Over the course of the last two decades, biotechnology has become a significant part of the scientific community. The contributions made by biotechnology have notably changed the way in which scientists and laymen look at the potential of science to improve life. The field of biotechnology has become so large in recent years that scientists have been forced to break the profession down by specific subgroups of work. Currently, biotechnology consists of the red, white and green subfields, each of which deals with a specific area of biotechnology.
With the realization that biotechnology has grown so extensively in the last several years, there is a clear impetus to examine this field such that a more integral understanding of biotechnology can be garnered. Utilizing the three subfields of biotechnology—i.e. read, white and green—this investigation provides a broad overview of the most notable developments that have taken place in these fields. Through a careful review of what has been written on these subfields of biotechnology, it will be possible to elucidate the overall impact that biotechnology is having on both science and the general public.
[...] Although the full benefits of green biotechnologies have not been fully examined, some scholars have examined the potential of this subfield to provide improved quality of life for individuals all across the globe. One scholar examining the potential of green biotechnology argues that the advancements that have been made in crop engineering in recent years could potentially improve living conditions for individuals in remote parts of the world. In particular, this author notes the potential for genetically engineered crops to be viable in regions of Africa that have been hardest hit by drought and other negative environmental changes. [...]
[...] Conclusion Synthesizing the data that has been presented in this investigation, it becomes evident that while red biotechnology has garnered more attention from the popular media, each subfield of biotechnology has the potential to have substantial ramifications for the development of society. Red, white and green biotechnologies each represent some of the best science that researchers have to offer. Even though most of these biotechnologies are important, none spurs more debate than those which involve manipulation of human life. Thus, it is possible to understand why red biotechnology has received so much media attention in recent years. [...]
[...] In particular, this author notes the following: “Industrial applications of biotechnology today include bio-feedstocks that replace fossil fuel with sugars and starch, bioprocesses such as fermentation for vitamin production, biocatalysis in active pharmaceutical ingredient production and other applications in textiles and leather animal feed, pulp and paper, energy, metals, minerals and waste processing” (p. FR6). Despite the fact that white biotechnology does not receive as much attention as red biotechnology, it is evident that this science is critical for human development. [...]
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