Using living things to create products or to do tasks for human beings is a general description of biotechnology.

Biotechnology is the practice of using plants, animals and micro-organisms such as bacteria, as well as biological processes - such as the ripening of fruit or the bacteria that break down compost - to some benefit. For example, in industry, medicine and agriculture, biotechnology is used to produce foods, medicines, test for diseases and remove waste.

It can also be used to solve problems and conduct research. Over time biotechnology has formed the basis of much learning about people and diseases. Biotechnology also underpins the development of many clinical treatments (Biotechnology Online, Biotechnology Australia).

This page provides links to information on bioethics, cloning, gene therapy, genetically modified foods and stem cell research

Bioethics and research

Bioethics aims to increase awareness of the ethical and legal issues that have arisen in relation to biomedical work and its impact in the medical and health area. This section includes links to information about ethics involved in human genetic and reproductive technology.

• animal research ethics
• human genetics
• Ethical Aspects of Human Genetic Testing - an Information Paper
• ethical conduct of research
• Guidelines for Ethical Review of Research Proposals for Human Somatic Cell Gene Therapy(1999)
• Human Research Ethics Handbook
• Reclaiming citizenship: biotechnology and the civil society
• values and ethics - guidelines for ethical conduct in  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research

Cloning

• assisted reproductive technology
• cloning
• human embryos and cloning

• stem cell research and cloning

Gene therapy

Gene therapy replaces faulty genes with healthy versions. Therapeutic gene therapy is still in its infancy, but has the potential to revolutionise treatment for all kinds of genetic diseases.

• genes - not the kind you wear
• gene therapy
• Gene and related Therapies Research Advisory Panel
• Handbook on the Regulation of Gene Technology in Australia

Genetically modified foods

• Australian New Zealand Food Standards Council
• genetically modified foods - techniques
• genetically modified foods
• genetically modified foods
• gene technology - the future for food and medicine

Stem cell research

• fetal tissue use in research
• status of the regulatory oversight of haematopoietic progenitor cells
• surgery for Parkinson's disease