Arcadia Biosciences has developed rice that uses nitrogen more efficiently, so the plants need less fertilizer. As described in the Guardian article Biotech firm plans to fund GM rice crops with carbon credits yesterday, Arcadia "is working with the Chinese…
Biofortified Blog
Ubiquitious pesticides
In a study conducted by the University of Granada and Andalusian School of Public Health in Spain, 100% of people (387 volunteers) had at least one kind of pesticide in their adipose tissue. The researchers tested for "persistent organic compounds"…
GM: Alternative to pesticides
Some pesticides are, frankly, frightening. As a DoD certified Pest Controller, I was taught the history, usage, and dangers of herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, etc. so I say this with some authority. Our instructors would joke about "methyl-ethyl-death", referring especially to…
Patents prevent development of GMOs
Once a transgene is designed and created, getting it into plant cells is surprisingly simple. There are two main ways to transform plants: the gene gun and Agrobacterium tumifaciens. The gene gun literally shoots tiny gold particles coated in DNA…
Genetic enginering for fun and profit
I was very young when I first read Copernick's Rebellion by Leo Frankowski. It captured my imagination, and is directly responsible for my thoughts on genetic engineering and my desire to become a genetic engineer. The author was ahead of…
New approach to fish feed
Fish as human food present a unique problem. The protein they provide is high quality and low in fat. People all over the world enjoy fish as a staple of their diet. Unfortunately, the demand for fish has overtaxed natural…
Transgenics as solution to malnutrition
The review article Transgenic strategies for the nutritional enhancement of plants (to be published in vol 12, issue 12 of Trends in Plant Science) discusses each of the methods used to improve nutrition for human populations that depend on one…
Sperm Powered Nanobots
Nanobots and nanodevices are fully formed in concept, but some of the pieces are harder than others to actualize. "One of the major limitations in making implantable, nanomedical devices is providing power to them," said Travis, ... of Cornell's College…
Natural Processed Foods?
New research from University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign shows that pre-cooked entrees can be better preserved with grape-seed extract, as discussed in the SD article Natural Ingredient Preserves Meat Quality In Precooked Supermarket Offerings. The effect is attributed to…
Fish protein – ideal candidate for genetic engineering?
Fried foods to become healthier: Proteins extracted from discarded fish muscle can create a protective barrier between food and oil. The food retains moisture, but doesn't absorb the fat. From SD, Food Chemist Develops Protein-based Batter for Healthier Frying (click…
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