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Climate change: Genetic engineering accelerating the extinction of species?

International conference to discuss nature conservation and Synthetic Biology

1 September 2021 / Prior to an upcoming conference being held by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Testbiotech is warning of the environmental risks of genetically engineering populations of natural species. Against the backdrop of climate change, the release of genetically engineered bees, corals or trees may appear to provide easy short-term solutions. However, in the long-term, these technical interventions may make species and ecosystems even more vulnerable to diseases and environmental stress.

Ten approvals for the import of genetically engineered crops rushed through

EU Commission takes controversial decision during the summer break

22 August 2021 / The EU Commission has rushed through ten approvals for the import of genetically engineered (GE) plants. The approvals were issued for maize, soybeans, oilseed rape and cotton, which produce insecticidal toxins and/or are engineered to be resistant to herbicides such as glyphosate; the approvals include seven new variants of GE plants and three renewals. The applications were filed by Monsanto (Bayer), Dow AgroSciences (Corteva) and Syngenta (ChemChina).

Communication between plants and honey bees more complex

Molecules acting on gene regulation are exchanged across species’ borders

18 August 2021 / A new scientific publication shows that honey bees can take up specific RNA molecules produced by plants via their gut, and that these molecules could interfere with gene regulation in the pollinators. The research looked at so-called miRNAs produced in the pollen of sunflowers and Sidr (Ziziphus spina-christi). The miRNA was found inside intestinal cells and could influence several gene functions that are, for example, linked to exploratory behaviour and development of the larvae.

Genetically engineered rice to be cultivated in the Philippines

Testbiotech warns of consequences for biodiversity and regional varieties

4 August 2021/ According to the International Rice Research Institute, IRRI, so-called Golden Rice has been approved for cultivation in the Philippines. This approval has been harshly criticized by the Philippine organization, MASIPAG, which many rice farmers are members of. They voiced their concerns that the project is not about help for local communities, but will instead promote dependency on the biotech industry.