Biotech Updates

Misinformation and poor public perceptions about modern biotechnology could derail Africa's bid to tap into the potential of genome editing to increase agricultural productivity in the face of climate change. This emerged during a biotechnology workshop for Zambian biotech scientists and regulators co-organized by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the University of California-Davis, AUDA-NEPAD, and ISAAA AfriCenter. The workshop was held in Lusaka from May 13-15, 2024.

EFSA GMO Panel Releases Assessment of GM Maize MON 89034 × 1507 × MON 88017 × 59122 and Subcombinations

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) GMO Panel has released a scientific risk assessment for the renewal of authorization application for the herbicide tolerant and insect resistant genetically modified (GM) maize MON 89034 × 1507 × MON 88017 × 59122 and 8 out of 10 of its subcombinations, for food and feed uses, excluding cultivation within the European Union.

Bioengineered Enzyme Creates Natural Vanillin from Plants

Professor Toshiki Furuya from Tokyo University of Science (TUS) and his graduate students Shizuka Fujimaki and Satsuki Sakamoto have successfully developed an enzyme that generates vanillin from plant-derived ferulic acid using genetic engineering approaches.