bioethics.net News Update - Genetically Modified Organisms

France suspends use of GMO corn

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:16:09 EST

The French government is awaiting EU approval to permanently ban a genetically modified strain of corn created by Monsanto. The strain was previously the only GMO corn variety allowed in France.

Venter Institute: we've constructed a synthetic bacterial genome

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 08:59:52 EST

The synthetic genome is reportedly the largest ever constructed. The next step in creating a synthetic organism is to find out whether such a genome can be used "boot up" a cell.

Agricultural Chromosomes Made to Order

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 07:41:23 EDT

It's been a brave new world for genetic crops for some time now but researchers say they have developed a method to take crop manipulation to a higher level: the chromosome.

From Farm to Pharmacy

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 11:01:34 EDT

New genetically engineered crops produce beneficial drugs for humans and animals, but some fear the experimental produce will make its way into the food chain.

Court Halts Introduction of GM Rice in the Philippines

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 06:53:15 EDT

Greenpeace and other NGOs have used the courts to temporarily halt the introduction of GM rice to the Philippines.

Artificial Life Likely in 3 to 10 Years?

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 07:02:16 EDT

Around the world, a handful of scientists are trying to create life from scratch and they're getting closer.

Quest for Synthetic Organisms Calls for New Rules, Critics Say

Thu, 12 Jul 2007 11:57:05 EDT

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong, and critics say questions about dangers that could arise with manmade organisms -- which can reproduce on their own -- remain unaddressed.

Countdown to a Synthetic Lifeform

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 07:30:31 EDT

As the first genome "transplant" is performed, scientists say it is only a matter of time before a truly artificial lifeform is created.

Third Generation GM Crops: An Opportunity for Africa?

Sun, 17 Jun 2007 05:09:22 EDT

With the right investment, could Africa could get real benefits from growing the latest GM crops?

Down on the Pharm

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 12:00:00 EDT

A new breed of genetically modified crops could provide cheap drugs and vaccines for the developing world. Only one problem: what if they get into the food chain?

Firm in GM Insulin Breakthrough

Wed, 04 Apr 2007 08:35:36 EDT

Insulin produced by GM plants - with a human gene added - could be on the market in three years, researchers say.

GM Mosquito 'Could Fight Malaria'

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 06:42:00 EDT

A genetically-modified (GM) strain of malaria-resistant mosquito has been created that is better able to survive than disease-carrying insects.

Rice Industry Troubled by Genetic Contamination

Sun, 11 Mar 2007 08:02:33 EDT

The tremors going through the U.S. long-grain rice industry - amplified by the decision of many biotech-wary nations to restrict imports of U.S. rice until questions of purity are resolved - have revealed how vulnerable a $1 billion agricultural sector can be.

Columbia Approves GM Corn

Fri, 09 Mar 2007 06:30:17 EST

Colombia has allowed genetically modified (GM) corn to enter its borders for the first time, and will authorize plantations of other GM products later in the year.

USDA Backs Production of Rice With Human Genes

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 05:58:01 EST

The Agriculture Department has given a preliminary green light for the first commercial production of a food crop engineered to contain human genes.