Keywords: Genetically modified organisms
Making sex deadly for insects could control pests that carry disease and harm crops
Tags: Genetically modified organisms, Mosquitoes, Population suppression, Risk and safetyBill Sullivan, The Conversation, 2025.
Insects do a lot more harm than ruining picnics. Some insects spread devastating diseases, while others cause staggering economic losses in agriculture. To control some of these pests, scientists are developing males that make sex a deadly event. The stakes are high. Mosquitoes ...
Should We Unleash GMO Mosquitoes?
Tags: Ethics, Genetically modified organisms, MosquitoesBrooke Borel and Anna Rothschild, Entanglements, 2024.
In this episode of Entanglements, hosts Brooke Borel and Anna Rothschild discuss the ethics and risks of genetically modified (GMO) mosquitoes. They explore differing expert opinions, focusing on technologies like gene drives and sterile males, examining ecological and safety ...
Most advanced gene drive projects
Tags: Gene drive, Genetically modified organismsGene Drive Monitor, 2024.
This infographic shows the species in which a gene drive has actually been built and is at least partially functional, up to 1 March 2024. Note that gene drives have been proposed in many more species, as shown our taxonomic list of targets here. Along with gene drives it ...
Wolbachia-based emerging strategies for control of vector-transmitted disease
Tags: Arbovirus, Ecology, Genetically modified organisms, Risk and safety, Vector control, WolbachiaDiego Montenegro, Gerardo Cortés-Cortés, María Guadalupe Balbuena-Alonso, et al., Acta Tropica, 260. 2024.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-transmitted disease of great public health importance. Dengue lacks adequate vaccine protection and insecticide-based methods of mosquito control are proving increasingly ineffective. Here we review the emerging use of mosquitoes transinfected with the ...
Loss-of-function in testis-specific serine/threonine protein kinase triggers male infertility in an invasive moth
Tags: CRISPR, Genetically modified organisms, Moths, Pest management, Population suppression, Sterile insect technique (SIT)Wei, Z., Wang, Y., Zheng, K. et al., Communications Biology, 7. 2024.
Genetic biocontrol technologies present promising and eco-friendly strategies for the management of pest and insect-transmitted diseases. Although considerable advancements achieve in gene drive applications targeting mosquitoes, endeavors to combat agricultural pests have been ...
Opinion: A cautionary tale of experimenting with genetically modified mosquitoes in Uganda
Tags: Africa, Gene drive, Genetically modified organisms, MosquitoesBarbara Ntambirweki, The Independent, 2024.
The Uganda Virus Research Institute is pressing forward with gene drive technology which provides a way to rapidly, permanently, and genetically modify wild animals or plants. Gene drive organisms, are a genetically modified organism (GMO) designed to spread a genetic ...
Next-generation genetic sexing strain establishment in the agricultural pest Ceratitis capitata
Tags: Fruit fly, Genetically modified organisms, Sterile insect technique (SIT)S. Davydova, J. Liu, N. Kandul, P., W. E. Braswell, O. Akbari, S. and A. Meccariello, bioRxiv, 2023.09.29.560088. 2023.
Tephritid fruit fly pests pose an increasing threat to the agricultural industry due to their global dispersion and a highly invasive nature. Here we showcase the feasibility of an early-detection SEPARATOR sex sorting approach through using the non-model Tephritid pest, ...
Transgenic approaches in medical entomology: 2022 highlights
Tags: Genetic biocontrol, Genetically modified organismsM. L. Simões, Journal of Medical Entomology, tjad105. 2023.
Transgenesis has emerged as a powerful tool to control arthropod vectors and the diseases they transmit. Here, we highlight the latest developments on transgenic approaches in ticks, Anopheles and Aedes mosquitoes, based on recent findings and significant papers from 2022. We ...
Baker: New tools can change mosquitoes’ DNA, but should it be done?
Tags: Anopheles, Dengue, Gene drive, Genetically modified mosquitoes, Genetically modified organisms, MalariaK. Baker, Fremont News Messenger, 2023.
Suppose Sauron — or perhaps Gandalf — were to offer you a magical golden ring with the power to rid the world of mosquitoes once and for all. And with their demise, to save countless human lives from the many diseases for which mosquitoes are the sole or primary vectors: ...
Scientists are Gene-Editing Flies to Fight Crop Damage
Tags: Agriculture, Fruit fly, Gene drive, Gene drive synthetic, Genetically modified organisms, Sterile insect technique (SIT)E. Mullin, WIRED, 2023.
In greenhouses in Oregon last month, researchers with the US Department of Agriculture began testing one such approach: sterilized male flies. The gene-edited bugs, made by St. Louis–based biotech company Agragene, are meant to suppress wild fly populations. The idea is that if ...
Explained | The problem with India’s new guidelines on genetically modified insects
Tags: Asia, Genetically modified organisms, Policy, RegulationS. Naik, The Hindu, 2023.
India’s bioeconomy contributes 2.6% to the GDP. In April 2023, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) released its ‘Bioeconomy Report 2022’ report, envisioning this contribution to be closer to 5% by 2030. This ambitious leap – of $220 billion in eight years – will ...
CRISPR-based gene editing of non-homologous end joining factors biases DNA repair pathway choice toward single-strand annealing in Aedes aegypti
Tags: Aedes, Gene drive, Gene drive synthetic, Genetic biocontrol, Genetically modified organisms, Incompatible insect technique, Replicator/site directed nuclease, Sterile insect technique (SIT)K. Chae, J. M. Overcash, C. Dawson, C. Valentin, H. Tsujimoto, K. M. Myles and Z. N. Adelman, Current Research in Biotechnology, 5:100133. 2023.
To maintain genome stability, eukaryotic cells orchestrate DNA repair pathways to process DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) that result from diverse developmental or environmental stimuli. Bias in the selection of DSB repair pathways, either non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) or ...
Render pests harmless – through genetic engineering CRISPR
Tags: Genetic biocontrol, Genetically modified organismsAnonymous, Breaking Latest News, 2023.
Whether ants or wild bees: It is undisputed that insects are indispensable for functioning ecosystems and thus for the survival of mankind. In agriculture, however, certain species can become a nuisance. Even insecticides do not always help and also harm the environment. ...
Editorial: Genetic control of insect pest species—achievements, challenges, and perspectives
Tags: Gene drive, Genetic biocontrol, Genetically modified organisms, Incompatible insect technique, Sterile insect technique (SIT)I. Häcker, D. Bartsch, A. Choo and F. Marec, Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 11. 2023.
Genetic control is a type ofbiological control and a promising approach to regulate insect pest populations in a species-specific manner. It is based on targeting the reproductive capacity of the target pest species to reduce population size to non-critical levels. The best known ...
White-Eyed Fruit Flies: How Improvements in Gene Editing Could Aid in Pest Managemen
Tags: Genetic biocontrol, Genetically modified organisms, Sterile insect technique (SIT)C. Bernhardt, Entomology Today, 2023.
The SIT involves scientists raising the target fruit fly species in the lab, sterilizing the flies by exposing them to a certain amount of radiation while they are still pupae, and releasing large amounts of the newly sterile flies into nature. When the released, sterile flies ...
Evaluating the mating competency of genetically modified male mosquitoes in laboratory conditions
Tags: Aedes, Genetically modified organisms, Mosquito husbandryB. Contreras, Z. N. Adelman and K. Chae, Frontiers in Tropical Diseases, 4. 2023.
Efforts to eradicate mosquito-borne diseases have increased the demand for genetic control strategies, many of which involve the release of genetically modified (GM) mosquito males into natural populations. The first hurdle for GM males is to compete with their wild-type ...
Experts urge caution over biotech that can wipe out insect pests
Tags: Gene drive, Gene drive synthetic, Genetically modified organisms, Governance, Policy, Risk and safetyL. Fauvel, Phys Org, 2022.
Dozens of scientists, experts and campaigners called for a ban on the release of genetically-edited organisms into the wild, in a statement Friday warning of potentially severe risks to the world's pollinators. The appeal was launched at crunch biodiversity talks in Montreal, ...
Zombie Deer and the Scientists Behind the War on the ‘Man Eater’
Tags: Genetic biocontrol, Genetically modified organisms, Sterile insect technique (SIT)S. Jones, NC STATE CALS News, 2022.
In the remote jungles of the Panama-Colombia border, sterile flesh-eating flies fall from the sky in the thousands. Released from retired military planes, they embark on a suicide mission for their species, with the sole purpose of duping their female counterparts into mating ...
Toward product-based regulation of crops
Tags: Agriculture, Gene editing, Genetically modified organisms, Policy, RegulationF. Gould, R. M. Amasino, D. Brossard, C. R. Buell, R. A. Dixon, J. B. Falck-Zepeda, M. A. Gallo, K. E. Giller, L. L. Glenna, T. Griffin, D. Magraw, C. Mallory-Smith, K. V. Pixley, E. P. Ransom, D. M. Stelly and C. N. Stewart, Science, 377:1051-1053. 2022.
Current process-based approaches to regulation are no longer fit for purpose Much effort has been expended globally over the past four decades to craft and update country-specific and multinational safety regulations that can be applied to crops developed by genetic engineering ...
Researchers propose new framework for regulating engineered crops
Tags: Agriculture, Genetically modified organisms, Policy, RegulationNorth Carolina State University, Phys Org, 2022.
A Policy Forum article published today in Science calls for a new approach to regulating genetically engineered (GE) crops, arguing that current approaches for triggering safety testing vary dramatically among countries and generally lack scientific merit—particularly as ...
Genetically Modified Mosquitoes to Fight Malaria in Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mali and Uganda: What Legal Response?
Tags: Africa, Gene drive synthetic, Genetically modified mosquitoes, Genetically modified organisms, Governance, Policy, RegulationO. J. L. Tung, Potchefstroom Electronic Law Journal, 25:1-42. 2022.
Advanced applied research on genetically modified (hereafter GM) insects is being undertaken to control insect vectors of human diseases such as mosquitoes. GM insect technologies are being developed in countries where there is a legal ...
Gene Editing and Genetic Control of Hemipteran Pests: Progress, Challenges and Perspectives
Tags: CRISPR, Gene editing, Genetic biocontrol, Genetically modified organismsI. D. Pacheco, L. L. Walling and P. W. Atkinson, Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 10. 2022.
The origin of the order Hemiptera can be traced to the late Permian Period more than 230 MYA, well before the origin of flowering plants 100 MY later in during the Cretaceous period. Hemipteran species consume their liquid diets using a sucking proboscis; for phytophagous ...
Evaluation of Additional Drosophila suzukii Male-Only Strains Generated Through Remobilization of an FL19 Transgene
Tags: Fruit fly, Genetically modified organisms, Sterile insect technique (SIT)A. Yamamoto, A. K. Yadav and M. J. Scott, Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 10. 2022.
Drosophila suzukii (D. suzukii) (Matsumura, 1931; Diptera: Drosophilidae), also known as spotted wing Drosophila, is a worldwide pest of fruits with soft skins such as blueberries and cherries. Originally from Asia, D. suzukii is now present in the Americas and Europe and has ...
Newer Genetic Tools, Techniques, Vectors, Promoters, and Molecular Markers for Genetic Engineering of Herbivorous Insects
Tags: Genetic biocontrol, Genetically modified organismsD. D. Rani, S. Subhash, H. R. Gopalkrishna and A. K. Chakravarthy, Genetic Methods and Tools for Managing Crop Pests, 2022.
Insects can transmit major infectious diseases to crop plants. Recent advances in insect genomics and transformation technology provide new strategies for the control of insect-borne pathogen transmission and insect pest management. One such strategy is the genetic modification ...
Procedurally Robust Risk Assessment Framework for Novel Genetically Engineered Organisms and Gene Drives
Tags: Gene drive synthetic, Gene editing, Genetically modified organisms, Governance, Policy, Risk assessmentKuzma, J., Regulation and Governance, 15:1144-1165. 2021.
In this article, a new framework for improving risk assessments of novel genetically engineered organisms (GEOs) is developed and applied. The Procedurally Robust Risk Assessment Framework (PRRAF) provides a set of principles and criteria for assessing and enhancing risk ...
Calling the latest gene technologies ‘natural’ is a semantic distraction — they must still be regulated
Tags: Ethics, Genetically modified organisms, Governance, Policy, Regulation, Risk and safetyJ. A. Heinemann, D. J. Paull, S. Walker and B. Kurenbach, The Conversation, 2021.
Legislators around the world are being asked to reconsider how to regulate the latest developments in gene technology, genome editing and gene silencing. Both the European Court of Justice and the New Zealand High Court have ruled that genome editing techniques should remain ...
Cas9-Mediated Gene-Editing in the Black-Legged Tick, Ixodes Scapularis, by Embryo Injection and ReMOT Control.
Tags: CRISPR, Gene editing, Genetically modified organisms, Other arthropodsA. a. P. Sharma, Michael N. and Reyes, Jeremiah B. and Chana, Randeep and Yim, Won C. and Heu, Chan C. and Kim, Donghun and Chaverra-Rodriguez, Duverney and Rasgon, Jason L. and Harrell, Robert A. and Nuss, Andrew B. and Gulia-Nuss, Monika,, Cell Reports, 2021.
Despite their capacity to acquire and pass on an array of debilitating pathogens, research on ticks has lagged behind other arthropod vectors, such as mosquitoes, largely because of a lack of genetic and molecular tools. CRISPR-Cas9 is transforming non-model organism research; ...
‘Nigeria has capacity for safe application of modern biotechnology’
Tags: Africa, Gene drive synthetic, Genetic biocontrol, Genetically modified organisms, Policy, Regulation, Risk and safetyM. Adewale, The Guardian, 2021.
Director-general of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr. Rufus Ebegba, has declared that Nigeria has the capacity to deploy safe biotechnology products for agricultural development and environmental safety. Ebegba, who gave the assurance at the opening of a ...
Next gen insect control
Tags: Genetic biocontrol, Genetically modified organisms, Mosquitoes, Moths, North America, Oxitec, South/Central America, Sterile insect technique (SIT)E. Unglesbee, Progressive Farmer, 2021.
Dubbed "self-limiting" insects by their makers, a UK-based biotechnology company called Oxitec, these insects are genetically modified (GM) with an inserted gene that permits only male offspring to survive. Once released into a pest community, the GM insects gradually lower the ...
Differentiated impacts of human interventions on nature: Scaling the conversation on regulation of gene technologies
Tags: Ethics, Genetically modified organisms, Governance, Policy, Regulation, Risk and safetyJ. A. Heinemann, D. J. Paull, S. Walker and B. Kurenbach, Elementa: Science of the Anthropocene, 9. 2021.
Biotechnology describes a range of human activities in medicine, agriculture, and environmental management. One biotechnology in particular, gene technology, continues to evolve both in capacity and potential to benefit and harm society. The purpose of this article is to offer a ...
Proceedings of an expert workshop on community agreement for gene drive research in Africa – Co-organised by KEMRI, PAMCA and Target Malaria [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]
Tags: Gene drive synthetic, Genetically modified mosquitoes, Genetically modified organisms, Malaria, Stakeholder engagement, Target malariaD. Thizy, L. Pare Toe, C. Mbogo, D. Matoke-Muhia, V. P. Alibu, S. K. Barnhill-Dilling, T. Chantler, G. Chongwe, J. Delborne, L. Kapiriri, E. Nassonko Kavuma, S. Koloi-Keaikitse, A. Kormos, K. Littler, D. Lwetoijera, R. Vargas de Moraes, N. Mumba, L. Muten, Gates Open Research, 2021.
Target Malaria, the Kenya Medical Research Institute and the Pan African Mosquito Control Association co-organised a workshop with researchers and practitioners on this topic to question the model proposed by Target Malaria in its research so far that involved the release of ...
Into the Wild: GMOs head for the forest
Tags: Genetically modified organisms, ResistanceL. Sharratt, Sentinel, 2021.
Genetic engineering is set to leave the farm for the forest. After over twenty years of growing genetically engineered (GE or genetically modified) crop plants in North America, researchers are now proposing to plant GE trees in the forests of eastern US and Canada. This is a ...
Combining refuges with transgenic insect releases for the management of an insect pest with non-recessive resistance to Bt crops in agricultural landscapes
Tags: Agriculture, Genetic biocontrol, Genetically modified organismsT. R. Brewer and M. B. Bonsall, Journal of Theoretical Biology, 509:11. 2021.
Reinforcing the high-dose/refuge strategy with releases of transgenic insects has been suggested as a method for simultaneously managing agricultural pest populations and resistance to transgenic crops. Theoretical and empirical studies have shown that these approaches can work ...
‘Clever Approach’: Scientists Create GM-Free Organisms Using Genetic Engineering
Tags: Aedes, Gene drive synthetic, Genetic biocontrol, Genetic incompatibilities, Genetically modified organisms, OxitecA. Paleja, The WIRE, 2021.
Farther to the north, researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a novel way to resolve this problem. They used genetic engineering to create organisms for release that are not genetically modified. Maciej Maselko was a postdoctoral associate at the university ...
A patent review on strategies for biological control of mosquito vector
Tags: Biological control, Gene drive, Gene editing, Genetic biocontrol, Genetically modified mosquitoes, Genetically modified organisms, Incompatible insect technique, Mosquitoes, Sterile insect technique (SIT)K. Parihar, M. Telang and A. Ovhal, World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 36:23. 2020.
This paper presents a comprehensive technology overview of patent documents disclosing biological agents for mosquito control. The patent analysis revealed that comparable number of patent documents were filed in two technology categories: non-recombinant agents and genetically ...
GMOs: Implications for Biodiversity Conservation and Ecological Processes
Tags: Biodiversity/Conservation, Ecology, Gene drive synthetic, Genetically modified organisms, Policy, Regulation, Risk and safetyChaurasia, Anurag , Hawksworth, David L., Pessoa de Miranda, Manoela., GMOs: Implications for Biodiversity Conservation and Ecological Processes, 2020.
This book covers a broad spectrum of topics related to GMOs and allied new gene-based technologies, biodiversity, and ecosystem processes, bringing together the contributions of researchers and regulators from around the world. The aim is to offer a clear view of the benefits and ...
Genetic engineering of sex chromosomes for batch cultivation of non-transgenic, sex-sorted males
Tags: Genetic biocontrol, Genetically modified organisms, Sterile insect technique (SIT)S. R. Das, M. Maselko, A. Upadhyay and M. J. Smanski, PloS Genetics, 16:11. 2020.
The field performance of Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is improved by sex-sorting and releasing only sterile males. This can be accomplished by resource-intensive separation of males from females by morphology. Alternatively, sex-ratio biasing genetic constructs can be used to ...
WHO Releases a Position Statement on Genetically Modified Mosquitoes for the Control of Vector-Borne Diseases
Tags: Gene drive synthetic, Genetic biocontrol, Genetically modified organisms, Malaria, Policy, RegulationE. R. Fletcher, Health Policy Watch, 2020.
WHO announced their support for the continued investigation into genetically modified mosquitoes as an alternative to existing interventions to reduce or prevent vector-borne diseases.
Embracing Dynamic Models for Gene Drive Management
Tags: Gene drive synthetic, Genetically modified organisms, Population genetics/dynamics, Regulation, Risk assessmentA. J. Golnar, E. Ruell, A. L. Lloyd and K. M. Pepin, Trends in Biotechnology, 2020.
We describe how quantitative tools can reduce risk uncertainty, streamline empirical research, guide risk management, and promote cross-sector collaboration throughout the process of gene drive technology development and implementation.
Responsible innovation in biotechnology: Stakeholder attitudes and implications for research policy
Tags: Genetically modified organisms, Governance, Policy, Regulation, Risk and safety, Stakeholder engagementP. Roberts, J. Herkert and J. Kuzma, Elementa, 2020.
Using a mixed methods approach, we analyzed the attitudes of different biotechnology stakeholders, particularly those working in areas related to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture and the environment, towards the principles and practices of RI. Homogenous focus ...
Do Africans need genetically modified mosquitoes?
Tags: Gene drive synthetic, Genetically modified organisms, Malaria, Oxitec, Stakeholder engagement, Sterile insect technique (SIT)genetically modified, mosquito, oxitec, autocidal, SIT, perspective, malaria, gene drive synthetic, engagement,, Mail and Guardian, 2020.
The following is an updated version of an article I wrote for the University of Michigan Risk Science Centre a while ago:
Socrates Untenured: Ethics, Experts, and the Public in the Synthetic Age
Tags: Ethics, Gene drive synthetic, Gene editing, Genetically modified organisms, Synthetic biologyC. Preston, ISSUES in Science and Technology, 2020.
C. Preston (2020). Three tools have transformed biotechnology over the past decade and a half. Gene reading has made it possible to quickly sequence the genome of any living creature. Gene synthesis has made it possible to construct DNA sequences in the lab from constituent ...
CSOs raise alarm over genetically-engineered mosquitoes in Nigeria
Tags: Africa, Gene drive synthetic, Genetically modified mosquitoes, Genetically modified organisms, Policy, Regulation, Risk and safetyA. Oboh, Vanguard, 2020.
No fewer than 75 civil society organisations, CSOs, across the world have raised the alarm over moves to release genetically-modified mosquitoes in Nigeria, noting that the country was about to be used as a guinea pig for the project, which will endanger humans, biodiversity and ...
Groups warn against release of genetically-engineered mosquitoes in Nigeria
Tags: Africa, Gene drive synthetic, Genetically modified mosquitoes, Genetically modified organisms, Policy, Regulation, Risk and safetyC. Onyesi, Daily Post, 2020.
C. Onyesi (2020). Daily Post. Over 75 Civil Society Organizations from Nigeria, Africa and the world have condemned moves to open the way for the release of genetically modified mosquitoes in Nigeria.
Malaria: Over 75 CSOs raise alarm over plans to release nautically engineered mosquitoes
Tags: Africa, Gene drive synthetic, Genetically modified mosquitoes, Genetically modified organisms, Policy, Regulation, Risk and safetyNews Agency of Nigeria, WorldStage, 2020.
Mre than 75 Environmental Civil Society Organisations from Nigeria, Africa and other countries have condemned moves to open way for release of genetically modified mosquitoes to control malaria infection. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that at a virtual meeting of ...
GMO Mosquitoes to be launched in Florida
Tags: Aedes, Genetic biocontrol, Genetically modified mosquitoes, Genetically modified organisms, North America, Oxitec, Sterile insect technique (SIT)Administration, Editorials 360, 2020.
In June 2020, the Florida Division of Agriculture and Shopper Providers gave the go-ahead to a plan to launch thousands and thousands of genetically engineered mosquitoes within the Florida Keys this summer time to battle mosquito-borne diseases.1 The plan follows the EPA’s ...
Nigerian government restates commitment to safety in applying modern biotechnology
Tags: Africa, Gene drive synthetic, Genetically modified organisms, Policy, RegulationAgencies, today ng, 2020.
The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has reiterated its commitment to ensure the safety of the public while applying modern biotechnology to boost food security and economic development of citizens. Dr Rufus Ebegba, Director-General, NBMA, gave the assurance at a ...
Detecting the population dynamics of an autosomal sex ratio distorter transgene in malaria vector mosquitoes
Tags: Anopheles, Dengue, Gene drive synthetic, Genetically modified organisms, Malaria, Replicator/site directed nuclease, WolbachiaP. Pollegioni, A. R. North, T. Persampieri, A. Bucci, R. L. Minuz, D. A. Groneberg, T. Nolan, P. A. Papathanos, A. Crisanti and R. Muller, Journal of Applied Ecology, 11. 2020.
A sex-distorting autosomal transgene has been developed recently in G3 mosquitoes, a laboratory strain of the malaria vectorAnopheles gambiaes.l. Following the World Health Organization guidance framework for the testing of GM mosquitoes, we assessed the dynamics of this ...
Beyond limits – the pitfalls of global gene drives for environmental risk assessment in the European Union
Tags: Europe, Gene drive synthetic, Genetically modified organisms, Regulation, Risk and safety, Risk assessmentM. Dolezel, C. Lüthi and H. Gaugitsch, BioRisk, 15:1-29. 2020.
We evaluate the novel features of GDOs and outline the resulting challenges for the environmental risk assessment.
Report of the ad hoc technical expert group on risk assessment
Tags: Fish, Gene drive synthetic, Genetically modified organisms, Policy, Regulation, Risk and safety, Risk assessmentAd Hoc Technical Expert Group on Risk Assessment, Convention on Biological Diversity, 2020.
The Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol further decided to extend the Online Forum on Risk Assessment and Risk Management to assist the AHTEG and invited submissions of information relevant to the work of the online forum and ...
The value of existing regulatory frameworks for the environmental risk assessment of agricultural pest control using gene drive
Tags: Biological control, Gene drive synthetic, Genetically modified organisms, Incompatible insect technique, Regulation, Risk assessment, Sterile insect technique (SIT)J. Romeis, J. Collatz, D. C. M. Glandorf and M. B. Bonsall, Environmental Science & Policy, 108:19-36. 2020.
The application of (synthetic) gene drives is a powerful tool to control populations of insects that are agricultural pests, vectors of diseases, or a threat to biodiversity potentially leading to the local or global eradication of a species. The potential use of gene drive ...
Genetic frontiers for conservation: An assessment of synthetic biology and biodiversity conservation
Tags: Biodiversity/Conservation, Genetic engineering, Genetically modified organisms, Policy, Regulation, Risk and safety, Risk assessment, Synthetic biologyK. H. Redford, T. Brooks, M., B. W. Nicholas and J. S. A. Macfarlane, International Union for Conservation of Nature, 2019.
This assessment is the beginning of a process that will lead to the development of an IUCN policy to guide the Union’s Director General, Commissions, and Members. The draft policy will be discussed in many fora before it is brought to vote at the World Conservation Congress in ...
Two unresolved issues in community engagement for field trials of genetically modified mosquitoes
Tags: Ethics, Field trials, Genetically modified mosquitoes, Genetically modified organisms, Stakeholder engagementD. B. Resnik, Pathogens and Global Health, 113:238-245. 2019.
There is an emerging consensus among scientists, ethicists, and public health officials that substantive and effective engagement with communities and the wider public is required prior to releasing genetically modified mosquitoes into the environment.
Guidance for IBCs: Regulatory requirements for contained research with GMOs containing engineered gene drives
Tags: Containment, Gene drive synthetic, Genetically modified organisms, Oceania, Policy, RegulationOffice of the Gene Technology Regulator, Australian Government, Department of Health, 2019.
This document provides guidance for Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs) and researchers on the regulatory requirements for organisms containing engineered ‘gene drives’, including the physical containment (PC) level of facilities for notifiable low risk dealings ...
Sex Sorting for Pest Control: It’s Raining Men!
Tags: Genetic biocontrol, Genetically modified organisms, Sterile insect technique (SIT)C. Lutrat, D. Giesbrecht, E. Marois, S. Whyard, T. Baldet and J. Bouyer, Trends in Parasitology, 35:649-662. 2019.
In the pursuit of better pest- and vector-control strategies, attention returns to an old proven technology, the sterile insect technique (SIT) and related insect population-suppression methods. A major obstacle for any of these approaches that involves the release of sterile ...
The EU regulatory framework on genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
Tags: Europe, Gene drive, Genetically modified organisms, Policy, Regulation, Risk and safety, Synthetic biologyBruetschy, C, Transgenic Research, 28:169-174. 2019.
The European Union (EU) legislation on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) aims to ensure a high level of protection for human, animal and environmental health and a well-functioning EU internal market. The framework regulates the release of GMOs into the environment and their ...
The Release of Genetically Engineered Mosquitoes in Burkina Faso: Bioeconomy of Science, Public Engagement and Trust in Medicine
Tags: Africa, Ethics, Genetically modified organisms, Malaria, Mosquitoes, Policy, Risk and safetyBeisel, UG, J. K., African Studies Review, 62:164-173. 2019.
Malaria, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, continues to be responsible for a significant number of disease episodes and childhood deaths on the African continent. A variety of mosquito control strategies are currently inplace, but since case numbers are rising again, and drug ...
Genetics-based methods for agricultural insect pest management
Tags: Agriculture, Genetic biocontrol, Genetically modified organisms, ModelingN. Alphey and M. B. Bonsall, Agricultural and Forest Entomology, 20:131-140. 2018.
Abstract The sterile insect technique is an area-wide pest control method that reduces agricultural pest populations by releasing mass-reared sterile insects, which then compete for mates with wild insects. Contemporary genetics-based technologies use insects that are homozygous ...
The ethical implications of population suppression and the irreversibility of gene drives
Tags: Ethics, Gene drive synthetic, Genetically modified organisms, Policy, Population suppression, Risk and safety, Stakeholder engagementJ. Kim, International Journal of Life Sciences Research, 2018.
This paper aims to examine the current situation by presenting important ethical arguments that include Chardin’s principle of irreversibility and Weiss’ beliefs on intergenerational equity, ideals upheld by the United Nations
Regulating animals with gene drive systems: lessons from the regulatory assessment of a genetically engineered mosquito
Tags: Ethics, Gene drive synthetic, Genetically modified organisms, Policy, Regulation, Risk assessmentZ. Meghani and J. Kuzma, Journal of Responsible Innovation, 5:S203-S222. 2018.
In this paper, we consider the question of whether the United States Food and Drug Administration is prepared to effectively regulate insects and other animals with gene drives. Given the profound impact that gene drives could have on species and ecosystems, their use is a ...
THE NATIONAL BIOSAFETY TECHNICAL COMMISSION (CTNBio) NORMATIVE RESOLUTION No. 16, OF JANUARY 15, 2018
Tags: Agriculture, Genetic engineering, Genetically modified organisms, Policy, Regulation, Risk and safetyCTNBio, National Biosafety Technical Commission of Brasil, 2018.
Sets forth the technical requirements for submitting an inquiry to the CTNBio concerning Precision Breeding Innovation Techniques. THE NATIONAL BIOSAFETY TECHNICAL COMMISSION (CTNBio), using its legal and regulatory powers and in observance of sections XV and XVI of article 14 of ...
Report of the ad hoc technical expert group on synthetic biology
Tags: Genetically modified organisms, Policy, Regulation, Risk and safety, Synthetic biologyAd Hoc Technical Working Group, Convention on Biological Diversity, 2017.
In decision XIII/17, the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity commended the work of the online forum and the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group on Synthetic Biology (AHTEG) and welcomed the conclusions and recommendations of the report of the AHTEG as a ...
SCIENTIFIC OPINION: In response to the referral of 12 October 2015 concerning use of genetically modified mosquitoes for vector control
Tags: Gene drive synthetic, Genetic biocontrol, Genetically modified organisms, Incompatible insect technique, Oxitec, Policy, Regulation, Risk and safety, WolbachiaHigh Council for Biotechnology, High Council for Biotechnology (France), 2017.
The Scientific Committee’s opinion describes emerging vector control techniques using GM mosquitoes, the current state of research into and development of these techniques and the outcomes of initial experiments worldwide. To date, only one technique has been developed to an ...
The End of the GMO? Genome Editing, Gene Drives and New Frontiers of Plant Technology
Tags: Agriculture, CRISPR, Ethics, Gene drive synthetic, Gene editing, Genetically modified organisms, PolicyK. L. Hefferon and R. J. Herring, Review of Agrarian Studies, 7. 2017.
mprovements to agriculture will constitute one of the world’s greatest challenges in the coming century. Political and social controversies, as well as complications of plant breeding, intellectual property, and regulation, have compromised the promised impact of genetically ...
Science and Technology Committee Genetically Modified Insects
Tags: Agriculture, Genetic biocontrol, Genetically modified organisms, Policy, Regulation, Risk and safetyUK Parliament, UK Parliament, 2015.
The UK is a world leader in the development of this technology. The European Union’s regulatory process, however, is likely to hold back progress. There is a moral duty to test the potential of the technology. We therefore support further research and call for action to test ...
Biosafety for human health and the environment in the context of the potential use of genetically modified mosquitoes (GMMs)
Tags: Genetically modified organisms, Policy, Regulation, Risk and safetyWHO/TDR, WHO/TDR Training Manual, 2015.
This Training manual: Biosafety for human health and the environment in the context of the potential use of genetically modified mosquitoes (GMMs) is based on biosafety training courses on GMMs undertaken in Africa, Asia and Latin America from 2008–2011. The courses were ...
Guidance on the environmental risk assessment of genetically modified animals
Tags: Birds, Fish, Genetically modified organisms, Other arthropods, Other mammals, Policy, Regulation, Risk and safety, Risk assessmentEuropean Food Safety Authority, European Food Safety Authority, 2013.
This document describes the six sequential steps for the ERA of GM animals, as indicated in Directive 2001/18/EC: (1) problem formulation including hazard and exposure identification; (2) hazard characterisation; (3) exposure characterisation; (4) risk characterisation; (5) risk ...
Progress and prospects for the use of genetically modified mosquitoes to inhibit disease transmission
Tags: Genetic biocontrol, Genetically modified mosquitoes, Genetically modified organisms, Policy, Regulation, Risk and safetyA. A. James, J. D. Mumford, S. L. James and Y. T. Touré, WHO/TDR, 2010.
The use of genetically modified mosquitoes (GMMs) for disease control has social, economic and ethical implications, so it is important that the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners provide guidance to countries on these issues. In collaboration with the Foundation ...
Directive 2009/41/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 May 2009 on the contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms (Recast) (1)
Tags: Containment, Europe, Genetically modified organismsEuropean Parliament,, Official Journal of the European Union L 125, 52:75. 2009.
Whereas: (1 )Council Directive 90/219/EEC of 23 April 1990 on the contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms (3) has been substantially amended several times (4). Since further amendments are to be made, it should be recast in the interests of clarity. (2) Under ...
RSPM No. 27 Guidelines for Importation and Confined Field Release of Transgenic Arthropods in NAPPO Member Countries
Tags: Field trials, Genetically modified organisms, Policy, Regulation, Risk assessmentNAPPPO, NAPPO Regional Standards for Phytosanitary Measures, 2007.
This Standard is designed to provide guidance to NAPPO member countries on the importation and confined field release of transgenic arthropods that are known plant pests or have the potential to affect plant health. This includes transgenic arthropods used for biological control ...
Malaria Control with Genetically Manipulated Insect Vectors
Tags: Gene drive synthetic, Gene editing, Genetic biocontrol, Genetically modified mosquitoes, Genetically modified organisms, Mosquitoes, Policy, Regulation, Risk and safety, Sterile insect technique (SIT)L. Alphey, C. B. Beard, P. Billingsley, M. Coetzee, A. Crisanti, C. Curtis, P. Eggleston, C. Godfray, J. Hemingway, M. Jacobs-Lorena, A. A. James, F. C. Kafatos, L. G. Mukwaya, M. Paton, J. R. Powell, W. Schneider, T. W. Scott, B. Sina, R. Sinden, S. Sink, Science, 298:119. 2002.
At a recent workshop, experts discussed the benefits, risks, and research priorities associated with using genetically manipulated insects in the control of vector-borne diseases.
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