EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the scientific process has claimed center stage. On the one hand, it’s been inspiring to witness scientific and clinical experts focused on this single issue with laserlike intensity. Global findings have been gathered, ana- lyzed, and rapidly shared. Phrases like PCR, rapid antigen tests, neutralizing antibod- ies, and viral genome sequencing, have become part of the public consciousness. On the other hand, the process has been messy and convoluted. Scientists some- times use different vocabulary, leading to public misunderstanding and confusion. Often, there are no universal guidelines to collect and evaluate data making it hard to compare findings from different groups. Consequently, scientists argue over meaning and next steps leading at times to conflicting and changing recommendations. Scientific discovery doesn’t follow a straight path. Early findings can often leave room for many explanations with clarity finally emerging through rigorous review of the data and follow-up research. However, these things take time. This is true for understanding pandemics, but also for hundreds of complex topics like determining disease risks, identifying sustainable energy sources, and modeling climate change. Noted biochemist and American author Isaac Aismov once said “Science is uncertain. Theories are subject to revision; observations are open to a variety of interpretations, and scientists quarrel amongst themselves. This is disillusioning for those untrained in the scientific method” . We see this disillusionment firsthand. The absence of straightforward answers opens the door to conspiracy theories and misinformation. We choose sound bites and overly simplistic solutions over the complicated nuances of the real world. The scientific community must do a better job of explaining the data and cultivating scientific literacy. Our world is increasingly shaped by scientific discovery and tech- nological innovation. If people don’t grasp the concepts and implications, informed decision-making about how it should be used will grind to a halt. It’s for that reason HudsonAlpha generates the annual Biotechnology guidebook. This year’s edition features 48 new research findings related to genomics and biotechnology, described in jargon-free language. They cover a range of scientific applications from human health to sustainable agriculture. Yes, you’ll find information about COVID-19 as well. Each story links to the original research article, preprint or data source. Foundational explanations about the science behind the research can be found in our Biotech Basics series at hudsonalpha.org/biotech-basics.
Neil Lamb PhD
I’ve enjoyed gathering and compiling these discoveries. I hope you enjoy reading about them.
A huge shout-out to the HudsonAlpha writers, designers, reviewers and advisors who made this edition of the guidebook both readable and visually compelling. Thank you Sarah Sharman, Cathleen Shaw, Madelene Loftin, Stacey Brewer, Jennifer Hutchison, Dasi Price and April Reis. —I’m beyond grateful for your time, talent and support.
Neil E. Lamb PhD Vice President for Educational Outreach HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology email: nlamb @ hudsonalpha.org twitter: @ neillamb
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