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South Africa should rethink regulations on genetically modified plants
Food security is a global priority — and it is becoming more urgent in the face of climate change, which is already affecting crop productivity. One way to improve food security is to increase crop yields. But this is not easy. Research has shown that in the past…
Young gene editors share hopes for the future of the field
From a ranch in the American Midwest to a farm in India and a takeout lunch restaurant in New York, three young scientists are maintaining their disparate roots in food and agriculture as they pursue gene editing research to address global issues of food security and severe climate change. I’m…
The quest for delicious decaf coffee could whet the appetite for gene editing
Coffee is one of the world’s most popular drinks, but that cup can come with a price of jitters or sleeplessness. The stimulant in coffee — the thing that gives it its kick and can lead to those jitters — is caffeine and it can be addictive. Decaffeinated coffee is…
5 formas en que la edición de genes está haciendo que los cultivos sean resistentes al clima
Nuestro mundo está experimentando cambios climáticos que han desencadenado una serie de interrupciones de forma general en la producción agrícola y en la seguridad alimentaria. Desde las devastaciones causadas por tifones tropicales, hasta las sequías que son cada vez más generalizadas y severas, parece que la naturaleza está…
Dhruv Patel is daring plants to take a risk
Dhruv Patel is using gene editing tools to research photosynthesis, a process he first noticed in the parking lot of the Los Angeles motel his family managed. Patel observed plant biology in action as his grandmother and mom grew bountiful harvests, particularly vegetables from their faraway village in India. He…
5 ways gene editing is making crops climate-resilient
Our world is undergoing climate changes that have triggered a spate of calamitous disruptions on agricultural production and overall food security. From the devastations of tropical typhoons to droughts that are increasingly pervasive and severe, it appears that Nature is trumpeting her rather boisterous bid to furnish us…
5 razones por las que el debate sobre los OGMs (transgénicos) ha terminado
Aunque todavía escuchamos algunos reclamos y ruido sobre los OGMs (organismos genéticamente modificados), estos reclamos provienen principalmente de un grupo pequeño y ruidoso. La mayoría de las personas simplemente no están preocupadas por los OGMs, ya que se centran en problemas reales y apremiantes, como la crisis climática y la…
5 reasons why the GMO debate is over
Though we still hear some moaning and groaning about GMOs — genetically modified organisms — it primarily comes from a small and very vocal group. Most people simply aren’t concerned about GMOs as they focus on real and pressing issues, like the climate crisis and COVID-19 global pandemic. Even anti-GMO…
Ugandan students push biotechnology outreach and biosafety law
After growing frustrated with legislative inaction, biotechnology students in Uganda have started an initiative to advocate for biotechnology, gene editing and the passage of a biosafety law. The Biotechnology Online Series features students and researchers using Zoom and other social media channels to discuss how biotechnology and newer tools…