Science Communication: challenges to ensure innovation can prove itself scientifically
Posted 6th July 2021 by Nicholas Noakes
John Entine is a science journalist who has been writing about sustainability issues in biotechnology for 30 years. He has written numerous books on both population genetic related issues and agricultural biotechnology. Presenting at the Plant Genomics & Gene Editing Congress, he gave his perspective on the communication challenges faced by scientists by looking specifically at gene drives and addressing misunderstandings about what the technology can do and active opposition to it by some environmental groups.
8 Free Tools for Genetic Engineers, Molecular and Synthetic Biologists
Posted 12th October 2018 by Jane Williams
Having a powerful set of tools is essential in life science research so we’ve compiled the best free platforms for genetic engineers, molecular and synthetic biologists.
Are smaller biobanks still relevant in the era of 500,000 plus cohorts?
Posted 19th September 2018 by Jane Williams
Shona Kerr, MRC Human Genetics Unit, writes:
Large-scale national cohorts and biobanks, linked to detailed genomic, phenotypic and clinical data, are currently being created and developed through investment from a large number of governments worldwide. These data-rich resources are exemplified by the 500,000 research volunteers in the UK Biobank, a cohort established primarily to investigate the genetic and lifestyle determinants of middle and later life diseases. Now it is accessible by all health researchers worldwide and the UK Biobank is supporting an unprecedented range of novel insights into the biology of disease, from varicose veins to lifespan.
Exploring the Orphan Crop: Pearl Millet
Posted 22nd January 2018 by Jane Williams
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.
Is Palm Oil Sustainable for People?
Posted 1st January 2018 by Jane Williams
Palm oil belongs to Elaeis, which is the only genus of Arecaceae family that produces edible oil. The current commercial planting is mainly E. guineensis, (Jacq.) originating from West Africa, selected due to its yield superiority. The cultivations occur throughout the tropical belt, especially in Southeast Asia, Africa and South America. To date, palm oil has become the most important oil crop in the world, accounting for 37% of global vegetable oil production. However, palm oil sustainability is always debated. Is palm oil really sustainable for people? To answer this, some facts are worth pondering.
Cancer Therapy in the Genomic Era: Barriers and Distractions
Posted 20th November 2017 by Jane Williams
Recent step change advances in sequencing technologies have delivered a near-complete lexicon of genomic cancer drivers. In parallel, progress in synthetic chemistry has facilitated the assembly of a broad armamentarium of molecularly-targeted therapies. However, whilst immunotherapy agents have produced notable benefits for subgroups of patients, the impact of molecularly-targeted therapies have been relatively modest.
Further unlocking the undeniable power of genomics in cancer will involve both the systematic removal of barriers and the avoidance of distractions that obscure progress. Both of which are discussed here.
Presentation Slide Release: Strategies and Technologies to Deliver Precision Medicine
Posted 25th October 2017 by Jane Williams
Presented at the 4th Global Precision Medicine & Biomarkers Leader Summit, these slides are now available to download and share with your colleagues.
CRISPR: From Early Discoveries to Applications in Plant Science
Posted 28th June 2017 by Jane Williams
The discovery of CRISPR happened by accident in 1987. First applied in mammalian cells in 2013, a year later it was applied to plant cells. Our timeline highlights the milestones of this novel technology until its most recent developments and applications in plant science.