New Trends in Biology

Name: Emilia Lehnhoff, Georgina Osorio, Simonette Valleau

Date:18/01/2024 Key #: _____

Instructions:
Teamwork:2 - 3 students.
Each team member MUST upload the assignment. Use the PDF posted to complete
your assignment.

Introduction:
The term "new trends in biology" refers to the emerging and evolving directions,
approaches, and areas of focus within the field of biology. These trends represent
the forefront of scientific research and exploration, indicating the current areas of
interest and innovation.

Part 1: Understanding New Trends:

1. Define "new trends in biology" in your own words.

New strategies and developing areas of study in the biology field. These show
the modern interest of innovation.

2. Explain how advancements in technology and changes in scientific

understanding contribute to the emergence of new trends in biology.
Advancements contribute knowledge and ongoing progress, by challenging
the human to make new discoveries.

Part 2: CRISPR-Cas9 Technology

3. Briefly describe CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Technique of gene editing that

allows precise modifications to DNA sequences.

4. Explain the potential applications of CRISPR-Cas9 in genetic engineering and

therapeutic interventions. CRISPR-Cas9 gave the possibility to treat genetic
disorders by genetically modifying organisms and discovering the basis of
various diseases.

Part 3: Synthetic Biology

5. Define synthetic biology.

Application of engineering principles to design new implements in biology.
 6. Explain how synthetic biology applies engineering principles to biology.
Helps involve design and construction of new biological entities, benefiting
areas like; modern medicine, energy production and environmental
sustainability.

7. Discuss potential impacts of synthetic biology on medicine, energy production,

and environmental sustainability.
Contributes by the creation of new organs that completely change the field of
medicine. Provide new devices for purifying water and re-design new
technologies, like solar panels, that make the difference in the world.

Part 4: Personalized Medicine

8. Define personalized medicine.

Specialized medical treatments based on genetic, environment, and lifestyle.

9. Discuss the importance of tailoring medical treatment based on individual

genetic makeup, environment, and lifestyle.
It is important because the medical treatment is specialized on the patient, it is
specifically done, meaning that it would be more effective. Sometimes
generalizing the patient's conditions isn't good because it might not work the
same way.

10. Consider potential benefits and challenges of personalized medicine

Potential benefits would be to make a unique program of medicine for each
patient, making the possibility for the patient to get better quickly and without
complications higher. The challenges would be the time it takes to make the
specialized medicine for the patient, might not be easy because normally
everything comes in general terms.

Part 5: Stem Cell Research

11. Highlight advancements in stem cell research.

The highlight advancements are the potential of stem cells for regenerative
medicine and disease treatment.

12. Discuss the potential applications of stem cells in regenerative medicine and
disease treatment.
Some potential applications could be orthopedic applicators for bone and
cartilage regeneration. Neurological disorders can help treat brain diseases
like Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases.

Part 6: Microbiome Research

 13. Define the human microbiome.
Trillion microorganisms that live on and in the human body, plays an important
role in health and disease.

14. Explain the significance of microbiome research in relation to health, disease,

and ecosystems.
Microbiome research plays a crucial role in immunology, metabolism, and
mental health.It can lead to advancements in healthcare, disease prevention,
and ecological balance.

Part 7: Neuroscience Advancements

15. Summarize progress in understanding the complexities of the brain.

Through studies on neuroplasticity, brain development, and the mechanisms
causing neurological disorders, our understanding of the intricacies of the
brain has substantially improved. This development has made a field of active
continuing study and discovery possible by laying the foundation for future
interventions and therapies.

16. Highlight areas such as neuroplasticity, neurodegenerative diseases, and new

tools for brain research.
Advancements in neuroscience have brought about significant progress in
diverse areas, such as neuroplasticity, neurodegenerative diseases, and new
tools for brain research. Research on neuroplasticity explores the brain’s
adaptive capabilities, offering insights into learning and rehabilitation.
Investigations into brain development provide valuable information about early
life influences. Moreover, studies on the mechanism underlying neurological
disorders contribute to potential treatments and interventions.

Part 8: Optogenetics

17. Define optogenetics.

Is a method that uses light to regulate and modify the activity of cells that
have been genetically altered.

18. Explain how optogenetics is used in neuroscience research.

Researchers in neuroscience examine and manipulate specific neural circuits
to gain understanding of how the brain works as well as possible therapeutic
uses.

19. Discuss the significance of using light to control and manipulate genetically
modified cells.
 Optogenetics, which involves using light to control and manipulate genetically
modified cells, has revolutionized neuroscience by enabling precise control
over specific neural circuits. This technique allows researchers to study
genetically defined sets of neurons and gain insight into various aspects of
brain function.
.
Part 9: Biotechnology in Agriculture

20. Highlight advances in biotechnology in agriculture.

Precision breeding, gene editing, and genetically modified crops are the main
ways that biotechnological advancements in agriculture have transformed the
sector. By addressing important problems like insect resistance, food security,
and environmental sustainability, these technologies represent a substantial
advancement toward the development of more resilient and effective
agricultural methods.

21. Discuss the transformation of agriculture through genetically modified crops,

gene editing, and precision breeding.
Concerns about global food security are addressed by genetically modified
crops, which are developed for particular features and increase yield and
resilience. Plant genomes can be precisely altered through gene editing,
resulting in customized features that increase sustainability and production.
By utilizing innovative breeding methods, precision breeding expedites the
development of crops with desirable traits, promoting environmental
sustainability and pest resistance.

Part 10: As a team discuss and answer the following questions, use complete
sentences.

22. Discuss the potential future trends in biology based on current advancements.
Synthetic biology is more likely to play an important role in the future, where
the creation of artificial organs and blood is considered to help overcome the
shortage of donations and improve the quality of life of massive numbers of
people.

23. How do new trends in biology impact various aspects of our lives, from
medicine to agriculture?
New trends in biology have contributed to improving the quality of life. In
medicine, personalized treatments have been created to help cure health
problems more effectively. In agriculture, advances are making crops stronger
and more resistant to pests, enabling farmers to produce more food.
24. Why is staying informed about emerging trends crucial for scientists,
educators, and students in the field of biology?
For scientists, staying informed is important in order to keep contributing.
Also, it is necessary for educators to offer updated content. In addition, for
students, this is crucial to get them interested in new careers.

25. How might these trends shape the future of biological research and
applications?
Overall, these trends have the potential to revolutionize our approach to
health, medicine and our understanding of life in general. Therefore, they
promise future potential advances that could be applied to deal with a variety
of challenges that have yet to be answered.