Biotechnology Contract Research Key Terms

Learn about biotechnology specialties and issues in contract research

Biotechnology contract research is the way medical and environmental companies help to improve the current status of their industry. Biotechnology contract researchers are hired to develop new ways of  treating humans in medicine or helping to reduce environmental problems in specific areas of the world's environment. There are many specialties in biotechnology, and each of these specialties has an important job when it comes to advancing these industries with new technology.

 

Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics is an areas of biotechnology where molecular biology and technology meet. Bioinformatics specifically refers to the creation of databases, algorithms and other statistical processes to solve problems through biology data.
Try: Get more information on bioinformatics at The University of Texas.

Applied research

Applied research is a process of researching often used in biotechnology. Applied research refers to solving practical problems in the world, as opposed to basic research, which seeks to answer a question of whether the outcome is beneficial.
Try: The Lawrence Berkley National Lab clarifies the differences between basic and applied research and includes the history and trends of these two methods.

Immunohistochemistry (IHC)

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a specialty in biotechnology that uses the process of identifying and isolating proteins in tissue cells to study the relationship between antibodies and antigens. This process is widely used to detect cancer and other serious illnesses.
Try: IHC World offers a knowledge center on the basics of IHC as well as links for proper protocol in the process.

Microbiology

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. Microbiology is one of the many specialties in biotechnology that works to improve medicines and diagnostic equipment for the medical industry. Microbiology is also useful for environmental biotechnology.
Try: Get an overview of microbiology at UW-Madison.

Bioethics

Bioethics is the study of ethical issues in reference the advancements made in the biotechnology community. Bioethics helps to raise questions and help bring forth ethical issues with every new discovery and invention.
Try: The American Journal of Bioethics offers an online ethics journal that includes many articles dealing with bioethics issues.

Intellectual property

While intellectual property is often associated with writers and musicians, intellectual property also has its place in biotechnology. Intellectual property in the biotech industry refers to anything that can be patented, including products like medicine and treatment devices.
Try: The Biotechnology Industry Organization offers an overview of the issue of intellectual property in biotechnology.

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