Landmark ruling as Ghana court dismisses suit challenging GM products
Reading Time: 2 minutesGhana’s Human Rights Court has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the introduction of genetically modified (GM) products into the country, putting an end to a nine-year court battle between the country’s National Biosafety Authority (NBA) and civil society groups. This landmark decision is a significant victory in Ghana’s efforts to deliver Maruca pod borer (PBR) resistant […]
From fungi to feast – Sustainable protein solution from Mycoprotein
Reading Time: 2 minutesFrom Fungi to Feast: A Sustainable Protein Solution Ultimeat and Nimbus Restaurant jointly launched Ultimeat Mycoprotein, marking the first of its kind in Malaysia. This groundbreaking launch aims to promote sustainable food systems and combat climate change by producing alternative sources of protein. Ultimeat, established in 1988, has evolved its focus towards innovating plant-based meat […]
ICRISAT pioneers world’s first pigeonpea speed breeding technique
Reading Time: 2 minutesThe International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) Pioneers Speed Breeding for Pigeonpea The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has pioneered the world’s first pigeonpea speed breeding protocol, further bolstering food security in Asia and Africa. The new convention promises to substantially cut the time required to develop new […]
Fermented Foods: Health Boost or Hidden Risks ?
Reading Time: 2 minutesREACHING OUT for homemade yoghurt or kimchi to reset your gut bacteria after about of illness? Wait a minute, according to researchers Hua Wang and colleagues at The Ohio State University in Columbus, USA – these artisanal (traditionally processed) fermented foods have high levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (superbugs) in them that could do more harm than […]
Disease-resistant gene-edited rice offers hope for small-scale farmers in Africa
Reading Time: < 1 minuteRICE YELLOW MOTTLE VIRUS (RYMV) is responsible for high crop losses in Africa, particularly among small-scale farmers. A research team from Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU) and the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) has now developed rice lines that are resistant to the disease using genome editing. RYMV is an RNA virus spread by beetles and […]
Reaping the fruits of her labour
Reading Time: 3 minutesLeaving the safe confines of a stable job in the finance industry, Elizabeth Lee tells DR MAHALETCHUMY ARUJANAN she found her Eldorado – growing pineapples in Pahang. IN THE TURBULENT TIMES of the COVID-19 crisis, where job opportunities were scarce and uncertainty loomed, one spirited graduate embarked on a journey that defied conventions – paving the way […]
Siblings with prestigious British degrees defy convention, roll up their sleeves to work in shrimp ponds
Reading Time: 4 minutesTHE oppressive heat of a Friday in Tanjong Karang clashed with an ominous sky-threatening rainfall. Nestled nearly two hours away from Kuala Lumpur, in a coastal rural setting, the air reverberated with the steady hum of motors tirelessly aerating shrimp ponds. Amidst this backdrop, Melissa Saw emerged from her uniquely repurposed container, now transformed into an […]
Scientists Develop Gene-edited Chickens to Limit Spread of Bird Flu
Reading Time: < 1 minuteSCIENTISTS from the University of Edinburgh, Imperial College London, and the Pirbright Institute used gene editing techniques to identify and change parts of chicken DNA that could limit the spread of the bird flu virus in the animals. Using gene editing techniques, the team of scientists bred the chickens and altered the section of DNA responsible for producing the […]
Cell AgriTech, leading universities join hands to shape future of cultivated meat
Reading Time: 3 minutesPUTRAJAYA: In a momentous event, Cell AgriTech, the pioneering cultivated meat company, has joined forces with leading academic institutions, including Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), International Medical University (IMU), and Taylor’s University, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that mark a significant leap towards reshaping the landscape of biotechnology and food […]
Leap into alternative proteins
Reading Time: 4 minutesBY JOTISRI VASUDEVAN JOHOR BARU: The Malaysian Biotechnology Information Centre (MABIC), teamed up with Medhini Group – a leading consulting firm that specialises in building facilities and plants for the high-tech industry to host a one-day “Forum on Alternative Proteins for Food and Feed”, hosted in Johor Baru recently. Bringing together a diverse assembly of industry […]