Session 7/Dosage 7

Brief overview

Week 7, the last week before the recess break. This week we covered blue, white and green biotechnology as we did so for red biotechnology last week. Why is biotechnology so important? Biotechnology is one of the significant factors that can guide us to a path of being sustainable. Not only that, it enhances ways of life, improve healthcare and modifies products. Ultimately, it provides new solutions to old problems. Another question would be why is biotechnology so relevant? This is because all life forms share many common elements. Traits or genes from one life form could be applied to another. In this session we cover the applications and implications of biotechnology in the marine, industrial and agriculture industries.

Interesting observation and ideas

Prof showed us a video where humans were depicted as a strain of virus ‘attacking’ planets. Implying that we are merely exploiting the earth’s resources and not interested in saving the earth. This was the case for mankind in the past, but now humans have a revised perspective on the earth. The human race is at the threshold of change. There has been oncoming spurts of technologies in recent decades. The implications it brings with it paints a bright future for the survival of planet earth. All we need to do is apply these technologies in the appropriate ways and not misuse them for our selfish wants.

Urbanisation definitely has Pros and Cons. Pros being increased accessibility and maybe a better standard of living. While cons could be higher cost incurred, and the inability to grow your own food. It seems that the pros outweigh the cons as an increasing amount of people are moving to cities. Hence, demand for resources would rise. More food, electricity and water is needed to satisfy the growing urban population. Yet, Humans cannot afford to increase their rate of consumption of natural resources, in fact they have to reduce the rate. This is where technology, more specifically biotechnology comes into play. Developed technologies in the agriculture industries are put to use. For example, Genetically Modified (GM) food is widely produced. Poultry farming has also been cultivated to meet this increase demand. Over 70% of seafood are fish farmed. In addition some of the fishes are GM ones, yielding more meat and maturing at a faster rate. Nevertheless, some still question the impacts of these practices. Are there unforeseen long term effects?

Thus the increasing popularity of organic products. Though organic products are chemical free and are believed to be healthier than non-organic ones, it still has drawbacks. Organic farming has lesser yield, it is less productive and takes up more land to produce the same yield as compared to other forms of chemically aided or GM crop farming. Would humans continue to embrace organic farming in the future when land is limited? It is possible with the concept of vertical farming. Vertical farming is a concept where farming is carried out in skyscrapers or buildings. Although it is an uncommon method of farming, the idea has existed since early 1900s. Farming could be headed this way.

One peculiar thought came to my mind when one of my peers was presenting. Although we were taught as individuals not to let any food on our plate go to waste, does finishing up our food allow for equal distribution of food in the world? By finishing up our meals, not really. Individuals at private sectors hold more power to even the distribution of food. The food industry has always had the mindset of ‘more being better than less’. It would rather have excess than be short of food. Personally, I feel this attitude holds a large fault in causing uneven distribution of food globally.

Watched a video on super cows. The concept of selective breeding is manifested to produce muscular or meatier cows. Artificial insemination is used in this case. The sperms are analysed one by one to select the ones with the specific gene or the ones which are more favoured. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nmkj5gq1cQU

Key takeaway points

1)    Distribution of food/resources is vital to end inequality in the world.

2)    Human beings have been changing situations/circumstances to satisfy ourselves, but now we are doing so to satisfy the needs of future generations.

3)    Selective breeding has occurred for years. Biotechnology just enhances it.

Issue for further discussion

Less developed countries lack scientific capacity and capital. Is this a big issue in biobusiness/biotechnology? What are it’s implications?

In the future where technology and knowledge is of great importance, will there be higher barriers to entry to industries such as agriculture?

Personal rating for session

8/10.