Gaining Public Confidence in Genetically Modified Products
Posted 9th July 2018 by Kate Barlow
Despite the fact that GMs have been around for over thirty years, they still ignite debate. We spoke to Professor Jim Dunwell, University of Reading, at the 6th Plant Genomics & Gene Editing Congress: Europe to discuss the steps that should be taken to gain the public’s confidence.
Regulatory aspects of gene-edited crops: A Q&A with Jim Dunwell
Posted 22nd June 2018 by Kate Barlow
On January 2018, Michal Bobek, in a preliminary judgement in a case at the European Court of Justice, advised that “organisms obtained by mutagenesis” should not be seen as genetically modified, unless they contained recombinant nuclear acid molecules or other GM organisms. [1]
The Future of Plant Gene Editing: A Q&A with Professor Richard Visser
Posted 13th June 2018 by Kate Barlow
We were delighted to welcome Richard Visser, Professor, Chair and Head of Plant Breeding, Dean of Research, Wageningen University & Research, to the 6th Plant Genomics and Gene Editing Congress, where he presented on the use of novel breeding techniques in practical breeding.
Using Machine Learning to Assign Gene Ontology
Posted 11th May 2018 by Kate Barlow
It is a quite common phenomenon in biology: we have identified a gene or a set of genes that are likely to be important for the system we are studying, but we have no clear explanation for why they are important or how they influence the system. For example, in plant genomics, we are often interested in a specific trait and have a genomic locus or a list of candidate genes that might affect this trait. The question is: how can we prioritise these genes in order to proceed to experimental validation?
To this end, it would be extremely useful if we knew the functions of our candidate genes. For instance, if a gene codes for an enzyme, what type of reaction does this enzyme catalyse? And in which pathways might this reaction take place?
To regulate or not to regulate: Current legal status for gene-edited crops
Posted 4th May 2018 by Kate Barlow
Gene editing is the latest and sexiest DNA editing tool in the continuum of plant breeding innovations. With genetically modified organism (GMO) technology, scientists introduce “foreign” genes, i.e. genes from a different organism, into crops. With gene editing, scientists create additional genetic variation by making precise changes to the existing crop’s genome. It offers great opportunities, but also creates regulatory challenges.
119 Top AgTech Companies & Investors
Posted 13th April 2018 by Kate Barlow
2017 was a big year for the AgTech industry, with a record $10.1 billion in investments and an increase of 29% from 2016. Looking forward, we decided to put together a list of 119 top AgTech start-ups and investors.
In this article, we’ll be talking through the results that were gathered from the report, which you can view here.
Whether you’re looking for an investor from seed to series or you’re just interested in the market, you are sure to find this resource useful.
Round-Up of Top Plant Science News
Posted 30th March 2018 by Kate Barlow
It’s been a busy month in the field of Plant Science, with new discoveries, technologies, and research making the news. As the month draws to a close, we thought we’d reflect on the top stories.
This month, there was new insights into autophagy, previously extinct plant species, and the way in which climate change poses a potential threat to half of plant and animal species.
Take a look at the list below to find out more:
Exploring the Orphan Crop: Pearl Millet
Posted 22nd January 2018 by Kate Barlow
As an awardee of Global Engage’s Early Career Research grant, we are pleased to announce that Ambika Dudhate will be presenting her research about the drought tolerance in pearl millet in detail at the 6th Plant Genomics and Gene Editing Congress: Europe. It will be a great opportunity to discuss the topic on a large platform.
