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Biotech Revolution - 1980s
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The 1980s...
The 1980s saw great advances in biotechnology. Genetically modified (GM) organisms were released into the environment, GM foods were created and scientists accidentally discovered DNA fingerprinting. People recognised the advantages of a new GM vaccine and it was widely accepted by the community. In comparison, the release of GM foods into the environment caused hot debate.
1980 - First biotechnology patent granted
In 1980 Cohen and Boyer were awarded a US patent for gene cloning that allowed them to make human insulin from genetically modified (GM) bacteria. Also in 1980, a landmark decision by the US Supreme Court granted a patent for a GM bacterium that could break down oil.
1980 - Genetically engineered vaccine created
In 1980 a vaccine for hepatitis B was genetic engineered. Hepatitis B was a major cause of liver disease and the genetically engineered vaccine, along with genetically engineered drugs, were immediately popular. People could see the advantages of the medical applications of biotechnology and accepted the new vaccines and drugs.
1980s - The anti-biotechnology movement
The anti-biotechnology movement took off in the 1980s. Jeremy Rifkin was an important anti-biotechnology activist who argued against awarding the first patent for GM bacteria. Rifkin also campaigned against transferring genes from one species to another and against the release of GM bacteria into the environment.
1983 - Genetically modified organism (GMO) approved for release
In 1983 Dr Stephen Lindow from Berkeley in the USA was given approval to release the first GM bacteria into the environment. Bacteria living on potato plants made the plants sensitive to frosts. Lindow wanted to release GM bacteria, which did not make the plants frost-sensitive, to compete with the non-GM bacteria on the leaves of potato plants. But the release of the GM bacteria was delayed until 1987 due to legal battles with anti-biotechnology activist Jeremy Rifkin. When the GM bacteria were eventually released, the potato plants were able to withstand temperatures as low as minus five degrees.
1984 - Scientists stumble upon DNA fingerprinting
Alec Jeffries from the University of Leicester in the UK created the first DNA fingerprint while researching the evolution of genes. Also in the 1980s, Nobel Prize winner Kary Mullis came up with an idea leading to the development of a technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR is a technique that replicates a sample of DNA and enables scientists to amplify or multiply DNA from a sample as small as a single cell. The potential of PCR and DNA fingerprinting were quickly realised and used for fighting crime as well as establishing family and evolutionary relationships.
1987 - Australia releases first GM organism
In 1987 Allan Kerr, from the Waite Institute in Adelaide, modified a type of soil bacteria that causes Crown Gall, a disease that damages the roots of stone fruits. Kerr removed the disease-causing gene and replaced it with a gene that protects the plant from Crown Gall. The GM bacteria were tested on almond seedlings and worked.
1987 - GM foods start to grow
In 1987 Dr Mike Bevan, from the Institute of Plant Research in Cambridge in the UK, grew genetically modified potatoes. Genes were added to potato plants to make them produce more protein and increase their nutritional value. Research into other foods included supplementing rice with vitamin A and removing allergy-causing proteins from peanuts.
1988 - The Human Genome Project begins
Plans to map the human genome were announced. The Human Genome Project was the most ambitious biological project ever. The first draft of the genome was completed in 2000.
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