Crop Biotech Update

Scientists from Stanford University and the Molecular Foundry at the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) are working to develop a gene-targeting, antiviral agent against COVID-19. Last year, Stanford University Assistant Professor Stanley Qi began working on a technique called PAC-MAN - or Prophylactic Antiviral CRISPR in human cells - that uses the gene editing tool CRISPR to fight influenza. When news of COVID-19 pandemic emerged, Qi and his team thought to try PAC-MAN technology to fight the disease.

Top 5 Biotech Crops Occupy 99% of Global Biotech Crop Area

In 2018, a total of 70 countries adopted biotech crops — 26 countries planted and 44 additional countries imported. Of the 31 crops approved for food, feed, and environmental release recorded at the ISAAA GM Approval Database, 13 crops have been planted in 26 countries in 2018. Five biotech crops planted in these countries occupy 99% of the global biotech crop area.

Study Shows COVID-19 Risk Might be Linked to Blood Type

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen and other partner institutions reported that two human gene variants could make people more prone to lung failure due to COVID-19. The preprint article about the study is published in MedRxiv.

Experts Use Viruses for Transgene-free Gene Editing in Plants

Nature Plants reports a fundamental study that eliminates a transgenic approach in gene editing. Researchers at the University of California Davis and the University of Minnesota collaborated in the study which used viruses as delivery vehicles to induce genetic mutations directly in plants.

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GM APPROVAL UPDATES

The Philippines approved the eggplant event EE-1 for cultivation
Nigeria approved the wheat event HB4 for food and feed.
The USA approved the corn event MON87429 for food and feed.
Ghana approved the cowpea event AAT709A for food, feed, and cultivation.
The USA approved the wheat event HB4 for food and feed.
Turkey approved the maize event MON87427 for feed.

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