Biotech in Lumumbaria

What is biotechnology and why is it the science of the future?

Biotechnology is one of the promising and strategically important fields of science. She studies the possibilities of using living organisms and their waste products to solve key technological problems. Already today, with the help of the achievements of this science, we are getting better quality food and developing modern drugs. But further — more.

Interestingly, biotechnology contributes not only to biological sciences. Genetic engineering (one of its methods) makes it possible to breed new plant varieties and animal breeds with greater productivity, which stimulates the development of agriculture. Some research from biotechnology has led to the creation of ion-selective transistors based on the field effect in microelectronics. And thanks to her achievements, a person was able to increase the oil recovery of oil reservoirs. The use of new microorganisms helps in wastewater treatment in ecology.

All this makes it possible to call biotechnology the most important and complex science. It allows you to solve problems:

• lack of fresh water;
• environmental pollution by chemical reagents;
• lack of energy resources;
• obtaining environmentally friendly materials and resources;
• low-quality medicine.

And what breakthrough discoveries are being made in biotechnological science and how to get into this field, read the article.

A few facts from history

In fact, biotechnology has been used by humans since ancient times. Useful microorganisms were used in cheese making, wine and beer production back in Ancient Babylon! Of course, people didn't know anything about the chemical and biological processes underlying such "magic" yet.

So, it was only in 1867 that Louis Pasteur determined that fermentation and fermentation are the result of the vital activity of microorganisms. Eduard Buchner supplemented these assumptions. He determined that in such reactions there is a special cell-free catalyst with specific enzymes.

The year 1865 was marked by the discovery of the basic laws of heredity by Gregor Mendel, and in 1902 Theodore Boveri and Walter Sutton for the first time suggested a connection between heredity and chromosomes.

The term "biotechnology" itself appeared quite a long time ago: in 1917. However, then it meant exclusively the use of microorganisms for the fermentation of food, later it was also extended to agriculture.

In 1928, the first antibiotic was created — penicillin. He was the reason for the isolation of the whole pharmaceutical industry, but it was not called biotechnology. The terminology was updated only in the 1970s. At that time, laboratory studies related to DNA recombination and experiments with microorganisms were included in biotechnology. After that, science began to develop more actively and split into smaller subjects, such as bioengineering, biomedicine, bioinformatics, bionics and cellular engineering.

Biotechnology is gaining momentum. Every year scientists make new discoveries, and engineers patent promising technologies. But what achievements of science can be called truly breakthrough? Let 's list some of them:

• genome editing. Due to its limitless possibilities, this method has also been called "genome hacking". The bottom line is that scientists are gradually mastering the techniques of DNA modification. Its sections are removed, replaced or supplemented depending on the desired result. Now researchers are striving primarily to fight diseases and search for new drugs, but it is assumed that they will be able to treat even genetic diseases. The potential of the technology is huge. Perhaps in the future it will help to improve vision, sense of smell or hearing, change the physical characteristics of the body. And if we manage to create a real-time gene editing system, the entire pharmaceutical industry will change. It will become much easier to treat diseases such as cancer and diabetes;
• food engineering. This is the source of biotechnology and at the same time one of the vectors of its development. Researchers are striving to replace dairy and meat products using modern technologies. In this way, it is possible to reduce the enormous damage that our activities bring to the planet. For example, to reduce the impact on the nature of agriculture, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, water consumption and contamination of the environment with chemicals. Scientists suggest that the methods of genetic modification will allow to grow meat in laboratories from individual cells. Some startups, such as Clara Foods, are already engaged in such experiments;
• human potential development. Smartphones and laptops are the first step towards connecting a person to the world Wide Web, because already now they allow you to receive information at any time by pressing just a couple of buttons. However, we plan to go further and use embedded technologies such as implants and interfaces. It is assumed that they will make a person more productive and smarter. So, similar studies are already being conducted by Elon Musk's company today;
• a combination of biological sciences and digital technologies. In fact, any digital technology can be combined with modern advances in biology. Many companies are already doing this, connecting materials science, computing programs and additive technologies to work. So, scientists are coming up with new ways to store DNA according to all the rules of cybersecurity, and they are also trying to get a new kind of cyanobacteria capable of powering small electronic devices. There are other studies, for example, DNA mapping;
• constant monitoring of patients' condition. Of course, some such technologies are already being used now. For example, fitness bracelets that control pulse and blood pressure have become popular. But in the future, technology will go further and allow you to get many other indicators in real time. Doctors will be able to monitor the patient's condition every minute and instantly carry out medical measures if necessary. Most likely, this will raise healthcare to a new level.

Is biotechnologist the profession of the future?

Of course, yes! The demand for this profession will grow every day. But the world needs not just specialists with basic education, but talented scientists capable of developing new technologies to move medicine and industry not only in our country, but also abroad.

If you want to become such a person, then welcome to the Institute of Biochemical Technology and Nanotechnology Peoples' Friendship University of Russia. Applicants who have a natural science education or are simply interested in obtaining a sought-after profession are expected in the direction of training "Biotechnology (including bionanotechnology)". This is a postgraduate program that allows you to gain and strengthen interdisciplinary knowledge related to biological and chemical sciences, as well as the ability to use modern technologies, processes and devices, control systems.

Graduate students study history, philosophy, pedagogy and a foreign language. The first two years are devoted to specialized disciplines:

• Methodology of scientific research;
• Biotechnology and bionanotechnology;
• Chemistry of bioorganic compounds;
• Nanotechnology in medicine;
• Development and registration of medicines;
• Protection of intellectual property objects and commercialization of intellectual activity results.

During the entire period of study, graduate students conduct their own research work. In this they are assisted by teachers of the Institute — candidates and doctors of sciences, including an expert of the World Health Organization (WHO). Regular master classes, seminars and conferences will allow you to start your way in the field of science and gain new knowledge. Most recently, IBHTN presented as many as 12 scientific developments — you can improve them or suggest a new research topic. You will be able to work not only in the field of teaching and science, but also in R&D and analytical centers of pharmacological and biotechnological companies.

Do you want to build a scientific career in the field of biotechnology? We are waiting for you at the RUDN Graduate School!

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