Biotech Updates

Gene-editing tools are now unlocking new strategies to improve natural and agricultural carbon sinks, limit emissions from agriculture and other major sectors contributing to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and revolutionize biofuels. These are discussed by David Hart, Robert Rozansky, and Val Giddings in their article published in the Genetic Literacy Project.

Ghana's Scientists to Seek Commercial Approval for GE Cowpea

Genetically engineered cowpea will be requested for commercial approval in Ghana in November, according to Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (SARI). SARI is one of the institutes of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research that is tasked to develop enhanced crop varieties to help the farmers in the northern part of the country and beyond.

SARS-CoV-2 Uses Neuropilin-1 to Infect Human Cells

New research from two separate papers shows that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, uses a receptor called neuropilin-1 to efficiently infect human cells. Neuropilin-1 is very abundant in many human tissues including the respiratory tract, blood vessels, and neurons.

Higher Income Nations See Harm in GM Food; Lower Income Countries Think they Help People

The Lloyd's Register Foundation World Risk Poll conducted by Gallup in the second half of 2019 reveals that up to 60 percent of people worldwide are worried the food they eat will harm them in the next two years. More than half of the survey participants also expect that they will be seriously harmed in the coming years by eating unsafe food. Gallup interviewed 150,000 people in 142 countries.