BIO Celebrates National DNA Day.Increased Understanding of DNA DNA: see nucleic acid. DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid One of two types of nucleic acid (the other is RNA); a complex organic compound found in all living cells and many viruses. It is the chemical substance of genes. and the Human Genome The human genome is the genome of Homo sapiens, which is composed of 24 distinct pairs of chromosomes (22 autosomal + X + Y) with a total of approximately 3 billion DNA base pairs containing an estimated 20,000–25,000 genes. Will Fuel Even More Remarkable Scientific and Medical Advances WASHINGTON -- Biotechnology Industry Organization Biotechnology Industry Organization or BIO was founded 1993 in Washington, DC. James C. Greenwood is BIO's current President. External links
"Today we celebrate National DNA Day to commemorate the discovery of DNA's double helix double helix n. The coiled structure of a double-stranded DNA molecule in which strands linked by hydrogen bonds form a spiral configuration. Also called DNA helix, Watson-Crick helix. in 1953 and the completion of the Human Genome Project in April 2003. These advancements provide the basis for biotechnology innovators to develop remarkable therapies, cures and technologies that address global health, hunger and environmental challenges. "The completion of the Human Genome Project has ushered in a new genomic era. Scientific advances in genomics have led to the development of new genetic-based diagnostics and therapeutics that have the potential to bring us into an era of more effective, personalized, predictive, and preemptive pre·emp·tive or pre-emp·tive adj. 1. Of, relating to, or characteristic of preemption. 2. Having or granted by the right of preemption. 3. a. medicine. We commend Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institutes of Health, for his leadership in this groundbreaking research. "To date, biotechnology has created more than 200 new therapies and vaccines, including products to treat cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDS Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and autoimmune disorders Autoimmune Disorders Definition Autoimmune disorders are conditions in which a person's immune system attacks the body's own cells, causing tissue destruction. . There are more than 400 biotech drug products and vaccines currently in clinical trials targeting more than 200 diseases, including Alzheimer's disease Alzheimer's disease (ăls`hī'mərz, ôls–), degenerative disease of nerve cells in the cerebral cortex that leads to atrophy of the brain and senile dementia. , diabetes, multiple sclerosis, AIDS and a host of rare diseases. Biotechnology also is responsible for hundreds of medical diagnostic tests that keep the blood supply safe from the AIDS virus AIDS virus n. See HIV. and detect other conditions early enough to be successfully treated. Biotechnology is leading to increased crop yields to help us feed growing world demand. Biopesticides and other agricultural products also are being used to improve our food supply and to reduce our dependence on conventional chemical pesticides. And biotechnology has led to a variety of renewable, sustainable sources of energy that help increase our nation's energy security. "This year, National DNA Day is also marked by the passage of landmark legislation to ensure that patients will not be discriminated against based on their genetic information. BIO has been a strong supporter of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act This article documents a proposed statute that is being considered. Information may change rapidly as the bill progresses. (GINA GINA - Generic Interactive Application. An application framework based on Common Lisp and OSF/Motif, designed to simplify the construction of graphical interactive applications. ), and commends the U.S. Senate for unanimously passing this important legislation. By removing the threat of genetic discrimination, GINA will ensure that patients benefit from advances in science and technology. "Even as we celebrate how far we come, we recognize that we are only at the beginning of a remarkable journey. Our expanding understanding of DNA and the human genome, made possible by the discoveries we celebrate today, will fuel even more remarkable scientific and medical advances to come. We join the entire U.S. biotechnology community in celebrating National DNA Day and moving forward in our quest to heal, feed and fuel the world." Francis Collins, M.D., Ph.D., will participate in a Super Session on cutting-edge genome technologies and their applications to diagnosis and treatment of disease at the 2008 BIO International Convention to be held in San Diego, CA from June 17-20th. For more information on the global event for biotechnology including the program, registration, and housing information, please visit www.bio2008.org. About BIO BIO represents more than 1,200 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the annual BIO International Convention, the world's largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. www.bio.org Upcoming BIO Events
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World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology & Bioprocessing
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April 27-30, 2008
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Chicago, IL
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BIO International Convention
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June 17-20
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San Diego, CA
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Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy
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Sept. 10-12, 2008
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Vancouver, B.C., Canada
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