Search

In the 21st century, biotechnology is no doubt one of the fields in science and technology with the most developmental potential. Modern-day biotechnology is a multidisciplinary field where its utility has grown from traditional uses like agriculture and medicine. The ongoing revolution in biotechnology has great potential for application for both civilian and military uses. This review describes the major biotechnological revolution as well as some aspects of their general usefulness. Furthermore the application of the major research breakthroughs in biotechnology to military operations is discussed. Major militaristic utility of biotechnology are in therapeutics, electronics and computing, materials and logistics and biodefence.

In the last decade, governments, medical charities, pharmaceutical companies and disease advocacy organizations have spent considerable time and money developing biobanks to aid drug discovery and the investigation of disease. This article identifies and assesses the various expectations that have driven the investment in different types of biobanks. It suggests that they have been the focus of unrealistic promises about producing a 'biobank revolution' that will transform biomedicine and healthcare. We need more modest expectations about what can be achieved, and need to tackle certain conceptual and methodological challenges for biobanks to fulfill their potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]