User:Oceanflynn/sandbox/Life Sciences

The Life Sciences comprise the fields of science that involve the scientific study of living organisms – such as microorganisms, plants, animals, and human beings – as well as related considerations like bioethics. These include biochemistry, cell biology, genomics, developmental biology, neurobiology, psychology, ecology, earth sciences, neuroscience, bioengineering. While biology remains the centerpiece of the life sciences, technological advances in molecular biology and biotechnology have led to a burgeoning of specializations, interdisciplinary fields and Life Sciences Industries include health, agriculture, medicine, and the pharmaceutical and food science. Life Sciences university programs integrate knowledge across disciplines to enhance understanding of living organisms and their place in the ecosystem. New health tools are being created with the convergence of biotechnology and information technologies.

Research and Education
According to BioNB in New Brunswick, Canada,

""Biotechnology is a term covering a broad range of scientific activities used in many sectors, such as food, health and agriculture. It involves the use of living organisms or parts of living organisms to provide new methods of production, new products or the modification of human health and the human environment. Biotechnology has presented us with new knowledge, products and methods such as: New vaccines to prevent disease; Genetically modified plants with resistance to pests; Repair of damaged organs and tissues and improved detection of diseases; Treatments for human infertility; Bacteria capable of cleaning up oil spills; and Environmentally friendly biofuels. ..Biotechnology in New Brunswick is producing renewable fuels, bio-refinery fermentation platforms, new environmentally sustainable aquaculture models, environmentally-friendly biopesticide solutions, wood analysis technologies, potato genetics platforms, and much more.""

- BioNB

In universities Life Sciences have become one of many gateway programs along with Environmental & Earth Sciences, Mathematics & Statististics and Chemical & Physical Sciences. Examples of integrated studies offered in Science degrees include biology, neuroscience and psychology at University of Toronto - Scarborough (UTSC). Under the admissions category at universities Life Sciences includes neuroscience (mental health studies,,,), Mental Health studies are offered through Neuroscience under Life Science; Biological sciences are offered through Life Sciences.

Life Science Industries
Life Science industries include convergences across disciplines and are covered under a number of categories for research, education, regulation and finance. Sectors include biotechnology, health, industry and agriculture. The biotechnology industry has provided significant health benefits. The biotechnology industry has been transforming traditional industries such as manufacturing, automotive, energy, aerospace and forestry. BIOTECanada works through advisory board and sub-committees to address issues such as capital formation, regulatory environment, market awareness and demand, product access, intellectual property and industrial development from start-up to multi-national. Life sciences industry includes "agriculture, pharmaceutical, health, medical device & technology, natural health products & nutraceuticals, industrial biotechnology & bioprocessing, and energy sub-sectors."

Conferences
In 2015 an International Life Sciences Summit will be held in Quebec.