The development of modern biology represents not only revolutionary scientific advances but also applications with wide-spread societal implications. It holds great promise in diverse fields such as food production, health, energy and industry. But there are also concerns and fears. However, in 20 years, there will be two billion more people to feed. There is no more significant arable land available.
Biotechnology holds the promise of higher yields and disease free crops.
The first would enable detection of many diseases very early, making treatment specific and less expensive. The eradication of smallpox, reduction in polio, and protection against many childhood diseases are examples of the power of immuno-prophylaxis. However, there is so much more that can be done In agriculture, improvements have been effected so far on a gradual basis. For example, in animal husbandry, one has gone from selection and crossing, to artificial insemination, and embryo transplant technologies None of these have given rise to fears. But genetic engineering arouses fears because one moves across species boundaries.