Biology is at the forefront of scientific discovery and public attention. The recent delineation of the complete genomic information of humans and several other organisms has provided the foundation for unprecedented advances in understanding life at the molecular level. It has also provided new tools and approaches to medicine, agriculture, biotechnology, and other disciplines. In addition, the challenge of halting current threats to biodiversity has led to many breakthroughs in the way we understand the interactions of organisms with their environment and the important role of biodiversity for humanity. The way Biology is taught, practiced, and understood has been revolutionized through advances in biochemistry, cell and developmental biology and structural biology, genetic manipulations based on molecular biology, as well as through advances in ecology, systematics, evolutionary biology, conservation and management of natural resources. Biology has expanded to create novel fields, beyond its traditional scope, via synergies and interactions with information science, chemistry, physics and engineering. In this framework, Biology has become a driving force of discovery and application in the modern economy and industry (biotechnology, agriculture, aquaculture, medicine, pharmaceuticals, to name a few), and a source of improvements in health and quality of life. Read More