New Zealand Biotech Research

A mulititude of companies and government agencies undertake specialist biotechnology research in New Zealand. Some current research activities and achievements are as follows:

• Animal genomics — the discovery of genes and gene functions in cattle, deer and sheep.
• Animal reproductive technologies — fertility, ovulation control, reproductive physiology, pregnancy establishment, and embryology
• Asthma and Tuberculosis research, including the patenting of an asthma vaccine.
• Bioprocessing research - biochemical extraction, separation and the manufacture of molecules.
• Biomaterials research - manipulating plant cells into other materials such as bioplastics and biopolymers.
• Cloning — NZ is one of the world leaders in cattle cloning.
• Development of new foods and flavours.
• Development of prodrugs for the treatment of cancer.
• Extraction and development of nutritional supplements to improve and maintain muscle growth.
• Functional genomics, research into plant signalling genes which control growth, quality and yield.
• Research and development of agritechnologies such as sensors, instruments and computer modelling for agricultural products and processes.
• Research into bioactives for use in organic pesticides.
• Research into the development of new medicines for infectious diseases.
• Transgenics research — especially in cattle and sheep.