General Sites for Biotechnology

About Biotechnology: History Timeline

A historical timeline which looks at the progress of Biotechnology starting from 1750B.C. to the present day.

Access Excellence

Access Excellence is a national (US) educational program that provides high school biology teachers and students critical sources of new scientific information via the WWW.

Ausbiotech Ltd

Click on Education & Careers in from the home page of Aus Biotech Ltd, click on Education and Careers in Biotechnology to obtain educational leaflets on various aspects of biotechnology.

BelgoBiotech

Provides easy to read information about the principles of biotechnology, applications and ethical issues surrounding biotechnology. Also includes a timeline and glossary. Requires Flash to view animations. Excellent, well worth a look.

Biotech Graphics Gallery

Provides a series of labeled diagrams with explanations representing the important processes of biotechnology.

Biotechnology Australia

This site is hosted by the Australian government and contains several animated exercises including DNA profiling, Gene probe and Gene splicing.

Biotechnology Learning Hub (NZ)

This site is an initiative of the Government of New Zealand, and has been developed in collaboration with educators and the biotechnology sector. It features up-to-date examples of biotechnology in practice, along with supporting classroom resources.

Biotechnology Timeline 1977- Present

From the Access Excellence website, this page looks at the dawn of biotechnology starting from 1977 to the present.

Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council

Provides links to a range of research institutes and centers supported or sponsored by the BBSRC.

Gene Therapy Advisory Committee

Established in 1993, GTAC advises on the ethical acceptability of proposals for gene therapy research on humans taking account of the scientific merits and the potential benefits and risks.

Genetics Gateway

This site lists a selection of useful web sites. Topics include: PCR Resources, Genomics, Molecular Biology, and Enzymes.

New Zealand Biotechnology Association

The Biotechnology learning hub is a national project initiated by the government of New Zealand through the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology.

National Centre for Biotechnology Education

The NCBE has detailed information on a range of topics including GM foods, human genetics, protocols and safety.

National Centre for Biotechnology Information

The NCBI is a large site which provides information on current events, has several database services for sequencing, and has links to many other NCBI resources.

Biotechnology Techniques

Gel Electrophoresis-Slide Presentation

A slide presentation detailing the steps involved in gel electrophoresis.

Molecular Techniques

Contains three slide shows on molecular techniques: PCR, DNA sequence analysis, and gel electrophoresis.

Recombinant DNA

This site provides insight into the area of recombinant DNA, using clear diagrams to show processes, including the transformation of E.coli.

Restriction Enzymes

A brief introduction to restriction enzymes, what they are and how they work.

Biotechnology Processes

Animal and Plant Transformation

A brief introduction to transgenic organisms. Briefly outlines how transgenic animals are produced and the techniques for genetically engineering plants.

Basics of DNA Fingerprinting

This site provides the basic background to DNA fingerprinting, what it is and how it is done, and applications and problems associated with fingerprinting.

DNA Workshop

The DNA workshop site provides both textual and animated(Shockwave) information on DNA processes, including replication and synthesis.

Mouse Genome Resources

This site has gathered and displays other links dealing with the mouse genome sequencing process, and genomic resources for the mouse.

The Malaria Genome

In this sub-site Nature publishes the complete genome sequence of Plasmodium falciparum, the main cause of human malaria.

DNA Extraction from Onion

An easy experiment to run in the classroom which gives students an in sight into the procedures for DNA extraction and chemicals used to purify DNA.

DNA Fingerprinting in Human Health and Society

Part of Access Excellence site, look at how DNA fingerprinting is made and the way in which fingerprinting technology is used in diagnosing inherited disorders and in forensic science.

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory provide a variety of resources and interactive tutorials including:

• DNA Fingerprinting and the Mystery of the Romanovs
• DNA Profiling and Human Identification

Plasmid Insertion

Part of the Access Excellence web site. Uses a labeled diagram to introduce the process of cloning using a plasmid.

Report on Transgenic Organisms

This article provides a brief summary of each type of agricultural-oriented genetic engineering research that is being conducted in the U.S.

Transgenic Animals

Part of Kimball's Web Site. Learn about transgenic animals and the methods for producing them.

Applications in Biotechnology

Choose from the subheadings below:

• Cloning and Tissue Culture
• Genome Projects
• The Human Genome Project
• Food Biotechnology (includes GM foods)
• Medical Biotechnology (includes: gene therapy, xenotransplantation,plus more)
• Reproductive Biotechnology
• Industrial Biotechnology

Cloning and Tissue Culture

Conceiving a Clone

An overview of cloning techniques. Looks at the debate on ethics of cloning humans and other animals and also has an online poll.

Cloning and Stem Cell Technology [PDF]

This is a direct link to a PDF file, authored by Amer S. Ahmed of Stanford University. Cloning and Stem Cell Technology: Coping with a New Era. It is a discussion of the ethics and common concerns of cloning.

Cloning Ethics

An article which aims at informing us about the benefits, disadvantages and ethics involved with cloning.

Cloning Fact Sheet

The Cloning Fact Sheet provides a list of frequently asked questions about cloning, and general information and history of the process and ethics of cloning.

Food Standards: Cloning in Animal Production

An html review on the current status of the extent and use of cloning in animal production in Australia and New Zealand. Also available in it's full version in Word, and PDF format.

Howstuffworks "How Cloning Works"

Part of the 'How Stuff Works' Science section, this article on cloning is very clearly presented, with diagrams, explanations, examples, and plenty of links for further study.

Human Cloning Foundation

The Human Cloning Foundation promotes education, awareness, and research about human cloning. Emphasis is on the good that human cloning can do.

Roslin Institute Online

This institute is famous for its pioneering work on cloning in mammals and particularly the cloning of Dolly the sheep. Provides detailed information on the cloning research being carried out at the institute.

Stem Cells - Gateway to 21st Century medicine

Published by the Australian Academy of Science this is a section of the NOVA website, and provides an introduction to stem cells and stem cell research. Links to further information and related topics are provided throughout the page.

Stem Cell Research Foundation

Bedford Stem Cell Research Foundation is a biomedical institute which exists to conduct stem cell and related research for diseases and conditions which currently have no effective methods of treatment or cure.

StemCellReources.org

Stem Cell ResourcesSM provides peer-reviewed, fact-based and scientifically valid stem cell information for global educational and public community use.

The mammal copiers ­ advances in cloning

Published by the Australian Academy of Science this is a section of the NOVA website, and provides an introduction to the benefits and risks of the development of cloning techniques. Links to further information and related topics are provided.

Tissue Culture in the Classroom

Consists of a list of teacher resources for teaching tissue culture to the class.

Genome Projects

The Virtual Genome Project

The Virtual Genome Project (VGP) was established as a free resource on the world wide web for people interested in the process of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) between bacteria and its ecological and evolutionary significance.

A quick guide to... SEQUENCED GENOMES

The genomes of more than 180 organisms have been sequenced since 1995. The Quick Guide includes descriptions of these organisms and has links to sequencing centers and scientific abstracts.

Genomes Online Database

Genomes Online Database, is a World Wide Web resource for comprehensive access to information regarding complete and ongoing genome projects around the world.

GMO - Compass

A GM information website financially supported by the European Union, within the Sixth Framework Programme. An excellent and up to date resource, with major headings such as News/Current Affairs, Grocery Shopping, Agri-Biotechnology and more.

NHI: Human Genetic Variation

Human Genetic Variation—developed with the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)—is a creative, inquiry-based instruction program, designed to promote active learning and stimulate student interest in medical topics

The Human Genome Project

Completed in 2003, the Human Genome Project (HGP) was a 13-year project coordinated by the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Institute of Health.

The Human Genome Project: Mentorship Program

Genetics/Genomics professionals chosen by the NHGRI and the American Society of Genetics have volunteered their time to help increase the understanding of the Human Genome Project and genetics among teachers, students and the public.

The Human Genome Project

A Users Guide to the Human Genome

This guide is a 'hands on' manual for browsing and analysing publicly available sequence data produced by various systematic sequencing efforts.

Genome FAQs File

This web page deals with frequently asked questions dealing with the Human Genome Project.

Human Genome Diversity Project

The Human genome diversity project is an international project which aims to document the genetic variation between different racial and ethnic groups worldwide.

Human Genome Project Information

An extensive site covering a great deal of information about the Human Genome Project.

Map of the Human Genome

An excellent site showing a well presented overview of gene mapping on human chromosomes and the location of inherited human diseases.

NHGRI Education Kit

Online Education Kit: Understanding the Human Genome Project.

Primer on Molecular Genetics

From the US Department of Energy, this site examines mapping and sequencing the human genome. Including a glossary of terms, mapping strategies, how to collect, store and interpret data, and the implication of the human genome project.

The Human Genome Project - Discovering the Human Blueprint

Published by the Australian Academy of Science this is a section of the NOVA website, and provides an introduction to The Human Genome Project. Links to further information and related topics are provided throughout the page.

The Sanger Centre

From this genome research centre find out more about the human genome project, such as which chromosomes have been sequenced, statistics plus more.

Food Biotechnology (includes GM foods)

A GM World

Part of the New Scientist website, read the latest developments and recent news articles concerned with GM foods.

GMO Safety (Genetic engineering - Plants - Environment)

Obsevations and experimentation with various foods to inhance production and cause speeding up plant processes to encouraging plants to flower earlier.

Australia New Zealand Food Authority - GM Foods

Details on Australia New Zealand Food Authority (ANZFA's) assessments of genetically modified foods, what labeling they require, and current proposals and approvals.

Food Biotechnology

Contains news articles on issues concerned with food biotechnology.

Food for our Future

This UK site looks at the hot issue of genetically modified foods. It looks at what GM crops are, and what possible impact it may have on the environment.

GM Food Information

The National Centre for Biotechnology Education (UK) provides a a list of reports and publications relating to GM foods. Includes GMOs in food production, regulations, concerns and benefits of GM foods, lists other websites opposed and for GM foods.

GM Food UK and World News

Lists nearly 900 news stories relating to genetically modified food.

More food, cleaner food ­ gene technology and plants

Published by the Australian Academy of Science this is a section of the NOVA website, and provides an introduction to gene technology and plants. Links to further information and related topics are provided throughout the page.

Medical Biotechnology (includes: gene therapy, xenotransplantation,plus more)

BBC News: Eye gene therapy boost for young

US doctors treating 12 patients with a rare genetic eye disorder were able to significantly improve vision in the youngest. It is hoped that all this work will provide the basis for age-related macular degeneration as well as other genetic sight disorders,

Campaign for Responsible Transplantation

The CRT website discusses some of the negatives of xenotransplantation, and contains links and pages with more information on this subject.

Otago School of Medical Sciences: Transgenic cows producing Myelin

The recent approval for the use of transgenic cows producing the potential anti-multiple sclerosis drug (MBP) has generated a lot of discussion. This site provides links to different points of view from New Zealand.

The Transhumanist FAQ

Transhumanism is a philosophy that humanity can, and should, strive to higher levels, both physically, mentally and socially. It encourages research into such areas as life extension, cryonics, nanotechnology, physical and mental enhancements, and more.

Transfer and Cloning of the Insulin Gene

Part of the Access Excellence website, this web page examines the procedure of transferring and cloning the insulin gene.

UNC Gene Therapy Center

A site established to provide information about gene therapy research and the work being done at the University of North Carolina Human Gene Therapy Center.

The Transplantation Society of Australia and New Zealand

The TSANZ site is maintained by scientists, doctors, transplant coordinators and research students with an interest in all forms of transplantation. Page links such as Organ Allocation Protocols, Xenotransplantation, and Constitution are available.

TransWeb: All About Transplantation and Donation

TransWeb is a nonprofit educational project which provides a great amount of information regarding transplantation and donation.

Xenotransplantation FDA

A fact sheet hosted by FDA on xenotransplantation. From here access information on the processes and ethics involved.

Reproductive Biotechnology

Xenotransplantation: Risks, Clinical Potential and Future Prospects

This is an html article on xenotransplantation written by Robert E. Michler, and discusses the need for perseverance in the science and study of clinical xenotransplantation.

Atlanta Reproductive Health Centre

Provides useful overview of problems relating to reproduction, including: infertility, ovulation and hormone problems, reproductive surgery, IVF, GIFT, menopause, contraception, STD's, premenstrual syndrome, pregnancy, and childbirth.

BBC News | Genetic advance raises IVF hopes

Researchers have found a potential way to correct an inherited disorder. Working on monkeys, they transferred genetic material needed to create a baby from a defective egg to a healthy one, resulting in healthy births. This treatment would allow women with defective eggs to have a child without using donor eggs.

Fertility NZ

An excellent New Zealand based site, that provides links, resources, faq's and news articles on the subjects of fertility and Infertility.

Frequently Asked Questions About Infertility

A site run by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine that answers commonly asked questions about infertility and how various treatments work.

CRM London (London IVF and Fertility Clinic)

Provides detailed information of reproductive technology including treatments such as IVF, IUI, Blastocyst transfer and other procedures.

• CRM Sitemap
• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
• In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)

London Fertility Centre

This website deals with human reproductive technology. Discusses the details of various treatments such as IVF, GIFT.

• In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
• Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
• PGS/PGD
• PESA/TESA
• Sperm Donation
• Egg Donation

Industrial Biotechnology

Biology meets industry ­ genomics, proteomics, phenomics

Published by the Australian Academy of Science this is a section of the NOVA website, and provides an introduction to genomics, proteomics, and phenomics. Links to further information and related topics are provided throughout the page.

Careers in industrial microbiology and biotechnology

Find out what industrial microbiology is, what kind of work does a microbiologist do. Also details what one should do if considering a career in this field.

CHAPTER 19: Industrial Microbiology

Take a closer look at industrial microbiology. These lecture notes are divided into two broad categories: foods made by microbial activity (includes cheese, alcohol, bread, plus more); and non food microbiology (includes pharmacological industry, bioremediation, plus more).

Industrial Enzymes

A list of examples of industrial enzymes, including their name, source and application.

Kinds of Cheese and Cheese Products

Excellent information on the many different types of cheeses and their production. Note this is a pdf document.

Issues and Ethics of Biotechnology

ANZCCART

This web resource prepared jointly by ANZCCART and the Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre (Massey University) provides information about the use of animals in science, i.e. animal use in research, teaching and testing.

GMO Safety (Genetic engineering - Plants - Environment)

Investigating the environmental impacts of genetically modifiedplants as part of various biosafety research programme. Comparative trial with various conventional varieties. Do we know enough to allow the cultivation or should it be banned as a precautionary measure. Many years of research and countless publications have hugely increased our understanding of the effects on the ecosystem.

Bio IT World: Gene Patents

This strategic insight article by Sue Mayer addresses the question 'Are gene patents in the public interest'.

DNA profiling and prejudice

A discussion by New Scientist regarding the retention and use of DNA samples in police databases.

Environmental Risk Management Authority (NZ)

ERMA New Zealand are involved with considering application to introduce hazardous substances and new organisms (as well as GMOs) into the country, and monitoring all conditions of these new applications.

Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues -HGP

From here you can read many articles relating to the ethical, legal and social implications surrounding the Human Genome Project.

Genetic Engineering

This Greenpeace site looks at genetically engineered foods, what is it? how is it done? unpredictable effects and other concerns against genetically engineered foods.

Genetically-Modified Organisms (GMOs)

This site is hosted by the University of Essex, and discusses GMO's, the history of GMO technology, Environmental Health Risks of GMO crops and more.

Genetic Engineering and It's Dangers

Consists of a long list of links to articles by individuals who believe that genetic engineering is wrong. Articles include issues such as genetically modified foods, biowarfare and human cloning.

Issues and Bioethics

Part of the Access Excellence site, focusing on the breakthroughs in biotechnology leading into the 21st century. Includes the Human Genome Project, plant genome projects and Bioethics.

New Zealand Anti-Vivisection Society Inc

Acting as an information source for serious anti-vivisectionists throughout New Zealand this site focuses on the issue that vivisection is an unscientific method, that results in harm to human health.

RDS: Understanding Animal Research in Medicine

The RDS (Research Defence Society), looks at the ethics of using animals in medical research. It examines the research process, and animal welfare. This site also explores the medical benefits which have come from using animals in medical research.

Religious Tolerance.org: Human Reproductive and Therapeutic Cloning

A site that seperates the information and ethics of cloning specifically into Embryo cloning, Therapeutic cloning, and Reproductive cloning.

The Royal Society

Established in 1600, the Royal Society is an independent organisation providing advice on matters relating to science, engineering and technology. This site provides access to science policy, library and archives, news & media.

DNA Software Download

Chromas DNA Sequence Viewer (WIN)

Chromas is a Windows application which displays and prints chromatogram files from ABI automated DNA sequencers. Chromas 1.51 is shareware. The unregistered version is fully functional for 14 days, after which time registration is required.

4Peaks (OSX)

4Peaks is a program that helps molecular biologists to visualize and edit their DNA sequence files, providing a solution for analyzing trace files on the MacOSX platform. 4Peaks supports most commonly used sequence file formats. Students can download this Freeware program and use it to analyze a sample DNA sequence provided with the package.

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