Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with biotechnology

What is the difference between bioscience, life science, and biotechnology?

Idiot Mittens — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 08:05:34 -0800

What is the difference between bioscience, life science, and biotechnology? I'm writing a paper on the bioscience industry. My biggest problem so far has been defining the scope of my research. Specifically, biotechnology seems to have a much narrower scope than bioscience but I'm not sure how to precisely define either of those terms.

For example, BIO states that there are 1.2 million direct jobs in bioscience in the U.S., but Ernst and Young, on pg.22 of this recent report, states that there are about 135,000 employees in biotechnology.

I also see life science often used, which I think is the equivalent of bioscience.

Also, if anyone has knows good data resources aside from EY, BIO, BLS on this stuff I'd love to hear about that as well.

Thanks!

How to get rid of gelatin?

Quietgal — Tue, 27 May 2008 08:04:36 -0800

Biochemists, cell biologists and assorted biotech types, what's your favorite method for removing gelatin from antibody solutions? No amines allowed! We have purchased a whole bunch of antibodies which contain 1 mg/ml gelatin as a stabilizer (rather than BSA) and we need to get rid of the gelatin before we attach the Abs to AminoLink resin, which reacts with primary amines.

This gelatin is an acid hydrolysate of bovine collagen and the molecular weights range from ~200 kD down to itty bitty. The pIs are all over the map too. The Abs are polyclonals from goat and rabbit and we have about 200 µg in each pricey little tube.

We've tried Protein G but find that the acidic elution conditions wipe out the Ab activity pretty badly. Obviously we haven't tried every eluant under the sun, so do you have any faves that preserve activity while giving good recovery? Remember, no amines allowed (we don't want to dialyze or desalt because we'll lose a good chunk of the Ab at this step).

Melon Gel (from Pierce) gets rid of about 2/3 of the gelatin but that's not good enough. 2 cycles of Melon Gel are no better than 1. Ion exchange on CM Sephadex in 10 mM NaPi at pH 6.5 also removes about 2/3 of the gelatin.

Any ideas? References would be greatly appreciated, too. Thanks in advance!

Basic textbook for understanding GMO?

YouRebelScum — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 02:38:28 -0800

Is there a concise, up-to-date textbook on biotechnology and the techniques for genetic modification of plant varieties, which will give me enough knowledge to talk to an expert on the subject? I need to know the vocabularly, a general notion of what is possible and how it is done and a general notion of the risks involved are evaluated.

One word: biotech

mpls2 — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 17:30:21 -0800

How can I indulge my genomic fantasies? Ever since taking a course in genomics/bioinformatics in college a few years ago (I have a CS degree with an emphasis in AI), I've been fascinated by biology in general, but biotechnology in particular, and I actually find that I have a passion for learning about this that I once had for learning to do software, but no longer do. I can't see myself doing programming much longer (I'm 29), so I've decided to pursue an MBA next year, and I'm considering making a move to working in biotech.

I have two questions:

1) What's the best way for me to get into biotech? By leveraging my software background, an MBA, or perhaps getting a biology-related degree?

2) If I can't work in biotech, or until I can, what are some ways I can continue my education on the subject as an amateur? I'm not looking for pop science kind of books... something more textbook like. Also, websites, current Big Ideas, important figures, etc.

My primary interests are in bioinformatics and stem cell therapies.

Thanks.

Mutant Foods Unite!

kidsleepy — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 07:28:22 -0800

I have recently been hired by a biotechnology company. How do I defend myself against my crunchy granola friends? I was hired as a graphic designer, and am not involved at all on the research/science end. I am pro-GMO's, but I don't really know how to defend myself beyond "golden rice is awesome." I know that the goal is to produce higher yield crops, and help reduce world hunger, etc. I need some resources (books, websites) that are pro-biotechnology so I can be more knowledgeable about my company's industry. Even better if they are in layman's terms that I can actually understand and repeat.

Please note I need resources on PRO-biotech. I don't need to be evangelized against GMO's. Thanks!