Any discussion of crop chemicals must consider the broad sweep of agricultural history, the pivotal moments of technological innovation, and the diverging perspectives that have shaped the current debate around the use of chemical herbicides and genetically modified (GM) and gene edited crops.
A new study illustrates that the attitudes of Americans in Generation X toward evolution shifted as they aged.
Many prominent people in the tech industry have talked about the increasing convergence between humans and machines in coming decades. For example, Elon Musk has reportedly said he wants humans to merge with AI “to achieve a symbiosis with artificial intelligence”.
Understanding chickens’ vocalizations can transform our approach to poultry farming, enhancing their welfare and quality of life.
In a significant leap towards self-reliance in food security, China celebrates the success of a three-year trial planting homegrown genetically modified (GM) corn and soybeans, marking a pivotal point in its agricultural modernization efforts. Spearheaded by Professor Lai Jinsheng and his team at China Agricultural University, the development of indigenous “scissors” for gene editing represents a breakthrough in overcoming Western technology blockades, highlighting China’s determination to harness cutting-edge technology for agricultural innovation.
Recent investigations have illuminated controversial projects by the Pentagon’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), specifically the “Insect Allies” program, which has raised alarm among leading biologists and researchers. This initiative aims to utilize insects to genetically modify crops in the field, a method that could potentially be weaponized, sparking fears of a new form of bio-warfare.
The impacts of climate change, particularly extreme weather events, will increase the likelihood of crop failure in the future. As such, the need for the development of climate-resilient crops that increase agricultural efficiency and sustain sustainable land use is critical to food security. Conservation agriculture, including practices such as reduced tillage, continuous cover, and crop rotation, provides a foundation for safeguarding agricultural systems.
The world of IVF has introduced a host of ethical quandaries. For now, Alabamians will be spared grappling the latest, genetic design of their future children, as their high court has effectively foreclosed the procedure. The laboratories offering these genetic selection tests are based in NJ and California, and we can expect a host of genetic tourism to ensue.
It’s going to be a long and difficult journey before the fate of the European crop biotechnology reform bill passed on February 7 by the EU Parliament is known. Proponents and rejectionists are already positioning themselves for what is shaping up as an acrimonious debate that will spill over well into next year.
Researchers have created the world’s first 3D-printed brain tissue that behaves like a natural brain tissue.
We now know from evolutionary science that humanity has existed in some form or another for around 2 million years. Homo sapiens are comparatively new on the block. There were also many other human species, some which we interbred with. The question is then inevitable — when can we claim personhood in the long story of evolution? Are Chimpanzees people? Did Australopithecine have an afterlife? What are the implications for how we think about rights and religion?
Medical texts from 2,500 years ago suggesting today’s widespread dementia stems from modern environments and lifestyles.
In Southeast Asia, most smallholder farmers rely on cassava: its starch-rich roots form the basis of an industry that supports millions of producers. In the past decade, however, Cassava Witches’ Broom disease has stunted plants, reducing harvests to levels that barely permit affected farmers to eke out a living.
Many companies are developing blood tests that can detect cancer signals before symptoms occur, and Grail’s is the most advanced.
It was not so long ago that the strident opponents of agricultural biotechnology were dictating the narrative over sustainable crops They promoted insidious lies about their supposed dangers to human and animal health, and the environment — misrepresentations that have poisoned public perceptions about the value of this fast-developing technology.
In 2022 and 2023, two papers analyzing the intersection of genetic engineering and disinformation were published. Neither were in very high-impact journals and neither made a huge impact on social media. But for people watching the evolution of GMO regulation and acceptance, it was time to bring out the popcorn.
GMO critics contend that patenting genetically engineered seeds is akin to patenting life an argument never used against organic non-GMO conventional farmers who have used patented seeds for decades. Some argue that seed patents go against the essence of an agriculture system built by farmers throughout the centuries. Today’s new seeds would not be possible … Read more
Reproductive tech startup Orchid is now offering whole genome sequencing for embryos, giving prospective parents and their doctors information that could lead to healthier and more successful pregnancies — but not everyone is convinced it’s worth the cost. … Orchid sequences the embryo’s genome, then screens it for variants linked to more than 1,200 monogenic … Read more
Beekeepers lose between 30% and 40% of their colonies annually, mostly to parasites and pathogens. Losses during one bad year in Indiana reached 60%.
