Genome editing and synthetic biology are giving rise to new forms of life. But do these organisms have conservation value as part of earth’s biodiversity?
GMOs may very well have filled up that syringe.
Syringe image via www.shutterstock.com
Public health experts enlist the molecular biology tools that create genetically modified organisms – as well as the GMOs themselves – in the fight against emerging infectious diseases.
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are at the center of Zika virus’ spread.
Jaime Saldarriaga/Reuters
Look beyond transgenic techniques that add new genes to a species. People have used selective breeding techniques to change plants and animals for millennia – why not try them on mosquitoes?
The concerns about genetically modified foods are well known. But when we look at population and climate projections, what happens if we don’t use them to increase our food supply?
A few genetic tweaks can solve a lot of problems.
Chris Marchant/Flickr
Insecticides and mosquito nets only get you so far. Synthetic biologists are ready to take the battle against mosquito-borne disease to the level of DNA – which might spell the insects’ ultimate doom.
The genetically modified salmon (rear) grows twice as fast as a non-GM fish.
Aquabounty Technologies
Statewide survey in Vermont finds GM food labels don’t scare consumers or indicate an inferior product. In some cases, labels built trust in the technology.
South African’s maize crops are an example of a GMO crop.
Reuters
People have been changing plant genomes ever since agriculture got started thousands of years ago. Here are the high-tech ways researchers insert new genes into plants now.
Chinese authorities have called time on GM rice.
EPA
One of China’s major genetically modified food projects is now to all intents and purposes dead and buried. The expiry on August 17 of the biosafety certificates issued to strains of GM rice developed…
To rebuild public trust in GM products, safety claims must be confirmed by independent research.
IRRI Photos/Flickr
The topic of releasing genetically modified (GM) products into food and the environment is highly polarised. But are we making any progress with it? The debate is now so vicious and impatient that to have…