Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

biopsy, stereotactic needle
A procedure in
which the spot to be biopsied is located three-
dimensionally, the information is entered into a
computer, and then the computer calculates the
information and positions a needle to remove the
biopsy sample. Stereotactic needle biopsy can be
done in a properly equipped physician’s office, and
it carries a minimal amount of pain and risk com-
pared to other types of biopsy. See also 
biopsy.
biotechnology
The fusion of biology and tech-
nology, the application of biological techniques to
product research and development. In particular,
biotechnology involves the use by industry of
recombinant DNA, cell fusion, and new bioprocess-
ing techniques to produce large molecules useful in
treating and preventing disease. Slang biotech.
bioterrorism
Terrorism using biologic agents
that are harmful to humans. Biological diseases and
the agents that might be used for terrorism have
been listed by the US Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC). These agents include
viruses, bacteria, rickettsiae (microorganisms that
have traits common to both bacterial and viruses),
fungi, and biological toxins. The biologica disease
agents are classified into three categories, accord-
ing to the degree of danger each agent is felt to pose.
Category A poses high risk to national security
because they can be easily disseminated or trans-
mitted from person to person; cause high mortality,
with the potential for major public health impact;
might cause public panic and social disruption; and
require special action for public health prepared-
ness. Examples of Category A diseases include
anthrax, botulism, the plague, smallpox, tularemia,
and hemorrhagic fever due to the Ebola and
Marburg viruses. Category B agents are moderately
easy to disseminate; cause moderate morbidity and
low mortality; and require specific enhancements of
the CDC’s diagnostic capacity and enhanced disease
surveillance. Examples of Category B diseases
include Q fever, Brucellosis, Glanders, Ricin toxin,
epsilon toxin of the gas gangrene bacillus, and
Staphylococcus enterotoxin B. Category C agents are
emerging pathogens that could be engineered for
mass dissemination in the future because of their
availability; ease of production and dissemination;
and potential for high morbidity and mortality and
major health impact. Examples of Category C dis-
eases include Nipah virus, Hantavirus, tickborne
hemorrhagic fever and encephalitis viruses, Yellow
fever, and Tuberculosis (multi-drug-resistant TB).