Topic: Genetic Engineering

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The Circle Bastiat
Why we're paying more for corn

Thanks to government subsidies supporting a specific type of corn farm, land value is increasing, and prices are going up. The same is true of other federally supported crops.
How genetically engineered caterpillars spin silk stronger than steel

A research team has genetically altered silkworms to spin spider silk proteins, resulting in a fiber that is stronger than steel that can also be mass produced.
Glowing dog created by Korean scientists

Glowing dog: Scientists in Korea say they have created a glowing dog and that the glow can be turned on and off.
Letters to the Editor – Weekly Issue of February 14, 2011

Readers write in about the book "O: A Presidential Novel" with a defense for O's elitism, the perils of genetically modified food, and the need to rethink gun control.
Control over your food: Why Monsanto's GM seeds are undemocratic

Large biotech agribusinesses like Monsanto control much of the global seed market with genetically modified (GM) crops. This centralization of GM seeds threatens food safety, food security, biodiversity, and democratic ideals.
Spike in world food prices: It's more than bad weather

A global index for food prices, as measured by the UN, reached a record high last month. This on the heels of a food crisis in 2007-08. The weather isn't the only culprit -- or solution.
Panda cow with rare markings born on farm in northern Colo.

Panda cow: The so-called "panda cow" born in Larimer County is thought to be one of only about 24 in the world.
Keep a close eye on synthetic biology

A presidential commission lays out a reasonable path forward in exploring the potential of synthetic biology, a possible boon to energy, environmental cleanup, and medicine. But its report should also spark an ongoing debate.
Poinsettias that glow in the dark? Genetic engineers at work

Researchers at BioGlow have successfully transferred the genes that allow marine bacteria to glow into tobacco plants. Next: glow in the dark roses or poinsettias?
Food safety bill 101: What are the facts and myths?

The Food Safety Modernization Act has riled everyone from liberal 'locavores' to conservative tea party groups. Here's a rundown of what's really in the Senate bill.
Did scientists breed mice that 'smell' light?

A group of scientists genetically altered mice to allow them to 'smell' light in a study designed to a mouse brain's response to outside stimuli.
Photos of the Day: Photos of the Day 10/29
Letters to the Editor - Weekly Issue of October 18, 2010

Readers write in about free speech, genetically modified crops and overpopulation, legalizing marijuana in California.
Signs of a biotech backlash?

Genetically modified seeds are still popular, but farmers question the high costs and the rise of herbicide-resistant weeds.
Africa Monitor
How genetically modified seeds can help - and hurt - Africa's farmers

Proponents say genetically modified seeds arm Africa's family farms in the war against pests, droughts, and depleting soil. Critics cite concerns about biodiversity and health.
Frankenfish -- genetically modified salmon -- take food and ecology to a new level

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) appears close to approving the 'frankenfish' salmon. That raises all sorts of questions.
Frankenfish - modified salmon - considered for approval in US

Frankenfish: Critics are concerned about the safety of the food to humans and the salmon's effect on the environment.
Photos of the Day: Photos of the Day 08/04
Africa Monitor
No more 'GMO' chicken from South Africa, says Zimbabwe. Now to see if there is such a thing.

Zimbabwe has banned genetically modified chicken from South Africa amid complaints that producers there are flooding the Zimbabwe market. But South African producers say there's no such thing as GMO chicken.
Green Economics
Economic evolution and climate change

Climate change will nudge us to adopt more efficient means to allocate increasingly scarce natural resources.
Artificial life could offer clues about how life began

Last Thursday, the J. Craig Venter genomics research institute announced that it has created the first organism with a manmade genome, offering a potential breakthrough in our understanding how complex life first emerged.
J. Craig Venter Institute creates first synthetic life form

A team of scientists at the J. Craig Venter Institute announced that they have successfully created a living organism with a completely synthetic genome.
Scientists create 'synthetic life,' fuel debate over bioethics

Scientists have created an artificial genome and inserted it into a bacteria cell, creating the first synthetic life. The goal of the project is to design microbes for energy or health applications.
Geoengineering schemes: pros and cons

Some pros and cons of geoengineering schemes that might be considered when addressing global warming.
How science could spark a second Green Revolution

To fight poverty and overpopulation, crops need coaxing. Advances in deep-root food plants may trigger a new Green Revolution.