Precision Breeding Act Now Live in the UK |
|
|
|
The United Kingdom has officially launched a new era for crop science as the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 took effect on November 13, 2025. This landmark legislation introduces a new regulatory framework for precision-bred plants in England, distinguishing them from traditional genetically modified (GM) crops. These regulations concern plants developed using techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to make small genetic changes that could have occurred naturally or through conventional breeding, but which can now be achieved faster and with greater accuracy.
|
|
|
|
|
CRISPR Fungus: Protein-Packed, Sustainable, and Tastes Like Meat |
|
|
|
Researchers have successfully used CRISPR gene editing technology to create a fungi strain that is highly efficient, more nutritious, and significantly more sustainable than its natural counterpart. The fungus Fusarium venenatum already stands out for its meat-like flavor and texture, leading to its approval for food use in several countries. This breakthrough, published in the journal Trends in Biotechnology, addresses the need for better, more environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional animal agriculture, which accounts for about 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Philippine Regulators Work on Refining Risk Assessment Report on GM Plant and Plant Products |
|
|
|
A three-day writeshop on Updating the Risk Assessment Report (RAR) Template for Risk Assessment for Genetically Modified Plant and Plant Products was conducted on 19-21 November at B Hotel in Quezon City. Regulators from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and experts from partner institutions are working together on updating the RAR form to align with guidelines and standards on risk assessment set by Codex Alimentarius, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and Agriculture and Food System Institute (AFSI).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A biweekly update on gene editing research, regulations, and impact
produced by ISAAA Inc. |
| |
|
|
|
| A monthly update on gene drive research and development provided by ISAAA in collaboration with the Outreach Network for Gene Drive Research |
| |
|
|
|
|
GM APPROVAL UPDATES |
- The Philippines approved the canola event LBFLFK for food, feed, and processing.
- The Philippines approved the cotton event GFM cry1A for commercial cultivation.
- Brazil approved the wheat event HB4 for commercial cultivation.
- The Philippines approved the soybean event GMB 151 for food, feed, and processing.
- The Philippines approved the eggplant event EE-1 for cultivation
- The USA approved the canola event MON94100 for food and feed.
|
|
|
|
| Biotech Updates is a weekly newsletter of ISAAA, a not-for-profit organization. It is distributed for free to over 22,000 subscribers worldwide to inform them about the key developments in biosciences, especially in biotechnology. Your support will help us in our mission to feed the world with knowledge. You can help by donating as little as $10. |
|
|
|
|
