Biotech Updates

Researchers and engineers from an Idaho-based startup biotech company, Light Bio, successfully engineered petunia, a common ornamental plant, to give a bright green color during nighttime. Light Bio plans to start shipping the glow-in-the-dark genetically modified plants in 2024 after receiving permission from the U.S. Department of Agriculture earlier this month.

Ukranian Parliament Adopts Law on GMOs

Ukraine's Parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, adopted in general the Draft Law No. 5839 "On State Regulation of Genetic Engineering Activities and State Control over the Circulation of Genetically Modified Organisms and Genetically Modified Products to Ensure Food Security."

CRISPR Silkworms Produce Better Silk Fibers

Researchers from China used CRISPR technology on silkworms to produce tough and strong spider silk. The resulting fiber is considered better compared to other commercial synthetic fibers.

OGTR Invites Comments on Proposed Commercial Release of GM Banana

The Australian Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) invites comments from the public to assess an application from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) for the commercial cultivation of genetically modified (GM) banana plants modified for resistance to the fungal disease Fusarium wilt tropical race 4 (TR4), also known as Panama disease.