Chicagoans Unfamiliar But Confident Of Biotech's Potentials

Filed in archive Other Biotechnology News on April 10, 2006

In a phone survey commissioned by Chicago-based Abbott, results showed that in Chicago, only about 1% could correctly define what biotechnology is, but about 70% believe that "biotechnology brings better medicine to their lives". A large percentage is also confident that in the next decades, biotech is likely to be an important source of new medications, diagnostic tests and therapies for ailments including cancer.

Also according to the survey:

• 78 percent say it is important to develop alternative fuel sources;


• 78 percent say it is important to artificially grow tissues for organ transplants;


• Nearly 70 percent believe that it is likely biotechnology contributes to the local economy;


• 48 percent of adults surveyed say they might have used a product created through biotechnology, compared to 24 percent of adults who say they don't think they have;


• 20 percent of those surveyed lists medication as a biotechnology product that they have used. Other top mentions include food (14 percent) and detergent/soap/hair care products (12 percent);

How about you? What do you think has biotech's been greatest contribution to humanity so far? Are you confident on its potential contributions, especially in the field of medicine and health care?

Incidentally, speaking of surveys, would you take a few minutes of your time to answer the Biotech Weblog survey? It would be greatly appreciated!