Why do some humans have two different sets of DNA?

Reading Time: < 1 minuteDNA is the genetic materials that we all carry in each of our cells. It contains the information that made us who we are. The combination of the DNA of both of our parents resulted in the DNA that is unique to us. This is the reason why DNA testing is prominent in many identities […]

How smart are pigeons?

Reading Time: < 1 minuteThe pigeon draws the most ire among all the birds in the world. But people still love pigeons. Pigeons were used as a messenger and was the sole source of communication. Since the early years, the pigeon was used as a messenger to carry results of sporting events, such as the Olympic Games and football […]

Golden Rice could supply up to 50% of average daily requirement of vitamin A

Reading Time: < 1 minuteA TEAM of scientists from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), and Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) reported that Golden Rice (GR2E) introgression lines showed significant amounts of carotenoids in the milled grains. The researchers used marker-assisted backcross breeding to transfer the GR2E trait into three local rice varieties. The resulting introgression […]

Nitrogen Use Efficient Rice Getting Closer to Farmers’ Fields in Nigeria

Reading Time: < 1 minuteNIGERIAN scientists and partners met in Abuja to commence compiling a dossier for the national performance trial on genetically engineered (GE) rice called nitrogen-efficient, water-efficient, salt-tolerant (NEWEST) rice. The final dossier will be submitted to the National Biosafety Management Agency, which is tasked to regulate GE crops in the country. Rice is one of the major staple crops in […]

Initial trials of nasal spray vaccine for COVID-19 and flu show positive results

Reading Time: < 1 minuteA GENETICALLY ENGINEERED nasal spray vaccine for COVID-19 and flu called Delta-19 showed positive preclinical data. Delta-19, being developed by Vivaldi Biosciences, is expected to provide superior protection to both viral respiratory diseases. Studies using the ferret model resulted in 100% immunized animals that generated high amounts of antibodies against the COVID-19 virus, SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, the immunized ferrets exhibited negligible […]

FAO Director-General tells G20: to have healthy food, we need healthy environment

Reading Time: 3 minutesTHE Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu, today called on G20 Environment Ministers to step up joint efforts, increase investment and work more closely with FAO for game-changing impacts on the planet. Qu made the call at the G20 Ministerial Meeting on the Environment, which discussed solutions […]

Gene Drives Offer Sustainable Management of Vector-Borne Diseases -Experts

Reading Time: 2 minutesDENGUE and Malaria are transmitted by mosquitoes and cause millions of deaths across the globe every year. Gene drives using genetically modified mosquitoes offer an effective, economical, and less labor-intensive solution to help fight lethal viral diseases. The webinar Can gene drive eliminate vector-borne diseases? was live-streamed via Zoom on July 8, 2021. It was hosted by ISAAA, in partnership with […]

Edible cholera vaccine made from genetically modified rice may be on the way

Reading Time: 3 minutesA NEW vaccine to protect against deadly cholera has been made by grinding up genetically modified grains of rice. The first human trial has shown no obvious side effects and a good immune response. Researchers based at the University of Tokyo and Chiba University have published the peer-reviewed results of the Phase 1 clinical trial […]

What Are We Consuming? The Science Behind the Food We Eat

Reading Time: 7 minutesAgilent Technologies invites three specialists from different spheres within the global food industry to discuss the measures of safety, quality, and innovation that sustain and improve our food chain.  The safety and quality of the food we consume is central to good health, a cleaner environment, and a flourishing economy. While we may not always […]