Biotechnology is a field of applied biology that involves the use of living organisms and bioprocesses in engineering, technology, medicine and other fields requiring biological products or services. Biotechnologists use a variety of techniques including genetic engineering, fermentation, cell culture and tissue culture.
The term “biotechnology” was first coined in 1919 by Karl Ereky, a Hungarian engineer and biologist. Ereky defined it as “the application of the sciences of life to industry and commerce”. The term first gained widespread popularity in the 1970s with the advent of recombinant DNA technology. This new technology made it possible to artificially insert genes into organisms, opening up a whole new area of research known as genetic engineering.
Since then, biotechnology has revolutionized many industries including agriculture, food production, pharmaceuticals and environmental remediation. It has also led to the development of new medical technologies such as gene therapy and regenerative medicine. In recent years, biotechnology has come under fire from some groups who are concerned about its ethical implications. However, its potential for improving human health and solving some of the world’s most pressing problems means that it is likely to continue to play an important role in our future.