Did You Know
See below for a list of ‘Did You Know’ articles relating to Biotech therapies.
- Hyper-immunity
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Scientists have created a way to get cows and chickens to produce extra amounts of immuno-proteins in their milk and eggs.
- The good oil on King Salmon
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King salmon has the highest natural oil content of all salmon, including omega-3 oils which have many health benefits.
- Silk worms get under your skin
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Silk worms have been genetically modified to produce collagen which is used to make human skin for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
- Penicillin the first antibiotic
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The first antibiotic was discovered in 1928 by Alexander Fleming who saw that some bacteria he had grown were killed by penicillium mould.
- Native trees cure spots
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An extract from the New Zealand native totara tree is used as an anti-microbial agent in anti-acne cream and toothpaste.
- Making recombinant proteins
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Insulin was the first recombinant human protein to be made for commercial use.
- Making human proteins
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Recombinant human proteins can be made in bacteria, yeast, fungi, algae and mammalian cells.
- How do crocodiles stop infection?
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Scientists are hoping that crocodile blood may provide a new source of antibiotics to fight human infections.
- Bacteria wars
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Scientists are developing a new chewing gum that contains lactobacillus; this bacteria can remove 'bad' bacteria that cause tooth decay.
- Antibodies to treat cancer
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Antibodies that can help fight some types of cancer are being produced in genetically modified mammalian cells.
- Friendly bacteria
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There are friendly bacteria called probiotics that when ingested act to help fight illness and disease.
