Biotechnology is the use of living things, or life processes to make something useful.
The term was coined in 1915, and understood to include such ancient practices as brewing and baking, cheesemaking, selective breeding of plants and livestock, and later, vaccine and pharmaceutical development. These tools and techniques, taken from biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, cell biology and chemistry, are used to address a variety of problems. Here in Oregon, specific projects include development of saliva-based tests for HIV, diagnostic tests, and gene therapy strategies to correct devastating inherited diseases, herbicide resistant poplar trees for efficient paper production, raspberries that resist softening and spoilage, use of insect hormones to thwart pests and reduce the use of pesticides on crops, remediation of polluted environments, and yes, using DNA evidence to solve crimes. The bio-technician is a key player in any laboratory, absolutely critical to its smooth operations.