Trees created with new methods of genetic engineering to be released for the first time in Sweden
Wednesday, 17 August 2016
In China, the US and Sweden, new methods of genetic engineering such as CRISPR are being used on forest trees. The first field trials are planned to take place in Sweden with genetically engineered poplars that show a range of genetic changes in their genome that affect flowering, growth, production of branches, leafs and roots. The goal of this type of engineering is to drastically change the phenotype and characteristics of the trees, without any specific purpose being provided.
New Testbiotech report examines problems in animal welfare
12 August 2016 / In recent years, Europe has seen an increasingly strong trend towards experiments with genetically engineered animals. And the numbers continue to rise. In Germany, the number of genetically engineered animals used in experiments was around 1 million in 2013. Since 2004, the number of experiments has nearly tripled.
Complaint about the way the EU Commission handles risk research projects
Friday, 5 August 2016
The European Ombudsman, Emily O’Reilly, has made a decision on a complaint filed by Testbiotech. The complaint was directed at the EU Commission and its management of conflicts of interest in publicly funded risk research projects. The EU Ombudsman decided that there was no clear evidence for maladministration at the EU Commission.
Health risks of residues from spraying with herbicides not assessed
Sunday, 24 July 2016
According to news agencies, the EU Commissionhas allowed the import of genetically engineered soybeans produced by Bayer and Monsanto. The imported soybeans can be used in food and feed despite unresolved concerns about health risks. These crops can be sprayed with a combination of glyphosate and other herbicides such as dicamba or isoxaflutole. Market authorisation has been issued after massive pressure from industry, which already sold its patented seeds in the US for cultivation and now wants to import the harvest to the EU within the next months.
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