Biotech Updates

New research published in The Lancet reports that the first COVID-19 vaccine to reach phase 1 clinical trial has been found to be safe, well-tolerated, and able to generate an immune response against SARS-CoV-2 in humans. The open-label trial in 108 healthy adults showed promising results after 28 days, while the final results will be evaluated in six months. Further trials are needed to tell whether the immune response that the vaccine elicits effectively protects against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

FSANZ Rules GM Potatoes Are Safe, Calls the Public to Comment

Two genetically modified (GM) potato lines have passed the evaluation of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). They announced that there are no potential public health and safety concerns with the said potatoes.

Coronavirus Has Two Versions and One is Not More Harmful, Study Finds

A study published in Nature reports two major versions of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and confirms that the genetic difference does not contribute to disease severity. Host factors such as age, white blood cell levels, and overactive immune defenses contribute significantly to how people get the virus.

Experts Identify Genome Editing and Other Innovations to Accelerate Food System Transition

An international team of almost 50 experts identified 75 emerging innovations and 8 action points that can help speed up the transition to a sustainable and healthy food system. Their recommendations are published in Nature Food.