Biology is considered to be a natural science which focuses on studying life, living organisms, living systems, cell structure, evolution, genetics, ecosystems and environmental conditions that support life. Biologists are responsible for the creation of the taxonomy of living organisms which helps to classify and define similarities in organisms. Latest developments in research biology are defined as synthetic biology which deals with development of biofuels, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals for consumer use. Genetics and bioengineering are currently receiving a large amount of funding to allow scientists to research the human immune system and disease treatment.
New research from biologists might suggests that dietary supplements containing macular carotenoids could help improve vision. Luteins are a form a carotenoids, a pigment found in vegetables, which helps shield the eyes from blue light radiated from the sun and can act as a “sunscreen” to help prevent damage to the retinas cause by long term exposure.
Meadow grass in Finland that live in isolated patches have a higher chance to transmit fungal pathogens than meadows that reside closer to others. Anna-Liisa Laine and fellow biologists studying plant ecology throughout the archipelago of Finland found that genetic diversity associated with meadows that reside closer to others develop higher immune systems.
Biochemists have struggled with improving efficiency of biofuel production from a plant’s biomass using chemical treatments. One breakthrough may be available soon with research by a plant biologist and biochemist to bioengineer trees containing cells that self destruct. Biofuels may become a more viable form of green energy as biotechnology improves their efficiency.
Pyrosequencing was once the most efficient way to determine extinct species of marine life however new research from scientists have determined more efficient ways to identify and categorize extinct species of plankton in the Black Sea. A new genetic data record has been unveiled using this process by biologists.
Biologists are investigating river and stream ecosystems by using one of nature’s ecological indicators: clams! Clams are filter feeders and can be used to find trace evidence for pollutants that enter our waterways by taking samples of their shells to determine where and what pollutants could endanger their ecosystem.
Biology is divided into several subdisciplines: biochemistry, molecular biology, cellular biology, physiology, evolutionary biology and ecology. Each of these pertain to a specific scale of organisms and are broken down further to provide a focus on more specific forms of study. The first recorded use of biology was found in 1736 by Linnaeus and has continued to be a prevalent scientific study since then. Despite the relatively recent use of the term, biological studies go back many centuries although these were often referred to under different names.