Biotech Updates

Argentina's Secretaria de Alimentos y Bioeconomía has approved a genetically modified (GM) corn for commercial planting. The crop has passed the rigorous evaluations set by national agencies on agricultural biotechnology and food safety, the Comision Nacional Asesora de Biotecnologia Agropecuaria (CONABIA) and Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria (SENASA) and the Ministry of Agriculture.

Scientists Engineer Plants to Make Infant-friendly Fat Molecules for Formula Milk

Scientists have improved the metabolism of an oilseed plant to mimic the molecular structure of the human milk. Their technique made the oilseed plant accumulate triacylglycerol with most of the fatty acid in the middle of its molecular structure, instead of in the outer parts. This can potentially lead to a new plant-based source of milk fat substitute that infants can easily digest.

Engaging Editors Crucial for Improved Science Reporting in Kenya

A weak link between biotech crop scientists and media editors has been cited as a major impediment to more balanced and accurate reporting about agricultural biotechnology in Kenya. This emerged after scientists attending a Science Café held in Nairobi lamented that the media sometimes misrepresent scientific facts thus causing anxiety and public mistrust of science projects.

CRISPR-Cas9 Reveals Role of OsPLDα1 in Phytic Acid Biosynthesis in Rice Grains

Phosphorus-containing compounds such as phospholipids and phytic acid are vital in rice. Phytic acid is a major antinutrient, which decreases the bioavailability of essential micronutrients to humans and animals. In a study published in the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry, researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 to investigate the interplay of phospholipids and phytic acid in rice grains.