Transfer of genes from genetically-modified Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to naturally-occurring ones were seen in Brazil where transgenic mosquitoes were released from June 2013 to September 2015. Contrary to claims made, genes from genetically-modified Aedes aegypti mosquito were found to have been transferred to naturally-occurring A. aegypti mosquito population in three areas in Brazil where transgenic mosquitoes … Continue reading Transgenic mosquitoes transfer genes to native mosquito species
GM technology
It will look at Genetically Modified (GM) technology with respect to safety, approval and environmental impact
India begins caged trials of GM mosquitoes to control dengue, chikungunya
Outdoor caged trials to demonstrate the efficiency of genetically modified mosquitoes to suppress wild female Aedes aegypti mosquito populations that causes dengue, chinkungunya and Zika were launched on January 23 in Dawalwadi, Badnapur in Maharashtra's Jalna district. Based on the results of the caged trials, which use the Release of Insects carrying Dominant Lethal genes … Continue reading India begins caged trials of GM mosquitoes to control dengue, chikungunya
Nanotechnology: ‘None said ‘there are risks, so let’s stop it’
Published in The Hindu on January 13, 2011 Genuine fear of genetically modified (GM) crops arising from relatively less studied science combined with the fear of the unknown and lack of transparency of the companies dealing with GM crops made most governments and their citizens in Europe and other countries oppose the technology. Fearing that … Continue reading Nanotechnology: ‘None said ‘there are risks, so let’s stop it’
The great continental divide on scientific issues
Published in The Hindu on September 23, 2010 Is the evolution theory equipped to explain the variety of species found on earth? Even as more and more evidence strengthens and finds the links that have led to the species that we find today and in the past, about 35 per cent of the Japanese and … Continue reading The great continental divide on scientific issues
We won’t look at a paper for five years if there is any problem: Bruce Alberts
Professor Bruce Alberts is a biochemist par excellence. He has served in different capacities on a number of prestigious advisory and editorial boards. He has served as the President of the National Academy of Sciences for two terms from 1993 to 2005. He has been the Editor-in-Chief of the prestigious journal Science since December 2007. … Continue reading We won’t look at a paper for five years if there is any problem: Bruce Alberts
Editorial: Ensuring transparency
Published in The Hindu on September 13, 2008 The campaign for public access to all biosafety data carried on by environmentalists and others has received a boost. In respect of genetically modified crops undergoing field trials, the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) has recently posted the data on Bt brinjal on its website, setting a … Continue reading Editorial: Ensuring transparency
Sheep death: no test for Bt toxin done
Published in The Hindu on August 7, 2008 “The facility for detection and estimation of Bt toxin is presently not available with us,” notes the diagnostic report dated March 3, 2008 of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar, U.P. And by stating its inability to test for Bt toxin, the institute has confirmed the … Continue reading Sheep death: no test for Bt toxin done
Editorial: Precaution is the key
Published in The Hindu on July 15, 2008 Unlike traditional breeding techniques, whereby hybrids are produced by transferring genes within varieties belonging to the same species, genetically modified crops involve transfer of genes across species. Thus in the case of Bt cotton, a gene of a soil bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), is inserted into cotton varieties … Continue reading Editorial: Precaution is the key
GM field trials: leaving no room for assessment
Published in The Hindu on July 3, 2008 The data on heat stability studies carried out on Bt protein in brinjal serve to highlight the serious lapses in the way the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) examines the biosafety data of genetically modified plants, leading to overlooking of key facts. Heat stability study is conducted … Continue reading GM field trials: leaving no room for assessment
GEAC: The truth behind sheep death revealed
Published in The Hindu on June 26, 2008 The Supreme Court nominee to the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), Dr. P.M. Bhargava, has called the bluff of the committee. It had attributed the sheep death in Andhra Pradesh two years ago to nothing connected to the sheep grazing on Bt cotton leaves. The GEAC had … Continue reading GEAC: The truth behind sheep death revealed
Science Chronicle 