Crop Biotech Update

June 10, 2020

CRISPR Technique 90% Effective in Reducing SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus

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.

COVID-19 ALERTS

NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

PLANT BREEDING INNOVATIONS

GM APPROVAL UPDATES

The Philippines approved cotton MON88701 for food, feed, and processing.
The Philippines approved corn MON87427 x MON89034 x TC1507 x MON87411 x 59122 for food, feed, and processing.
The Philippines approved eggplant EE1 for food, feed, and processing.
The Philippines approved corn MON87429 for food, feed, and processing.
The Philippines approved rice GR2E for commercial propagation.
The Philippines approved (renewal) corn MON89034 for commercial propagation.

Visit GM APPROVAL DATABASE

The Crop Biotech Update is a weekly newsletter of ISAAA, a non-for-profit organization. The CBU is distributed for free to over 23,000 subscribers worldwide to inform them about the key developments in biosciences, especially in agricultural 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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