PtBIO offers Japanese biotech models to create a sustainable future
Reading Time: 2 minutesEstablished in Hiroshima, Japan, in 2019, a new wave of biotechnology pioneers has emerged to tackle pressing challenges in agriculture, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. By integrating bio-digital transformation (Bio-DX) and advanced genome editing, innovative solutions are being developed to reengineer biological functions across diverse species. The goal is ambitious yet clear: to harness biotechnology to […]
The environmental impacts of genetically modified crops
Reading Time: < 1 minuteUniversity of Toronto Genetically modified (GM) crops are widely used worldwide, but their environmental effects need to be explored more. New research, published in a recent issue of “Science” looks at common genetic modifications in four crops: soybean, corn, cotton, and canola. Although GM crops can produce more yield and profits, it can lead to […]
ISAAA Inc holds public briefing for Filipino farmers
Reading Time: 2 minutesISAAA Inc, in partnership with the Philippine Biotechnology for Agriculture and Fisheries of the Department of Agriculture (DA Biotech Program Office) and the Asian Farmer’s Network (ASFARNET), recently held a public briefing titled Biotech for Filipino Farmers: A Public Briefing on the Philippine Biotechnology and Biosafety Regulations in Iloilo City. This public briefing, part of […]
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 […]