The Interesting History of Biotechnology

Updated on December 15, 2021

The concept of biotechnology has been around since humans began using organic materials to improve their lives. Research and development spanned eons from simply enhancing food and drink to advancing cellular and molecular technology. Happy accidents thousands of years ago required curiosity and keen observation skills whereas the complex theories and experimentations today require the help of experts in technology such as devops companies Boston. The following is a brief glimpse at some of the historical developments in biotechnology that are still relevant today.

Fermentation

The harnessing of fermentation techniques by early people groups is thought to have initially been an accidental discovery. With no effective way to preserve food other than by drying, the agrarian societies benefitted from experimenting with the byproduct of leftover food and drink. The mixing of yeast and bacteria eventually led to the production of cheese, yeast bread, yogurt, beer, and wine. The discoveries not only gave pleasure but also saved lives as early civilizations suffering from water-borne illnesses were quick to see the beneficial effects of fermented drinks.  

Dyeing Fabrics

The first recorded use of dyestuffs was over 4000 years ago in China. By Roman times, a purple garment could cost its weight in gold. Indigo became the rage around the same time, with all exquisite and bold colors worn by the very wealthy. For thousands of years dyes were obtained organically using plants and insects, but the late 1700s ushered in the use of chemical dyes obtained from coal tar or copper and other elemental metals. Synthetic colors were developed soon after that, making fabrics in every color of the rainbow available to the masses. 

Gunpowder

China invented the chemical formula for gunpowder in the 9th century. This technological achievement changed the way people conducted warfare and hunted for wild game. It was conducive to pioneering new territories by making mountains passable with railroads and highways making travel safer and more efficient. It also allowed for fireworks displays for celebrating milestones and achievements. 

Penicillin 

Mold was reportedly used to treat infections as early as 1640, but the use of penicillin was not officially recognized until around 1920. Even then, it wasn’t used as a medicine until the 1940s where the drug was credited for saving many lives during the war. Technological advancements in the making of pharmaceutical antibiotics were necessitated by increasingly resistant bacteria, but there is no doubt that the world was impacted for the better with the discovery and use of penicillin. 

Genetics

Basic genetic principles were discovered in 1865 when an Augustinian monk crossbred green and yellow pea plants. It took several decades for the field of science to understand the significance of the findings, but then an explosion of interest ushered in the modern era of genetic research. The next century brought the discovery of DNA, which led to genetic testing and the priceless ability to match organ and bone marrow donors with recipients.  

The ability to harness the potential of natural resources and create new materials has led to the advancement of civilizations. However, biotechnology becomes transcendent when used for curing diseases and saving lives.

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.