first biomedical, biotechnological commercial product approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The following year, Genentech’s recombinant human insulin (Rhinsulin; Humulin) was approved in the United States and is now used daily by more than 4 million people with diabetes around the world. From 1982 to 1989, only 18 biotechnology-based drugs were approved by the FDA; then the numbers rapidly increased with 22 new biotechnology drugs accepted by FDA in 1998 and in 1999. Thirty-one new drugs and vaccines were approved in the year 2000. The human population is reaping the benefits from this biotechnology explosion; there are now new drugs to treat herpes, rheumatoid arthritis, rattlesnake bites, diabetes, and cancers.

The agricultural sector has also experienced tremendous progress since the market introduction of the genetically engineered Flavr Savr tomato in 1994. Canola, corn, cotton, peanuts, potatoes, soybeans, sunflowers, and tomatoes are all more productive due to biotechnology. Many of these innovations are targeted at producing plants that are more resistant to insects and fungal diseases.

Though not yet as prolific as biomedical or agricultural biotechnology, industrial and environmental biotechnologies aim to minimize pollution and enhance materials and energy use, while maximizing production of recyclable or biodegradable products. To do this, microorganisms are bioengineered to degrade hazardous wastes, including chlorinated solvents, detergents, creosote, pentachlorophenol, and PCBs. Plants are induced to remediate organic and inorganic pollutants, including radionuclides. Enzymes that can function at extreme pH or temperature are being isolated and employed.

Through recent advances in genomic mapping, it is now known that humans, apes, and fruit flies are all closely related. Current science suggests that a minor difference in gene expression can make a major difference in structure, function, or longevity. As biotechnology adjusts gene expression to develop new products, this must be achieved with an eye toward scientific responsibility and good stewardship for the earth and humanity. When researchers leap into the unknown, they must use science as both a propellant and a safety net to predict where discoveries may lead and prevent adverse outcomes.

Marine biotechnology encompasses pharmaceutical, agricultural, industrial, and environmental applications. Although marine biotechnology is poised on the edge of a period of tremendous potential—potential for