and observation to prove the sun-centered theory of Copernicus. These findings led him to a nuisance with the Roman Catholic Church, since they believed that the Earth is the center of the universe. Moreover, he advocated for the use of inductive reasoning in performing the scientific method, which is also iniquitous for the Church. Accordingly, he was placed in house-arrest because of his dispute.


"I do not feel obliged to believe that the same god who has endowed us with sense, reason and intellect has intended us to forgo their use" - Galileo Galilei

Galileo Galilei (1564-1642)

Galileo's revolution made a significant impact on the scientific community because of his methods. When he see a problem, he reduces it to simpler terms by means of logic and experience and analyzes them through the use of mathematics. His methods, accompanied by his condemnation, appealed to emerging scientists, such as Isaac Newton and Johannes Kepler.

While Galileo Galilei promoted the separation of Church and Science, a 20th century philosopher, Paul Feyerabend, advocated for the separation of Science and State in his book Against Methods (1975).

"The separation of state and church must be complemented by the separation of state and science, that most recent, most aggressive, and most dogmatic religious institution" - Paul Feyerabend

In his books, he postulated the idea that there can never be a single scientific method that can be used by all scientists. Grounding all scientific study would only limit the progress of science to explain how nature works and, consequently, prevent the growth of knowledge of humans. He proposed that the scientific method should be done with a mixture of all the proposed reasoning and ways so as not hinder the progress of scientific discoveries. Because of this, he has presented a new method: Anything Goes! or Theoretical Anarchism.

Paul Feyerabend (1924-1994)

“There is only one principle that can be defended under all stages of human development. It is the principle: anything goes.” – Paul Feyerabend

Nowadays, with all the new knowledge and even more complexity discovered, it is safe to say that a little of each of the methods proposed should be used in order to maximize the resources and advantages fed to us by past discoveries
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References:


Blunden, A. (1975). Against method. Retrieved September 21, 2010 from http://www.marxists.org/reference/subject/philosophy/works/ge/feyerabe.htm

Chew, R. (2008). Galileo galilei. Retrived September 23, 2010 from http://www.lucidcafe.com/library/96feb/galileo.html

Jones, R. (n.d.). Philosophy of science. Retrieved September 21, 2010 from http://www.philosopher.org.uk/sci.htm

Liukkonen, P. (2008). Paul Feyerabend. Retrieved September 21, 2010 from http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/feyerab.htm

Microsoft Corporation Inc. (2009). Galileo. Microsoft Encarta [DVD]. Richmond, WA

Newall, P. (2005). Anything Goes: Feyerabend and Method. Galilean library. Retrieved September 25, 2010 from http://www.galilean-library.org/site/index.php?/page/index.html/_/essays/philosophyofscience/anything-goes-feyerabend-and-method-r76

Preston, J. (2009). Paul Feyerabend. Stanford encyclopedia of philosophy. Retrieved September 21, 2010 from http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/feyerabend/

Shuttleworth, M. (2009). History of The Scientific Method. Experiment resources. Retrieved September 23, 2010 from http://www.experiment-resources.com/history-of-the-scientific-method.html

Stanbrough, J. L. (2005). The inductive (scientific) method. Retrieved Septermber 23, 2010 from http://www.batesville.k12.in.us/physics/phynet/aboutscience/Inductive.html

Tisthammerw. (2006). The nature and philosophy of science. Retrieved September 21, 2010 from http://www.angelfire.com/mn2/tisthammerw/science.html