Archive for the 'Technology' Category

Technology

The Advances in Biotechnology

by Russell M. Stewart

Biotechnology can be defined in many ways and although different involved organizations do explain it in their own terms, ultimately, biotechnology is the use of biology as the foundation for developing various technologies as applied to research and product development. So, biotechnology can be used in food science, agriculture, environment, medicine and even robotics fields.

We have always tried to manipulate and control the world, change it to suit our needs. We do that when we ferment beer, we do it when we culture bacteria, and now we have moved to new levels that would have been considered impossible a few decades back - we have cloned animals and research has turned to concepts like nucleotide-based organ regeneration.

As far back as 6000 BC, we had discovered biotechnology, though, of course, we did not call it that then. That was when people first discovered how to ferment fruit juice into alcohol. We went on to preserve fruits with sugar and meat with salt for sustenance in winter - another instance of early biotechnology. Of course, it has only been studied as a science recently.

DNA and genetics played a big part in bringing biotechnology as a science to the forefront. It was recognized as a science when it was discovered that genetics were what played the major part in the synthesizing of essential proteins in any organism.

The mid 80s brought a revelation in biotechnology - genetic structures could be modified by careful combinations between animals and plants. This introduction to transgenic organisms also developed an area for further research into disease resistance and productivity rate increases. Modern biotechnology is used in a variety of ways and the medical and biological research fields have managed to get the most benefit out of it. The methods used have gone beyond ordinary genetic transfers, to include actual plant-generated pharmaceuticals and substance production for antibiotics and insulin.

Modern biotechnology is practiced in three different categories - red, white and green. Red Biotechnology is when the genetically altered microorganisms are used to produce medical and pharmaceutical substances, such as proteins, vitamins, antibiotics and vaccines etc. It’s also used in genome manipulation.

White biotechnology, or bio-manufacturing or Grey Biotechnology is still an evolving science. In this category of biotechnology, organisms like bacteria, moulds, yeast and enzymes are manipulated to make industrial chemicals.

Agricultural Biotechnology, also known as Green Biotechnology, is what’s applied into creating better, fresher, more nutritious and longer-lasting agricultural produce. A traditional agricultural biotechnology example is how wheat varieties are cross-bred to produce a disease-resistant crop.

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Technology

Benefits of Computer Training

by George Mole

No matter where you might be in the workforce, a member of management, a new addition, or if you are someone who is getting ready to leave the workforce and retire having the ability to operate a computer is essential. The computer has become a fixed addition to modern life for more than just basics like writing a letter or maintaining household expenses.

Technology is a fast moving industry and is therefore, always changing. Whether you are a novice, an intermediate or a professional there are computer training options available to enable you to get the most from your computer.

Most people associate computer training with sitting in a classroom. Today most children are trained in the classroom as part of their school curriculum. Local colleges also run courses for students, as well as for adults and the over 50s.

Using correspondence courses has also been on the rise when it comes to computer training. These types of courses are considered distance learning and have the advantage of allowing students to learn wherever they are and at a pace that is comfortable to them. It does however; lack the hands on teaching approach and the environment gained from classroom learning.

Online computer training is emerging today as a force to be reckoned within educational circles. Not only is computer training taking place online, training for just about anything else can be done online as well! Online classes are available for many colleges, and some offer complete course loads online, so you can get a college degree completely from home, through training conducted on the Internet.

Another method of computer training to consider is using software tutorials. This is a new method as the tutorials are essentially videos. This technology has only been recently made available as computers have become more powerful. These videos can be purchased online and again allow you to learn at your own pace in your home but with hands on help.

In conclusion, it goes without saying that computer training is an invaluable service that needs to be on the ‘to do list’ of anyone who is serious about communicating or being productive in our modern society. There are an endless variety of ways to get this training, and some people even prefer to teach themselves based on specific subjects of interest and their ability to conduct research.

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