Radio Cadena Agramonte emisiora de Camagüey
Havana, June 16 – International Biotechnology Day is celebrated every June 16th to honor scientific disciplines that are of great importance to the sustainable development of the planet.
During the ephemeris is also recognized the work of people who are engaged in some biotechnological area, protagonists of areas oriented to use components from living organisms (cells, genes or enzymes) for the production of products, through the application of genetic engineering.
During the ephemeris is also recognized the work of people who are engaged in some biotechnological area, protagonists of areas oriented to use components from living organisms (cells, genes or enzymes) to obtain products through the application of genetic engineering.
Biotechnology allows for the application of new scientific methods in the agro-industry, food, pharmaceutical, textile, detergent, fuel, biodegradable plastics, and other industries.
Regarding this celebration, publications note that the date is due to the origins of the biotechnology industry. On June 16, 1980, genetic engineer Ananda Mohan Chakrabarty developed a bacterium from the genus Pseudomonas, whose usefulness lies in breaking down crude oil for the treatment of oil spills, thereby benefiting the environment.
This scientific discovery was considered a patentable object, duly endorsed by a ruling of the US Supreme Court.
Significant contributions of this science to the field of medicine were evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, through the decoding of the SARS-CoV-2 virus genome.
Biotechnology has developed gene therapies, the growth hormone, the Hepatitis B vaccine, and the development of insulin, among many other scientific advances. (Text and photo: PL)
