Bio-related Technologies

This book is organized into nine chapters: Introduction to Bio-Related Technology, Systems of Bio-Related Technology, Human Factors Engineering, Health Care Technology, Cultivation of Plants and Animals, Fuel and Chemical Production, Waste Management and Treatment, Biomaterial Applications, and Rules, Regulations and Patents. biotechology . . .those techniques that use living organisms to make or modify products, to improve plants or animals, or to develop microorganisms for specific uses." U. S. Office of Technology Assessment

bio-related technology ". . . the practical application of mechanical devices, products, substances, or organisms to improve health or contribute to the harmony between humans and their environment. " Savage et al., p. xi

Bio-related technology

• bioengineering
• health care
• cultivation of plants and animals
• fuel and chemical production
• waste management and treatment
• materials applications
• regulation and safety

Bioengineering

1. Protection -- the creation of a safe environment for the person or living being: football helmets, safety glasses, etc.
2. Physical enhancement -- compensation for physical deficiencies: replacement of limbs; eye glasses, etc.
3. Ecological management -- all the physical, chemical, and biological factors that species need to survive, stay healthy, and reproduce in an ecosystem (Miller, 1988)
4. Personal health application -- e.g., biofeedback for stress management

Health Care

1. Prevention -- e.g., vaccines; the assurance that drinking water is free of harmful bacteria; etc.
2. Diagnosis -- the analysis of health problems against a healthy norm to determine problems and provide recommendations.
3. Treatment -- diet and life-style changes; organ transplants; etc.
4. Support systems and services -- physical therapy and rehabilitation.

Cultivation of Plants and Animals

1. Cultivation -- creating a growing environment for living things.
2. Genetic improvement -- through processes such as gene splicing for improved products.
3. Pest control -- through biological and chemical pesticides and herbicides.
4. Resource management -- such as controlled agriculture and conservation techniques
5. Food and beverage processing -- with processes such as fermentation that result in cheese, beer, and wine.

Fuel and Chemical Production

1. Biomas generation -- using agricultural and forestry products to create fuel
2. Processing -- distilling fuel and chemicals from other products.
3. Synthetic development -- creating fuel and chemical and material substitutes.

Waste Management and Treatment

1. Chemical and biological processing -- proper development of chemicals to ensure safe management.
2. Recycling -- e.g., organic and inorganic waste treatment, including landfill processing and toxic waste disposal/recycling.

Biotechnological Materials Applications

1. Chemical transformation -- using biological processes to change the characteristics of materials.
2. Biological separation -- isolating or creating products from other complex systems.
3. Biodegradation of materials -- using biological processes to speed up or retard the decay of materials.

Regulations and Safety

1. Public policy development -- issues and legislation relating to the well-being of all citizens: pollution, waste management, health care, et.
2. Process design and testing -- systems to protect ourselves and our environment.
3. Food and drug safety -- understanding the need for and difficulty of providing high standards and testing for food and drugs.
4. Environmental protection -- preserving our planet for future generations.
5. Future planning -- developing long-range plans based upon alternative future scenarios