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Biotechnology
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4th Industrial Revolution
Global Issue
Industry
Economy
4th Industrial Revolution
Biotechnology
Explore context
Science
This light-powered catalyst mimics photosynthesis
The new molecule, known as a biohybrid photocatalyst, can improve the yield of chemical reactions for generating pharmaceuticals and other useful compounds.
Biotechnology
How can technological advancements in synthetic biology benefit everyone? An expert explains
An ideal bioeconomy policy agenda needs to be established so that everyone can benefit from the latest advancements made in synthetic biology, expert says.
Future of Energy
Lignocellulose: how nature's wonder material could help the energy transition
Plant biomass, or lignocellulose, is the most abundant renewable carbon source on the planet – but we are only just starting to grasp its potential in replacing fossil resources
Precision Medicine
How engineering animals and plants could help fight climate change
There is potential for genetic engineering to bolster the response to climate change, but there are also risks and unknowns.
Science
There's a plan to bring mammoths back from extinction. Here's what you need to know
A US startup, Colossal Biosciences, has received $15 million in funding to bring woolly mammoths, who disappeared 4,000 years ago, back from extinction.
SDIS2021
How 4IR is enabling policy-making for a more sustainable and agile future
The application of 4IR and agile governance can equip governments to ‘turn the tide’ so businesses and public can transition to a sustainable future.
Biotechnology
Lessons learned from COVID-19 vaccines could advance synthetic biology. Here's how
Intellectual property waivers for COVID-19 vaccines could change the course of synthetic biology, enabling the democratic distribution of technologies.
Precision Medicine
Gene therapies could change millions of lives - so how will we pay for them?
Gene therapies can cost million of dollars. Kevin Doxzen explains why creative new payment systems are needed to help fund treatment.
Future of Health and Healthcare
This barnacle-inspired blood-repelling glue can seal wounds in 15 seconds
MIT researchers have designed a biocompatible glue which seals wounds, stops bleeding and can potentially be used on both internal and external wounds.
Vaccination
BioNTech: A new malaria vaccine could be on the horizon
BioNTech plans to start clinical testing by the end of 2022 for a new malaria vaccine, which aims to make the parasite visible and attackable when it enters the body.
Biotechnology
How pollution and other environmental effects can affect human DNA
Gene expression can be altered by environmental factors such as food, drugs or exposure to toxins - and these changes can be passed on to our children.
Biotechnology
Microfluidics: The next medical breakthrough you haven't heard of
Microfluids travel through channels thinner than a hair which can be made of glass, polymers, paper or gels and tiny valves can turn the flow on or off.
Global Health
The cells in our body have 'a license to die', protecting us from infectious diseases
When we contract infectious diseases such as the flu, our cells can die to stop pathogens in their tracks before they spread further through our body.
3D Printing
This ceramic ink can 3D-print bones directly into a patient’s body. Here’s how
Previously, bones that needed replacing would firstly need to be built in a laboratory. New technology means that, soon, it will be possible to ‘print’ bone tissue inside the body.
GTGS2021
Realizing the potential of synthetic biology to help people and the planet
Members of the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council explore what's needed to realize synthetic biology's potential - and why we'll need to revisit and rethink the societal transfo...