1. A Maelstrom of Weird New Genetic Information: This ‘map’ allows viewers to see a nice introduction to so-called epigenetic ways your body passes information from cell to cell, or creates the proteins that make your body thrive. At one time, it was believed that each gene was a tidy strand of molecules in a row on you DNA, and that each gene created one kind of protein. Now it turns out the story is far more complicated…
2. Biotechnology: Three charts on this page show genetically engineered foods on the market, “Countries of Origin of Biotechnology Patents from 1990-1995,” and “Where are the GMO Crops Being Grown?” It may or may not surprise you that the U.S. led in the number of patents between 1990-1995, with 37.5 percent of the patents, followed closely by Japan at 37 percent of all patents. The U.S. also led in the number of GMO crops being grown, with soy leading the way.
3. Biotechnology and modern biotechnology defined: Modern biotechnology is a term adopted by international convention to refer to biotechnological techniques for the manipulation of genetic material and the fusion of cells beyond normal breeding barriers. The most obvious example is genetic engineering to create genetically modified/engineered organisms (GMOs/GEOs) through “transgenic technology” involving the insertion or deletion of genes.
4. Biotechnology in Canada: Data presented on this page is derived from the Canadian Life Sciences Database. This database is sponsored by BIOTECanada, and is designed to inform and educate the Canadian and global public about Canada’s life sciences community. Users can access key industry data such as pipeline development statistics, employment figures, financing activities, and sectoral company information.
5. Biotechnology in Germany: In this overview the Federal Ministry of Education and Research has compiled the most interesting facts and figures to help you get to grips with the economic and financial situation of the core biotech companies in Germany. At the moment there are 17 German biotech companies listed on the stock market. In comparison to other European countries Germany holds the second place after Great Britain. This page is updated regularly.
6. Bird Flu Preparations: Before you take this image seriously, realize that it was produced by the Onion, a magazine that takes real news and skews it to the ironic side. This graphic shows what “federal and state officials” are doing to prepare for bird flu, including the distribution of “Tamiflu to Fortune 500 CEOs and their families.”
7. Canadian Biotechnology Strategy: The purpose of this graph is to show biotech activity in Canada, the companies involved and the amount of funds and expenditures within each entity. The article covers the time period between 1999 and 2007. Canadian research establishments are particularly strong in the field of medicine and have built up a solid reputation at renowned institutes in genomics, proteomics, cancer and infection research.
8. Corporate Control: According to these graphics, presented by ABC Online in Australia, the worldwide market for genetic material is dominated by a handful of multinational companies. The three graphs shown here, designed by ABC News Online designer Ben Spraggon, show corporate control of genetic material, top pesticide firms by market share and top proprietary seed firms by market share.
9. Food for Thought: This page, also offered by Australia’s ABC News, presents a graph showing the explosion in patents over drought-resistant genes, highlighting a broader trend toward owning the genetic makeup of climate change-adaptive plants. Other graphs explain the companies that own the rice genome and the prevalence of the “global rice bowl.”
10. Genetic Geography: Humans are a huge part of the biotechnology picture, especially when it comes to studying migration patterns based upon genetics. By studying DNA of people from around the world, scientists have patched together colorful symbols of genetic diversity. Less variability indicates rapid, strong evolutionary selection.
11. Graphics Gallery: Sponsored by the National Health Museum, this image is just one of dozens of information graphics listed on this site. Graphics Gallery is a series of labeled diagrams with explanations representing the important processes of biotechnology. Each diagram is followed by a summary of information, providing a context for the process illustrated.
12. How U.S. Patent System Has Driven American Economy: This graphic contains a number of elements, including a time line of key patents and significant events in American history, a comparison of domestic and foreign patents issued between 1790 and 2009, and charts showing the top countries and states in which U.S. patents originated, the number of pending applications between 1981 and 2009 and more.
13. It’s all in the clusters: Researchers studying human population structure have discovered five main genetic clusters, which largely correspond to major geographic regions. The map shows the average genetic makeup of 52 modern human populations, and a study of three modern populations alone shows signs of recent evolution in different locations on the genome.
14. Selected life sciences figures in the Czech Republic: Scroll down this page to learn more about the type of biotechnology organizations located in this country, along with geographic distribution of biotechnology companies as well as biotechnological research entities at the Czech republic. Most biotechnology companies are located in the Prague region (33.9 percent) and in the South Moravian region (18.5 percent).
15. Superweeds Threaten Farmers Nationwide: This map displays states affected by glyphosate-resistant superweeds. Monsanto introduced the herbicide glyphosate (then marketed as Roundup) to the markeplace in the 1970s, along with crops that were genetically-engineered to be resistant to glyphosate (like Roundup Ready corn and soy). At first, glyphosate worked like a magic potion; it killed all unwanted weeds without affecting crops. Gradually, though, more robust weeds, like horseweed and Palmer pigweed, developed resistance to the chemical.
16. The Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill: This chart is an example of how graphics can prove erroneous with changes in information. When this chart was developed and published on 3 May 2010, it was determined that 5,000 barrels of oil per day was gushing into the Gulf. By mid-June, that number climbed rapidly to 60,000 barrels per day. So, be aware that the top part of this chart is based upon earlier numbers. The interesting part of the chart is the methods displayed to discuss options for oil cleanup, some biochemical.
17. Visualization of Gene Networks: This is a simple infographic, but sometimes simple is good, especially when you learn that this infographic is interactive. First released on May 19, 2009 and based on the collaborative efforts of the BCBC Coordinating Center informatics group and the Beta Cell Genomics bioinformatics group, the Beta Cell Biology Consortium developed an interactive graph-based gene network browser. Of interest to many are gene-relationships in the context of one or more development (or other) context.
18. Water Wars: Of all the water currently on Earth, only 2.5 percent is fresh, and less than 0.007 percent is readily available to people through rivers, lakes and streams. As lakes and rivers run dry and Earth’s surface water disappears, the solution might lie underground, much like a precious mineral. With 80 percent of all sickness in the developing world linked to polluted water, and with populations sharply on the rise, the urgency of water management becomes apparent.
19. What is waste: What is waste? How is it defined? Waste is a complex, subjective and sometimes controversial issue. There are many ways to define, describe and count it depending on how you look at it. From one country to the next, statistical definitions vary a lot. It is notably difficult, for example, to compare waste in rich and poor countries. Learn more about the definitions, including ways to approach waste in conversation here.

Funding, Biotechnology, Genetics and Optics

These are companies that focus on non-pharma applications for biotechnology. A wide range of interesting and helpful technologies could be coming from these companies.

1. LucCell, Inc.: This company was actually started on the campus of Case Western University. A leader in the field of optogenetics, the company hopes to be able to use light to manipulate DNA. Tiny “light switches” would be used to help treat paralysis and Parkinson’s disease, by triggering malfunctioning brain cells to work properly. The president of LucCell is Jerry Silver, a former neurotechnology researcher at Case Western. The company could be the first to commercialize optogenetics.
2. Mirina Corp.: Mirina Corp just recently received another batch of cash to keep it going for another year. Mirina is a startup inside Accelerator, a Seattle-based biotechnology investment company. Mirina is developing interesting microRNA technology that features enhanced properties that could actually help in the treatment of cancer, and of other diseases. Mirina’s claim to fame is that it offers more precise targeting of diseased cells, allowing for less damage to surrounding tissue.
3. Accium BioSciences: This company is leading the way in commercial uses for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) in North America. AMS techniques from Accium BioSciences can be used in bioanalysis, offering super sensitive methods of quantitation. These techniques can be used in the early stages of drug development. The equipment and techniques can be used to help boost patient safety, as well as reduce failure in clinical trials. Hopefully, the AMS technique can be used to reduce costs.
4. Adimab: Scientists at MIT and Dartmouth developed an interesting technology designed to help pharma companies find effective antibodies for use in drugs, and a company called Adimab was formed around it. The New York Times reported last year that Adimab received some funding from Google Ventures to help it move forward. The idea behind Adimab technology is to find monoclonal antibodies — genetically engineered versions of specialized proteins produced by human bodies — that are most effective.
5. Navigenics: Originally marketed as a company offering consumer genetic testing, Navigenics is easing off that stance now (at least in New York state), hoping to get approval from doctors. Navigenics insists that DNA testing can be used for health purposes, and offers personalized genetic analysis. It is a company that uses its techniques to help you figure out whether a medication is likely to work for you, and allowing you access to your own genetic information, as well as providing a health profile.
6. 23andMe: This is another personal DNA testing company that can provide you with information on your family genome, as well as your health. 23andMe is a company that offers different DNA tests that perform different informational DNA testing options, depending on what you are interested in. Learn about your health, fill in your DNA family tree, or even get a complete test. Another company revolutionizing our access to our genetic information, and allowing you to learn more about yourself at the most basic level.
7. Arzeda Corp: Enzymes are important catalysts in nature — and in our our bodies. Enzymes can be used in a variety of industries and settings to speed up different processes. Arzeda Corp is committed to developing enzymes that provide biocatalysis. Rather than just relying on what is available from nature, Arzeda engineers enzymes, individual designed to the reaction desired. This biotech startup recently spun out of the University of Washington and could provide a revolution in a number of industries.
8. Targeted Growth, Inc.: What if our agricultural products could yield more? That is the idea behind Targeted Growth. This biotechnology startup aims at increasing the yield and quality of agricultural crops. These crops could be used in the energy industry as well. Target Growth is working on different technologies and techniques to enhance the efficiency of agricultural growth, so that we can get more with the same amount of space. It’s an interesting approach to agriculture and energy, and one that could help revolutionize the future.
9. Chromocell: Focusing on the creation of cell lines and assays, Chromocell plans to use biotechnology to help in drug discovery. The startup’s main areas of concentration are anxiety treatment, pain relief and respiratory disorders. Chromocell works with multi-gene cell lines and works to use related receptors to help determine specific triggers and causes of different conditions. Drug discovery can then take place based on the genes identified. It’s an interesting technological process.
10. Catalyz: Even though many people are ambivalent about, or even against, stem cell research, there are a number of companies interested in stem cells for their ability to turn into different kinds of tissue and possibly play a role in curing diseases that we think of as incurable. Catalyz is an Indian biotechnology startup that specializes in stem cell therapeutics and in vitro diagnostics. Catalyz has patented technology for diagnostics, as well as process for combining nanotechnology with stem cell research.
11. UAMS BioVentures: Research at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences can be ground-breaking in some cases, and helpful to the world. The goal of UAMS BioVentures is to take the research, some of which results in patented processes and biotechnology inventions, and develop it further so that it can be of wider use to more people. Not only is publicly funded research used to create biotechnology advances, but UAMS BioVentures also works to involve itself with startup companies that can develop different solutions for global markets.
12. DxS: DxS is actually a part of Qiagen now, as a unit. The biotechnology startup offers an interesting technology that allows for personalized medicine, with special diagnostic capability. DxS uses molecular diagnostics to help health professionals find the right therapies in different situations. The idea is to use personalized medicine to help health professionals find the right drug or other type of therapy specifically tailored to the patient. DxS recently agreed to develop a companion diagnostic for a brain cancer treatment for Pfizer.
13. Accelerator: This biotechnology startup is devoted to funding its biotechnology companies. Accelerator is a biotech startup that helps other biotech startups. It raises funding for its companies, and helps them spin-off when necessary.

Biopharmaceutical Companies

Pharma is considered part of the biotech industry, and these companies are providing interesting therapies and possibilities for new drug treatments.

14. LipimetiX: One of the most pressing issues in today’s world is cholesterol. Everyone wants to know how to control it. Enter LipimetiX. This biopharmaceutical startup company is developing a new ligand replacement therapy. The idea is to help decrease the amount of cholesterol in arteries quickly, to help with heart health. AEM-18 is the lead product, and is designed to work on those who are not responding well to the therapies that currently exist. If everything goes well, this should be the next generation of cholesterol drugs.
15. Rhythm Pharmaceuticals: The idea behind this biotech startup is to develop new and advanced drugs aimed at treating metabolic diseases. One of the main focuses of Rhythm Pharmaceuticals is obesity drugs. With obesity becoming a problem of increasing interest, there are a number of companies looking for — and getting — venture capital money for obesity research. Rhythm looks specifically at peptide therapeutics, and recently raised $21 million for its efforts to continue the research.
16. North Coast Biologics: Johnny Stine was a scientist working for Icos, and the founder Spaltudaq, and now he’s on to a new biotech venture. North Coast Biologics is Stine’s shoestring operation, as he does not take venture capital, preferring to be wholly in charge of his company. North Coast is biotech startup that develops antibody drugs derived from rabbits. He claims that he has a client offering up front payment as well as milestone bonuses. He keeps his client list secret, but his company could show the way to successful biotech companies without VC.
17. Zyngenia: The idea behind Zyngenia is to create drugs based on antibodies. These are to be the next generation of drugs aimed at treating cancer and autoimmune diseases. Zyngenia aims to combine the abilities of multiple biologic drugs into one drug, simplifying matters. The technology used by this privately held company is aimed at singular molecular entities that can be a little more versatile than what is currently available. There is a chance that Zyngenia could revolutionize biotherapeutics, especially since it has also received public funds.
18. GPC-Rx Corp: This is an interesting biopharmaceutical startup specializing in G-protein coupled receptors. GPC-Rx had its technology developed in the laboratory at the California Institute of Technology by the Goddard group. They found it possible to generate 3D structures of G-protein coupled receptors. The idea is to develop drugs that can be selective and operate with reduced toxicity. It could lead to better, more effective drugs, developed from some of the things that we produce in our bodies.
19. XORI: Apparently chicken cells might be able to aid in the development of drugs for human use. XORI plans to use chicken cells, as well as E. coli to discover and develop monoclonal antibodies. The hope is that these can help with the creation of drugs to help fight autoimmune disease and even cancer — diseases many feel are incurable. The idea is to help validate different drugs as well, helping identify which work, in an effort to reduce costs in clinical trials, and reduce the failure rate.
20. Anadys Pharmaceuticals: Many biopharmaceutical companies are interested in developing specific drugs, and Anadys Pharmaceuticals is no exception to this rule. Anadys is interested in develop novel drug therapies to address Hepatitis C, which it sees as an unmet need. The company recently completed a test of one of its drugs, and is working to make treatments of Hepatitis C more efficient and effective. The company has a good background in chemistry and biology, something that is not quite so common in biotechnology.
21. DKIS LLC: Another biotechnology company specializing in Hepatitis C pharmacueticals, DKIS LLC is actually using the disease as the basis for developing a coated viruses. These coated viruses offer a number of different uses, from microelectronics to pharmaceuticals. Russian biotech startup DKIS LLC hopes that biopharmaceutical applications can include vaccinations and delivering targeted agents to specific tissues. DKIS LLC’s process could help to bring a new type of biopharmaceutical into use.
22. Ablynx: Belgian biopharmaceutical startup Ablynx specializes in the use of nanobodies to develop therapies for different diseases. These nanobodies are derived from antibody proteins that are based on fragments of single-domain antibodies. It’s an interesting concept that could lead to more targeted treatment of different diseases, including Alzheimer’s, thrombosis, inflammation and cancer. Antibodies used today are not generally helpful in terms of treating these diseases, but nanobodies might be.
23. Genzyme: This biotechnology startup aims at developing a wide range of therapies for different diseases. Genzyme is a company makes attempts to be a global force, with its products and services in more than 100 countries. Some of Genzyme’s efforts include kidney disease, neurodegenerative diseases, orthopedics, transplants and immune diseases. Genzyme also offers diagnostics and other helpful technologies to pair patients with what is likely to be the most effective therapies.
24. Biogen Idec: This biotechnology startup is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Biogen Idec specializes in providing therapies that are focused on some of the most challenging diseases of our day. Biogen Idec is one of the oldest biotechnology startups around, and tackles neurology, oncology, immunology , hemophilia and cardiopulmonary problems. These areas are challenging, and Biogen Idec works to look for targets that can be addressed in these diseases, state of the art technology and drugs.
25. Vertex Pharmaceuticals: In an effort to help treat diseases like cystic fibrosis, Vertex Pharmaceuticals looks into developing small molecule drugs. Vertex also develops pharmaceuticals for viral diseases, autoimmune diseases, cancer, inflammation and pain. The idea is to use molecular drugs to target specific conditions and treat them more effectively.

Biotech Blogs

1. 123 Biotech: A news blog that is noted for its wide range of bio subdivisions in its menu.
2. About Biotech / Biomedical: Dr. Theresa Phillips has a broad background in a number of different areas of biotechnology and biomedical research.
3. American Biotechnologist: This site was created as a place where PIs, graduate students, technicians and science educators can network, post and view articles and find relevant subject matter.
4. BioTech: A colorful layout and updated news of interest to consumers and professionals wins this blog some awards. Part of the Creative Weblogging Network.
5. Biotech Blog: Get biotech updates from the site or through RSS feed.
6. BiotechBlog: Dr. Yali Friedman is author of Building Biotechnology and other books and also is the managing editor of the Journal of Commercial Biotechnology.
7. Blogging the biotechnology revolution: This blog tracks current happenings and helps you stay on top of the field.
8. Terry Etherton Blog on Biotechnology: Dr. Etherton is internationally recognized for his research in the area of endocrine regulation of animal growth and nutrient metabolism.

The Business of Biotech

9. BioEthics: This blog is a public service provided through the collaboration of many individuals and organizations to improve the discussion of bioethics issues.
10. BioHealth Investor: This blog is dedicated solely to bringing key data to investors and those interested in biotechnology, drug companies, medical products and medical devices.
11. BioJobBlog: Dr. Clifford S. Mintz has an extensive background in biopharmaceutical drug development, biotechnology training and bioscience career development.
12. BioLaw: Law and the Life Sciences: Several contributors offer their perspectives on environmental, food and drug, agricultural and behavioral laws.
13. BioLaw with Chinese Characteristics: A student shares research in China, specifically “human research that involves biotechnologies like stem cells, cloning, and other techniques that periodically cause a bioethical uproar.”
14. Biopharmconsortium Blog: Expert commentary from Haberman Associates biotechnology and pharmaceutical consulting.
15. California Biotech Law Blog: The Prinz Law Office specializes in providing world-class intellectual property counsel to clients in the high technology, life science, and e-commerce industries.
16. Genomics Law Report: News and analysis from the intersection of genomics, personalized medicine and the law.
17. Golden Horseshoe Biosciences Network: The focus of GHBN is to turn “innovation into economic growth.”
18. Holman’s Biotech IP Blog: This law professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law focuses on “the intersection of biotechnology and intellectual property.”
19. In Vivo Blog: The editors of Elsevier Business Intelligence focus on biopharma, over-the-counter and medical devices.
20. Inside Bio Industry Analysis: Inside BIO Industry Analysis was created to share market data and related events with the biotech community.
21. James Hatton on licensing: Mr. Hatton focuses on assisting companies to exploit the value of their intellectual property assets, with a special interest in licensing and related transactions.
22. Luminogenics: This blog is a resource for entrepreneurs in the life sciences community.
23. Patents4Life: Learn more about biotechnology patent law from the offices of Schwegman, Lundberg & Woessner, P.A.

Bioinformatics

24. Beta Science: A post-doc’s perspective on bioinformatics, evolution, and microbial diversity, along with interests in cutting-edge computer tools that the process a bit easier.
25. Inforbiomatica: A hot spot for software development, informatics and “Open R&D.”
26. i9606: Dr. Good’s thesis was “Evolving multi-agent systems: comparing existing approaches and suggesting new directions.” Take it from there…
27. iPhylo: Roderic Page from Scotland focuses on taxonomies and metadata in this blog, but be sure to visit his other blogs located in his “about” link to view his wider range of interests.
28. Keet blog: Get a new perspective from an Assistant Professor (Ricercatore a Tempo Determinato) at the KRDB Research Centre, Faculty of Computer Science, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Italy.
29. Public Rambling: A place to ruminate about bioinformatics science and technology.
30. Suicyte Notes: Read notes from a physical chemist-turned biochemist-turned bioinformatician, who is currently using computers to answer the most fundamental questions in life science…
31. TextStream: A bit of messing around with bio statistics, genomics and academic genealogies.
32. The Big Red Biotech Blog: You can find news and discussion on critical trends and issues in the biopharm and pharmaceutical industry at this blog.
33. The dao of flow: Konrad Förstner considers himself “as an idealist with a scientific background and a strong association to the open source/data/content community.”
34. What You’re Doing Is Rather Desperate: Neil Saunders finds that an increasing proportion of his time is spent discussing ways in which Web technology can facilitate communication and data sharing among researchers.
35. Yokofakun: This blog is about bioinformatics, semantic web, comics and social networks.
36. Your bones got a little machine: Look for structural bioinformatics and structural biology from a research who believes that “Ideas are cheap, implementation is expensive; act accordingly.”

Biology and Evolution, Culture, Genomics

37. DNA and You: Dr. Matt Mealiffe talks about the “intersection of genetics and your health.”
38. Gene Sherpas: Personalized Medicine and You: This blog explores genetics as a medical tool and as a personal lifestyle choice.
39. Geneforum: Geneforum is a nonprofit affiliate of the Portland State University Foundation created in 1998 to “promote dialogue at the intersection of genetics, ethics, and public values.”
40. Genomeboy: Read as this blogger chronicles the “dawn of personal genomics, that is, people obtaining their genomic information for whatever reason(s) and figuring out what to do with it.”
41. Genomicron: T. Ryan Gregory is an evolutionary biologist specializing in genome size evolution at the University of Guelph in Canada.
42. Genomics, Evolution, and Pseudoscience: This is Steven Salzberg’s blog on what he believes are the abuses and distortions of science, especially pseudoscience.
43. Greg Laden’s Blog: It seems creationists and Harvard haters don’t like Dr. Laden. Who does? Perhaps intelligent archaeologists and/or anthropologists who are into biology and evolution?
44. John Hawks Weblog: This blog was created to share information about paleoanthropology that is not well covered in the mainstream science press.
45. Next-Gen Sequencing: Dr Brown is an author of 28 peer reviewed publications in biomedical journals. His research is primarily in the area of genomics.
46. Pathogens: Genes and Genomes: A heady mix of bacterial pathogenomics, next-generation sequencing, type-III secretion, bioinformatics and evolution.
47. The Hyphal Tip: This blog highlights some of the interesting happenings and scientific progress that is being made in the world of fungi.
48. The Tree of Life: Jonathan A. Eisen is an evolutionary biologist, Open Access advocate, Professor at UC Davis and Academic Editor in Chief of PLoS Biology.
49. Virtual Genome Project Blog: The VGP was established as a resource for people interested in the process of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and its ecological and evolutionary significance.
50. Yann Klimentidis’ Weblog: Follow this student to learn more about evolution, genetics, human diversity, evolutionary ecology, physiology and more…

Myth #1: Genetically engineered produce will eliminate the need for toxic pesticides.

Fact: Most engineered plants have been genetically altered to withstand herbicide so it can be used, or to produce their own insecticides. Example: Roundup Ready soybeans are literally created to withstand Roundup weed-killer.

Myth 2: Biotechnology will benefit Third World Farmers

Fact: Genetically engineered plants are patented and under corporate control, making them more expensive than indigenous crops.

Myth 3: Biotechnology benefits farmers in the US and other First World countries

Fact: Innovations in agriculture are largely profit-driven and the focus of genetic engineering is to create profitability. Farmers become dependent on industrial inputs that are patented and copyrighted and can’t even share, store or reproduce seeds.

Myth 4: Biotech produce has been rejected by consumers

Fact: According to the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications, 222 million acres in 21 countries were used to grow biotech crops. That means farmers were buying them.

Myth 5: Biotechnology leads to the conservation of biodiversity

Fact: Biotech can create a variety of commercial plants, thus contributing to biodiversity, but it’s more advantageous to the patent-holders of biotech seeds to create international markets for their few, specialized products. In other words, it could happen, but it won’t.

Myth 6: Biotech crops will transfer herbicide resistant genes to nearby weeds, creating Superweeds!

Fact: It’s possible – some of the more problematic weeds are genetically close to the crops growing near them and cross-pollination could happen. Corn and canola cross-breed especially easily.

Myth 7: Genetically engineered crops will have a higher yield

Fact: According to Iowa State University economist Mike Duffy, who has conducted several studies on the economics of engineered crops, there are no findings that support an economic advantage to planting GE seeds (unless you’re a GE seed manufacturer or pesticide company).

Myth 8: Genetically modified corn kills butterflies

Fact: This myth came from a study at Cornell University that reported Monarch caterpillars in a laboratory setting died due to pollen from Bt corn. However, the researchers stress that the study was done in a lab, and therefore the findings are inconclusive regarding how Monarch butterflies are affected in the field.

Myth 9: Genetic engineering can make food taste better, last longer, and be more nutritious.

Fact: Yes, and no. Yes, the purple potato is a wonder of science – and thanks to the purpleness, it is a little healthier than your average spud. Melons at UC Davis are currently being engineered to smell better to entice people to buy them in the stores. But that’s the catch – Biotech companies will create what sells, not out of altruism, but out of economics.

Here we go –

1. Star Walk – IYA2009 OFFICIAL PRODUCT – You are very likely to learn something new and fascinating about the skies above your head every time you use this application. The application automatically detects your location and loads the stars and heavenly bodies as they appear at that point in time above your head. A very handy and accurate web app for the amateur astronomer who can spend hours looking up and charting the universe over time. You can zoom in to get a better view of an object and seek out stars far away. Find out about the size, composition, and surface temperatures of the heavenly bodies that show up.

2. Peterson Field Guide to Backyard Birds – For ornithology lovers – a great application for those that care for our feathered friends. No longer do you have to call a bird a wee thing when describing it to your friends, now when you see a tit, you’ll know it. The Peterson Field Guide loads your iPhone with information on 122 species of birds commonly found in America. Start your kid on a journey to getting love and respect nature with the help of this application which filters birds by zip code. You will gradually learn to recognize birds by sight and sound aided by the clear images and beautiful bird sounds.

3. Aristotle’s complete works (with search) – This iPhone application presents to you everything that Aristotle ever wrote. What do applications on nature have to do with the works of one of the greatest thinkers that ever lived? A lot!! If you have the sensibilities to be moved by scented night air and the grace of a tip-toeing wild cat then you owe it to yourself to refine your ideas and thoughts and there can be no better companion to turn to than old man Aristotle – the venerable Greek whose words speak to us across the chasms of time. His thoughts on birds, animals, nature, physics, math, philosophy available on this application give you an opportunity juxtapose present-day knowledge on these subjects and learn.

4. Tide Graph – The sun and moon influence tides and tides influence us…in a big way. You know the quote on tides in the affairs of men, right? Okay, so that’s metaphorical. But the application we are talking about has some very real and objective uses for the nature nut that wishes to find out the times for sunrise, sunset, moonrise, moonset, and also different moon phases. This, apart from the core use of the application to show tide timings for your region via interactive graphs.

5. CampgroundsNearMe – A nice application for camping lovers, great for using along with other cool iPhone apps meant for nature lovers, such as the stargazing application mentioned above. For example, you can use this app for locating recreational vehicle parks and camp grounds near your location within a radius of 100 miles. You are supplied with address information and you can link up with Google apps for driving directions to reach the place.

6. Botany Buddy – A great resource for all information that plant-lovers can ever require. The application features a growing list of plant species and more than 4,500 images. Simple and advanced search features to locate plants by common or botanical names. Information on plants is covered under a very impressive 25 fields that include size, habit, exposure, seeds, age, and much more.