An image of a microscope in a lab appears. The screen splits, and the title "Biotechnology in Everyday Life" shows on the left.
A person in blue lab gloves holds a test tube. "Biotechnology" is explained as ‘the use of living systems and organisms to develop or make products that are useful to society.’ on the left.
Biotechnology is the use of living systems and organisms to develop or make products that are useful to society.
A woman in a lab coat injects something in a laboratory. Three lab scientists work with chemicals and injections.
Manipulation of living organisms has been going on for thousands of years, and many traditional uses of biotechnology are well accepted.
A photo shows leaves of a small plant in a circular glass with holes.
One example is plant breeding between superior varieties.
A girl in a lab coat looks under a microscope standing opposite to the window with blinds.
Modern uses of biotechnology are increasingly applied to many types of organisms, from viruses to plants and animals.
The screen splits again. A plant with golden DNA strands is on the right. "Genetic Engineering" is explained as ‘the practice of taking genetic material from one organism and inserting it into the genetic code of another’ on the left.
Genetic Engineering is the practice of taking genetic material from one organism and inserting it into the genetic code of another.
A large field of young green crops is shown, moving slowly in the wind.
This process allows specific traits from one species to be incorporated in the other.
In a lab filled with test tubes, a man sprays liquid on a small mechanical arm. Another person uses equipment to take readings.
Biotechnology tools are addressing problems in all areas of agricultural production and processing and making rapid advances in medicine and other industries.
A man in a striped shirt shucks an ear of corn in a cornfield.
Agricultural biotechnology benefits farmers, producers and consumers every day through:
The screen splits. A marked tube in a glass jar appears in a green environment on the right. On the left, bullet points list terms the narrator reads.
Increased yields and quality of food and fiber crops and animals, decreased pesticide and fertilizer use, increased temperature tolerances of crops, increased shelf life of food products, increased nutrients and vitamins in foods, and detoxification of soils.
A woman in a lab coat touches a semi-rotten leaf. A machine fills containers with peas. The camera zooms out to show more containers.
Biotechnology-derived crops have been engineered to resist diseases and insect infestations and tolerate herbicides which assist in weed control.
A tractor with a rolling extension moves in a barren field. Different crops wave in the wind in a large field.
This in turn helps producers keep up with food demand while decreasing production costs and reducing environmental effects. Genetically engineered cotton plants that are insect resistant allow for a reduction in synthetic pesticides that could contaminate the environment—especially groundwater.
A huge mechanical device on a green field appears with water underneath. In a lab, a woman weighs a lid, surrounded by test tubes, chemicals, and a machine. Another person checks tiny sprouts with a notepad. The person holds a black pot of tiny sprouts, writing on a notepad. A text bar introduces "Phytoremediation."
Genetically engineered plants are also being developed to detoxify pollutants or absorb and remove toxic substances from the soil—a process called phytoremediation.
The screen splits. A woman in safety gear pours liquid into a flask on the right. On the left, bullet points list terms the narrator reads.
Researchers are also working to develop products that will flourish in harsh conditions; conserve natural resources and prevent pollution; enhance traits or nutrients beneficial to plants, humans, and animals; and reduce less beneficial traits like saturated fats or allergens.
Vibrant colored flowers and leaves appear on screen. Beautiful red roses are shown.
Genetic modifications can be used for aesthetic purposes—like gene identification and transfer—to improve the color, size or smell of flowers.
A person in blue gloves fills a small tube with liquid. Tiny sprouts in test tubes appear on a fabric-like material.
Genetically engineered crops are also being evaluated for potential use in producing sustainable, plant-based pharmaceuticals.
A scientist pours something from a tube into a container in the lab.
As with any new technology, it is important to weigh the benefits with the potential risks. Risks of these new biotechnologies may include:
The screen splits. A woman next to a vegetable farm holds a broccoli on the right. On the left, items as read by the narrator.
Creating pests that are resistant to new pesticides; or weeds resistant to herbicides; changing the planet’s natural biodiversity balance, or production of a new allergen.
A person in a lab uses a machine, increasing the displayed number.
Research is ongoing to establish the long-term effects of genetically modified organisms.
A person in a lab coat closes the lid of a machine. Another person opens the lid, and a woman holds a test-tube box.
USDA, FDA, and EPA regulations are in place requiring all new biotechnology products to be tested, approved, and meet strict standards before eventually reaching the marketplace.
A tractor with a harvesting machine moves on a field, shifting crops to a storage unit. Two people in lab coats at a table with different colored vegetables appear. The man looks into the microscope, and the woman takes notes
Advances in biotechnology are present in our everyday lives now but will continue to produce benefits and new challenges well into the future.
A person in a lab coat appears, working with machines in a laboratory.