Biodefense technicians are concerned with protecting air, food, and water from pathogenic microorganisms that could be released by hostile countries or terrorists. Important areas of biodefense include methods for monitoring the environment and rapidly detecting any new pathogens. These methods include microarray and DNA sequencing technologies among others.
Other areas of biodefense are concerned with protecting people, crops, and animals from harmful pathogens. Biodefense workers research and develop new vaccines and methods for treating and preventing infections.
