Features in 2000

The demand for more sophisticated bioinformatics solutions is expanding opportunities for biotechnology startups, but traditional IT companies are also moving into the market.

Moving from a reductionist paradigm to one that views cells as systems will necessitate changes in both the culture and the practice of research.

Public attitudes to Dolly the sheep may mirror the perception of biotechnology as a whole.

Support for biotechnology in Japan is declining, although it remains higher than the US or Europe.

The latest European sample survey of public perceptions of biotechnology reveals widespread opposition to genetically modified (GM) food in much of Europe, but public attitudes to medical and environmental applications remain positive.

Although a majority of US citizens remain supportive, opposition to biotechnology is on the rise.

Less than 20 years after the first biopharmaceutical, insulin, was approved, a new generation of products is superseding replacement proteins and enzyme therapies in biotechnology's pipeline.

By valuing and structuring their deals appropriately, biotechnology companies can earn higher returns, maintain greater control of intellectual property, and strengthen their partnerships with pharmaceutical companies.

A recent survey of public spending on biotechnology in Europe suggests that money alone cannot stimulate growth of the sector.

Nature Biotechnology's annual survey of public biotechnology companies reveals the effect of straitened financial circumstances on R&D budgets.

A better understanding of the mechanisms by which pain signals are relayed in the nervous system is paving the way for novel treatments.