Interviews and Videos
We have interviewed a few experts in the field of biotechnology for their opinions on a few topics. In addition, we have video of Dr. Francis Collins, the head of the Human Genome Project. He is shown discussing a variety of topics in a presentation he gave at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in northern Virginia.
Videos
In a recent visit to Thomas Jefferson High School of Science and Technology, Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D. spoke about his experiences in directing the human genome project. He is director of the National Human Genome Research Institute located at the National Institutes of Health. In addition, he discussed many topics relavent to biology including stem cells and gene therapy. We obtained permission from Dr. Collins to use these videos.
To view a video, please select your appropriate media player.
Dr. Collins speaking about genetic therapy and its implications. |
Dr. Collins speaking on the issue of genetic discrimination. |
Dr. Collins speaking about stem cell research and its potential. |
Dr. Collins speaking about the "race" between the NIH and Solora. |
Interview with David A. Scheinberg, MD, PhD
How will the completed human genome project affect biotechnology?
"Now that the human genome is sequenced, we have an extraordinary opportunity to discover which genes cause cancers and other diseases; the rapid advances in chemistry, immunology, and biology will allow us to develop new drugs and diagnostic agents that target specific genes and the proteins they make, which should rapidly lead to large improvements in medical care."
David A. Scheinberg, MD, PhD
Chairman,
Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program;
Experimental Therapeutics Center;
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Interview with Junying Yuan, PhD
What do you forsee in the future of biotechnology?
I see a great future for biotechnology. This is propelled by both the increasing understanding of human biology and diseases, as well as by the desire to have a longer and healthier life.
How do you think biotechnology, specifically stem cell research, can influence us in our everyday lives?
Stem cell research as well as other biotechnology may provide means to treat diseases that are difficult to treat today. However, I think the stem cell technology is just one of the means in research and treatment of human diseases. It is not something frightening as one has imagined, nor is it a magic bullet that is going to solve all of our problems.
What would you say to someone who protests against certain biotechnological developments?
I think there may be some misunderstanding about the biotechnology. A lot of processes of biotechnology, such as gene transfer, exist naturally; we just amplified them to a further extent.
Biotechnology incorporates a wide variety of sciences and subject material. What do you think is the single most important development in biotechnology to date?
The discovery of DNA as genetic material.
What kinds of skills do you need to succeed in the field of biotechnology, specifically cell research?
I would not call them skills, skills are required for technicians. Like any other profession, it is the knowledge and creativity that makes one successful.
Junying Yuan, Ph.D.
Department of Cell Biology
Harvard Medical School
Interview with Gilbert A. Keller, PhD
What do you forsee in the future of biotechnology?
Biotech is here to stay and will evolve rapidly. The early drugs produced by recombinant technology were, as you know, proteins or fragments of proteins. The next generation will take advantage of anti-sense DNA or RNA that will make it possible to inhibit cellular function(s) at the level of the gene or the mRNA and upregulate or downregulate a cellular function that went awry. Consider the analogy: instead of sweeping the floor (that what therapeutic antibodies do) one is now in a position of turning off the gasket (anti-sense technology). Furthermore, there is the not-so-new field of gene therapy that appears more promising in the light of recent experiments showing that the therapeutic gene can be systematically targeted to the same region of the chromosome.
What would you say to someone who protests against certain biotechnological developments?
Protocols for studies have to be approved before the studies are initiated. Furthermore, the biotechnology has to regulate itself by making sure that virus, bacteria, cells, etc. don’t escape in the environment and won’t recombine with the wild microorganisms. Also, that toxicity studies have to determine whether genes added to plants are not toxic when ingested by humans or animals.
Biotechnology incorporates a wide variety of sciences and subject material. What do you think is the single most important development in biotechnology to date?
There is more than one accomplishment, among them the completion of the genome project is a rare feast.
What kinds of skills do you need to succeed in the field of biotechnology, specifically genetics?
A well functioning brain, a good dose of tenacity, and a vast comprehension of basic science. Furthermore, a appetite for investing in understanding other sciences than the on who have trained in.
Dr. Gilbert A. Keller, PhD