Biotech Updates

"Globally, we have seen young boys and girls who have become spokespersons for what they want the world to be in the future. This contest is therefore aimed at inspiring forward thinking among the country's youth on how Uganda and the rest of the world can tap into the vast potential of modern biosciences including biotechnology to transform agriculture for sustainable development," said Dr. Barbara Zawedde, coordinator of the Uganda Biosciences Information Center (UBIC). She said this during the 7^th Annual National Biotechnology Essay Contest awarding ceremony organized by UBIC.

Scientists Uncover Secrets of Wheat Killer Ug99

A group of researchers from Australia, the United States, and South Africa has uncovered the 20-year-old mystery surrounding the origins of the world's deadliest strain of wheat stem rust which threatens global food security. Their research, published in Nature Communications, reveals that the devastating Ug99 strain of the wheat stem rust fungus was created when different rust strains fused to create a new hybrid strain through the process called somatic hybridization. This process enables the fungi to merge their cells together and exchange genetic material without sexual reproduction.

Consumers' Preference to Buy Unlabeled Produce Increases after Exposure to GMO-labeled Products

Consumers in the US were more willing to purchase unlabeled GM fruits and vegetables after being shown food products with "genetically modified" labels. This is the finding of the study conducted by Cornell University published in PLOS One journal. The study was published just as food sellers prepare for the new federal law requiring GM food disclosure labels which will take effect on January 1, 2022.

CRISPR-Cas9 Used for Virus-Mediated Genome Editing in Plants

Scientists at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology developed a virus-mediated genome editing system using CRISPR-Cas9 for Nicotiana benthamiana, a close relative of tobacco. Using the system, genome engineering reagents can be delivered into all plant parts in a simple and efficient way, enabling the recovery of progeny plants with the desired genomic modifications, without the need for transformation and tissue culture.

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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.

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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.

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