Search

This article discusses the synergy between sports benefits and plant biotechnology. Vytrus Biotech has developed a product called Baolift ™, which transfers the benefits of physical exercise to the facial skin, strengthening and rejuvenating it. Three essential exerkines are identified as important for skin rejuvenation: mitochondria-derived peptides (MDPs), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and extracellular ATP (eATP). Baolift ™ increases the production of these exerkines and procollagen I in skin cells. Vytrus proposes a new mechanism of action in which muscle activation influences the condition of the skin. Baolift ™ improves the skin condition and has positive effects on wrinkles, moisture supply, radiance, firmness, and elasticity of the skin. [Extracted from the article]

This year's molecular spectroscopy award recipient, Markita Landry, is an outstanding young researcher in spectroscopy, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. Landry works at the intersection of single-molecule biophysics and nanomaterial-polymer science and has developed new tools for understanding biological systems. Using a combination of nanoparticles, imaging, and spectroscopy, her work has led to the discovery of aspects of neuromodulation in the brain, and for the delivery of genetic materials into plants for crop biotechnology applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La última década se ha caracterizado por el incremento de la producción agrícola mundial, debido al creciente desarrollo científico-tecnológico y el uso de fertilizantes inorgánicos aplicados por fertirrigación. El nitrógeno es el elemento mineral más importante en la nutrición de las plantas, y es el fertilizante más empleado por los agricultores, debiendo a éste hasta el 75% de los aumentos de rendimiento en muchos cultivos. Sin embargo, el empleo de estos fertilizantes resulta oneroso para el agricultor, dado que se trata de un insumo cuya síntesis requiere de un gasto elevado de energía, aumentando su costo de producción, y el costo ambiental al generar contaminación de suelos y aguas. En este escenario, las biotecnologías convencionales que hacen uso del método científico, son una alternativa hoy. El redescubrimiento y mejoramiento de métodos tradicionales de cómo utilizar a los microorganismos de vida libre y los simbióticos en la incorporación de nitrógeno atmosférico en el suelo, pueden ayudar a mitigar los altos costos de los fertilizantes nitrogenados. El empleo de ésta biotecnología, es una alternativa que se está promoviendo en el mundo, considerando que la fabricación de fertilizantes nitrogenados, depende de la disponibilidad de petróleo comofuente energética para su fijación como fertilizante. Dada la escasa información sobre la fijación biológica de nitrógeno por el helecho acuático Azolla filiculoides Lam., y cómo los factores ambientales afectan su crecimiento en condiciones de cultivo artificial, es que se realizó este estudio en las condiciones climáticas de la ciudad de Arequipa. Los resultados hallados y comparados con otras regiones del mundo, demuestran que su cultivo constituye una alternativa biotecnológica promisoria, para su utilización como biofertilizante. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers a look at the initiatives of biotechnology companies to create chemicals in plants. It highlights the efforts of Jeremy Johnson and R. Michael Raab, who founded Agrivida, to develop specialized crops that manufacture their own enzymes that can be easily converted for ethanol production. Other companies working to engineer chemicals inside crops include Sygenta, Ceres and Mendel Biotechnology. The efforts of Metabolix to turn crops into chemical engineers are also described.

Reveals that genomics, the automation of gene sequencing and analysis, is raising the stakes in plant biotechnology research. Companies that have such research technology; Comments from industry officials; Examples of genetic engineering research and projects.

Focuses on the implications for pesticides demand as more crops come onto the market with built-in pest resistance and pesticide tolerance. Companies that have made major investments in plant biotech; Pace of growth in transgenic crops; Premiums being charged for genetically engineered seeds of major field crops in the United States. INSET: Europe spells relief L-A-B-E-L-I-N-G by Alex Scott.

Focuses on plant biotechnology. Availability of biotech crops including insect-resistant cotton, corn and potatoes; Reshaping of the agchem market by transgenic crops; Companies' optimism of the promise of plant biotechnology; Genetically engineered products as the key to the future of agricultural business; Competitive advantages and disadvantages of genetically-engineered biotech products. INSET: EPA speeds through agbiotech approvals..

The article discusses research on genetically modified (GM) crops and drought tolerance for modern plant biotechnology as of May 2011. According to Dirk Inze, scientific director from the Flanders Institute of Biotechnology (VIB), biotechnology, crop protection and conventional breeding offer potential in Africa. Factors that limited crop productivity, especially drought, are being investigated by researchers. Crop Design has undertaken a biotechnology research for increased crop productivity.

Focuses on the achievement of the first agricultural biotechnology field trial by scientists at Monsanto Agricultural Co.'s facility in Illinois. Members of the first biotechnology team in 1979; Introduction of genetically engineered crops by the scientists; Awards received by the team.

The article focuses on the recent announcement made by Delta and Pine Land Co. (D & PL) and Syngenta AG that D & PL has acquired licenses from Syngenta to deliver novel biotechnology products to cotton growers worldwide. This agreement with Syngenta represents a substantial move forward to provide increased value to farmers and to bring to farmers technology from an additional source. In return for the licenses, D & PL will pay Syngenta approximately $47 million in installments. Upon commercialization of products containing Syngenta traits, D & PL will receive 70 percent of the net licensing revenues related to the insect resistant traits covered by the agreements.

The article reports on the decision to European Union (EU) environment ministers to lift the hindrance on the use of the genetically modified (GM) crop. Topics discussed include the elimination of the requirement to have an EU-wide agreement before GM crops can be grown, individual member states to have the authority to decide on GM crop use, England's support for agricultural biotechnology and a ban on the use of technology by farmers in Scotland and Wales.

The article informs that BASF Plant Science is expanding its plant biotechnology business to enhance agricultural yield.

The article presents the results of a reader poll on whether readers would consider using genetically modified (GM) crops in the future.

The article reveals that the key to sustainable and cost-efficient agriculture is higher crop yield through plant biotechnology and crop protection, according to BASF.

Information on the Sunbelt Expo Field Day held in Moultrie, Georgia on July 8, 2008 is presented. It states that the event displays 100 crop varieties including peanuts and cottons. In addition, participant who attended the trade show have received updates of everything from rethinking peanut seeding rates to refining the window for treating stinking bugs in cotton. Meanwhile, the exposition was sponsored by the University of Florida, University of Georgia and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The article reports on the plan of Bristol-Myers Squibb to create a research and development laboratory in Bangalore, India with its research partner Syngene. The first plant biotechnology lab outside of the U.S. of DuPont will be established in Hyderabad. Discovery and work in medicinal chemistry, biology, drug metabolism and drug development will be conducted in the Bangalore lab. Crop genetics research will be conducted at the Hyderabad facility.

The article reports on the decision of a federal judge on the issuance of permits by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Honolulu, Hawaii. According to the rule, the USDA acted illegally when it allowed four seed companies to grow crops that are genetically modified to produce vaccines, hormones, and other drugs without considering the impact on endangered species and environment.

The article reports that pests and diseases can inflict serious crop damage and substantial economic losses. One should use Bayer CropScience AG peanut products for high-quality pest and disease control. Bayer CropScience is a key global provider of crop solutions, products and services. It has a strong and experienced sales force to provide the right solutions for production challenges. With its comprehensive product portfolio of insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, non-agricultural applications, plant biotechnology and conventional seeds, the company is well positioned to address the varying requirements of the market place.

Discusses a report from nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest that suggests a rise in the number of application to the U.S. government for field trials of crops that have been bioengineered to produce drugs and industrial chemicals. Corn modification to produce pig vaccine; Food safety or environment risk posed by the biopharmed crops; Opposition from the National Food Processors Association.

Reports on the plan of biotechnology firm Monsato to defer its plan to commercialize its genetically engineered grain. Reaction of the agricultural biotechnology opponents and proponents to the decision; Plan of the company to divert funds to projects that aim to develop crop traits; Total amount allotted to transgenic wheat development.

Reports on the rapid worldwide growth of the Biotech crops. Rapid embracing of the new technology by the farmers since the herbicide revolution of the 1970s; Biotech crops as a non-issue with the general public despite the fuss over 'Frankenfoods" in a few countries,; Description of the growth of biotech crop acreage worldwide in 2003; Rapid adoption of biotech crops by farmers because of significant agronomic, economic, environmental, and social advantages.

Features the Triggrr and the Organic Triggrr plant growth stimulators from Westbridge Agricultural Products which can be used for fruits and vegetables. Difference of Triggrr from biological products according to Larry Parker, director of research and development at Westbridge; Ingredients of Triggrr; Similarities between Trigrr and Organic Trigrr.

Reports on the possibility that commercial planting of genetically modified (GM) corn could begin in Great Britain in spring 2004. Advice given by the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment regarding the safety of planting GM crops; Possible implications of the approval; Concerns raised by the government over biotechnology.

Announces that researchers at Wisconsin University in Canada have transferred a gene from wild potatoes conferring resistance to potato blight into commercial varieties. Views of Derek Hollomon of Bristol University on genetically modified technology.

Reports that farm growers across Great Britain fear the results and media coverage of the farm-scale evaluation of genetically modified herbicide tolerant (GMHT) crops as of October 2003. Importance of GM technology for the competitiveness of British growers; Need for the use of the technology to push through; Response of the public to the use of GMHT crops.

Cites the stand of Indra Vasil, a University of Florida researcher, on the regulatory requirements for plant biotechnology. Impact of biotech plants on human health; Need to repeal the regulatory requirements; Approach to biotechonology process.

Focuses on the efforts of an alliance of Welsh organizations to call for the designation of national parks and local authority land as genetically modified (GM)-free zones as of August 29, 2003. Claims that a number of authorities have passed resolutions which oppose the growing of GM crops; Expected benefits from the move; Role of Article 19 of the European Union Deliberate Release Directive in enabling local authorities to declare themselves GM-free.

Reports on a high incidence of mutated European corn borers in organic crops in Spain. Speculation that the source of the corn borers are genetically-modified (GM) crops; Damages caused by the pest; Claims of yield improvements with BT maize, a GM crop.

Relates the freedom of farmers to use genetically-modified crops without worrying of restrictions under guidelines on co-existence issued by the European Union on July 25, 2003. Information on some of the on-farm measures included in the guidelines; Statement issued by Mauro Albrizio of the European Environmental Bureau about the guidelines; Consequence if authorities attempt to use the guidelines to ban genetically-modified organisms.

Provides information on a report made by the GM Science Review panel which highlighted the uncertainty over genetically-modified crops. Concerns raised on the issue of superweeds and gene transfer; Findings on the risk of the crops to human health; Significant effect of such crops.

Reports on the conclusion of a British governmental investigation into the benefits and costs of allowing commercial production of genetically modified crops, as of July 2003. Impact of the technology on the farming industry; Various reactions to the issue.

Reports on findings of a survey conducted by BioInformatics LLC of challenges faced by researchers in the field of plant biotechnology. Benefits of advances in genomic technology to plant researchers; Technological and product solutions needed to support plant research; Need for plant-specific kits and reagents.

Reports on the plan of the U.S. to launch a legal challenge in the World Trade Organization against the European Union (EU) moratorium on the approval of new genetically modified crops. Statement issued by U.S. trade representative Robert Zoellick; Basis of the EU moratorium.

Reveals the maximum amount that plant biotechnology firm ProdiGene Inc. has agreed to pay to reimburse the U.S. government for the costs of dealing with an experimental genetically modified corn that contaminated corn intended for food use. Incident that underscores the need for biotechnology firms to shift pharmaceuticals production to non-edible crops; Plan of the Biotechnology Industry Organization that was criticized by Senator Tom Harkin, a Democrat from Iowa.

Provides information on the joint guidelines issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Agriculture for the use of bioengineered plants in drug development in September 2002. Requirement for plants to be used; Agency that has the responsibility for broader environmental impact.

Deals with the focus of BASF toward biocatalytic syntheses, and its popularity in the chemical industry. Benefits posed by the process to the industry; Initiatives launched by chemical companies involving the process; Information on the plant biotechnology project of BASF.

Reports on the move of Monsanto company to settle several lawsuits regarding plant biotechnology patents. Move of Monsanto subsidiary DeKalb to settle a lawsuit against Dow AgroSciences company about the Bacillus thuringiensis insect-resistance corn technology patented by DeKalb; Agreement of Monsanto and DuPont company to settle several lawsuits about the YieldGard insect resistant corn trait technology of Monsanto.

Provides information on a preliminary risk assessment released by the United States Environmental Protection Agency regarding safety of crops modified with the insect-resistant Bacillus thuringiensis gene. Information on an April 2000 study by the National Academy of Sciences in Washington; Findings of the agency's assessment.

Reports on the plan of BASF to grow its plant biotechnology business with research and development (R&D) investment. Comments from board member Eggert Voscherau of BASF; Importance of BASF's positions in crop protection and human and animal to innovative products; Focus of BASF's R&D.

Reports that the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has upheld Pioneer Hi-Bred's right to patent the genetically modified seeds and plants it develops. Details on the court ruling; Reaction of other biotechnology companies to the decision.

Focuses on biotech producer Monsanto's rejection of a proposal to commercialize technologies that render second-generation seeds sterile. Threat to farmers' centuries-old practice of collecting seeds from year to year for replanting; Monsanto's pending acquisition of cottonseed producer Delta & Pine Land.

Presents news briefs on the chemical industry in March 1999. Plans of the Spanish government to introduce legislation that requires plant biotechnology firms to contribute to an insurance fund; Rosetta Inpharmatics' agreement to license its gene activity profiling system to Zeneca; Information on the lawsuit filed by Connecticut officials against Uniroyal Chemical.

Reports on separate research alliances announced by Novartis and Pioneer Hi-Bred that tap plant biotech newcomers for their gene discovery and protein optimization expertise. Details on the deal.

Reports on the three separate lawsuits filed by corn seed company Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. in an Iowa federal district court alleging that competitors had stolen its proprietary corn germplasm. Affiliation of the defendants with Monsanto; Details of the accusations of Pioneer; Reactions of the defendants to the allegations; Other lawsuits the company filed in 1992.

Reports that BASF outlined its plant biotechnology strategy and committed a percentage of its life science capital spending to plant biotechnology investment. Remarks of BASF on its plan; Goal of BASF; Expectation of BASF on the European regulatory process for biotechnology products.

Reports on the Mycogen Corp.'s patent for the development of plants that are resistant to insects.

Focuses on the low-budget approach of Rhone-Poulenc (RP) Inc. in its plant biotechnology in the United states. Comment from Alain Godard, plant chairman of RP; Details on the plant innovation; Operation of the company.

Reports on the joint venture of BASF AG with Metanomics and SunGene in its entrance into plant biotechnology. Percentage of stake owned by BASF for each joint venture; Responsibilities of Metanomics and SunGene on the plant biotechnology at BASF; Other investment plans of BASF.

Announces the plan of Dow AgroSciences LLC subsidiary Mycogen Corp. and Rhone-Poulec Agro Co. to enhance their plant biotechnology capabilities. Benefits of the deal to Dow; Market performance of Rhone-Poulec Agro.