Biotech Updates

ISAAA Inc., BioTrust Global, the Malaysian Biotechnology Information Center (MABIC), Murdoch University, and the National Seed Association Malaysia will hold the workshop Policy Considerations for Gene Editing: The Asian and Australian Perspective at Sunway Clio Hotel, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia from August 23 to 25, 2022. The registration is now open for interested participants.

Ghana Approves Bt Cowpea for Environmental and Market Release

On June 30, 2022, Ghana's National Biosafety Authority approved the genetically engineered (GE) Bt cowpea event 709A for import and/or use without conditions, marking the first GE crop to be approved for use in Ghana. The approval is for 10 years and is renewable.

Chinese Team Finds New Ways to Enhance Wheat Yield

Scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Peking University reported that gene editing of an APETALA2/ethylene responsive factor (AP2/ERF) transcription factor, DUO1, could lead to better wheat grain yield. Their findings are featured in Nature Plants.

Socio-economic Impact Assessment Complements Risk Assessment of Gene Drive Organisms, According to Experts

ISAAA Inc., the Outreach Network for Gene Drive Research, and the ISAAA Biotechnology Information Centers Network conducted the webinar Integrating social, economic and health aspects into the decision-making process on July 28, 2022, via Zoom. It is the third and final part of the 2022 Gene Drive Webinar Series. The webinar aimed to give an overview of the different dimensions of gene drive impact and risk assessments, including environmental and socio-economic aspects.