Cali, Colombia (CIMMYT) — A new zinc-enriched maize variety was released in Colombia on February 23 to help combat malnutrition in South America. Zinc is an essential mineral that plays an important role in human development but is not naturally produced by humans. Zinc deficiency can lead to impaired growth and development, respiratory infections, diarrheal […]
There isn’t much canola grown in Eastern Idaho, but the golden-flowering stalks in Kamren Koompin’s 40-acre field are unique for yet another reason.They were developed to be herbicide resistant — not through genetic modification but rather using a new technology expected to be more palatable with the public. Source: Firm developing non-GMO herbicide-resistant varieties – […]
Industrial fertilizers help feed billions of people every year, but they remain beyond the reach of many of the world’s poorest farmers. Now, researchers have engineered microbes that, when added to soil, make fertilizer on demand, producing plants that grow 1.5 times larger than crops not exposed to the bugs or other synthetic fertilizers. The […]
Research from the University of Illinois showcases a new discovery in the inefficiency of the photosynthesis and photorespiration cycles. Source: Perfecting An Inefficient Part Of Photosynthesis With Genetic Modification
Researchers with the University of Arizona are exploring “host-induced gene silencing” in corn to combat toxic mold. Scientists successfully engineered corn (the host) to turn off, or silence, the mold’s toxin-producing genes. If the modified corn is exposed to toxic mold, the once-dangerous infection is rendered harmless. As research progresses, scientists are exploring whether they […]
Over the last century agricultural experts have used conventional breeding, including hybrids, to increase yields of major crops. Apparently conventional breeding is running up against diminishing returns, and some believe we are at or approaching the limit of wheat yield with conventional techniques.However, improving the efficiency of photosynthesis, the process by which plants turn sunlight […]
Source: Scientists tweak photosynthesis to boost crop yield
Scientists have genetically modified a common soil bacteria to create electrical wires that not only conduct electricity, but are thousands of times thinner than a human hair. Source: Biotechin.Asia- Your Biotech and healthcare hub
Critics argue that altering genes could cause unknown effects, yet this technology may present the first genuine opportunity to protect vanishing species. Source: Could Genetically Modified Mosquitoes Save Hawaii’s Endangered Birds? – The New Yorker
The anti-GMO narrative – and that is what it is, a story – has several consistent elements. According to this narrative GMOs are poisonous, bad for farmers, and solely promoted by companies out to make money by controlling the food source and exploiting farmers and the public. The problem with this cartoon is that it […]