Search Results (30)

Ensuring sustainable food systems is an urgent global priority as populations grow and environmental pressures mount. Technological innovations such as genetic engineering (GE) and nanotechnology (nano) have been promoted as promising pathways for achieving greater sustainability in agriculture and food production. Yet, the sustainability of these technologies is not defined by technical performance alone; it hinges on how they are perceived by key stakeholders and how well they align with broader societal values. This study addresses the critical question of how expert stakeholders evaluate the sustainability of GE and nano-based food and agriculture (agrifood) products. Using a multi-method online platform, we engaged 42 experts across academia, government, industry, and NGOs in the United States to assess six real-world case studies—three using GE and three using nano—across ten different dimensions of sustainability. We show that nano-based products were consistently rated more favorably than their GE counterparts in terms of environmental, economic, and social sustainability, as well as across ethical and societal dimensions. Like prior studies, our results reveal that stakeholders see meaningful distinctions between nanotechnology and biotechnology, likely due to underlying value-based concerns about animal welfare, perceived naturalness, or corporate control of agrifood systems. The fruit coating and flu vaccine—both nano-enabled—received the most positive ratings, while GE mustard greens and salmon were the most polarizing. These results underscore the importance of incorporating stakeholder perspectives in technology assessment and innovation governance. These results also suggest that responsible innovation efforts in agrifood systems should prioritize communication, addressing meaningful societal needs, and the contextual understanding of societal values to build trust and legitimacy. Full article

Reducing the flow rate (q) of the emitter can increase the dripline laying length and reduce the engineering investment of the drip irrigation system; however, reducing q increases the risk of emitter clogging. In this study, based on the OPFN method (Optimal Latin Hypercube Experimental Design–Parametric Modeling of Emitter–Fluid Dynamics Simulation–NSGA-II Genetic Algorithm Optimization), we selected the structural parameters of channel tooth height (E), angle (A), pitch of teeth (B), and flow channel depth (D) to construct 128 emitters. Through simulation, we obtained q, the flow index (x), and the structural resistance coefficient (Cs) under the pressure (H) ranging from 0.02 to 0.15 MPa. The results showed that the rated flow rate (q_0.1) and x values of 128 emitters range from 0.50 to 0.85 L/h and 0.461 to 0.480, respectively. Since Cs is negatively correlated with x, to obtain the combination of the flow channel structural parameters with the optimal hydraulic performance (x = min f(E, A, B, D)) and the optimal anti-clogging performance (Cs = min g(E, A, B, D)), the flow channel structural parameters are optimized by using the NSGA-II genetic algorithm to obtain the Pareto frontier solution. The optimal combinations of channel structural parameters corresponding to the q_0.1 values of 0.62, 0.71, and 0.82 L/h with x of 0.470, 0.466, and 0.463 are obtained using the weighting method. Cs values are 0.131, 0.446, and 0.619, respectively. The limit laying length of the configured emitter is 150–180 m. According to the flow field cloud diagram before and after optimization, it can be found that increasing the high-velocity area and high-turbulent-kinetic-energy area in the main stream and decreasing the low-velocity area and low-turbulent-kinetic-energy area in the tooth base and downstream face can help reduce x and Cs, and thus improve the hydraulic performance and anti-clogging performance of the small flow rate emitter. Full article

Advances in genome editing technology have made it possible to create genome-edited (GE) animals, which are useful for identifying isolated genes and producing models of human diseases within a short period of time. The production of GE animals mainly relies on the gene manipulation of pre-implantation embryos, such as fertilized eggs and two-cell embryos, which can usually be achieved by the microinjection of nucleic acids, electroporation in the presence of nucleic acids, or infection with viral vectors, such as adeno-associated viruses. In contrast, GE animals can theoretically be generated by fertilizing ovulated oocytes with GE sperm. However, there are only a few reports showing the successful production of GE animals using GE sperm. Artificial insemination (AI) is an assisted reproduction technology based on the introduction of isolated sperm into the female reproductive tract, such as the uterine horn or oviductal lumen, for the in vivo fertilization of ovulated oocytes. This approach is simpler than the in vitro fertilization-based production of offspring, as the latter always requires an egg transfer to recipient females, which is labor-intensive and time-consuming. In this review, we summarize the various methods for AI reported so far, the history of sperm-mediated gene transfer, a technology to produce genetically engineered animals through in vivo fertilization with sperm carrying exogenous DNA, and finally describe the possibility of AI-mediated creation of GE animals using GE sperm. Full article

Media visual sculpture is a landscape element with high carbon emissions. To reduce carbon emission in the process of creating and displaying visual art and structures (visual communication), geo-polymer concrete (GePC) is considered by designers. It has emerged as an environmentally friendly substitute for traditional concrete, boasting reduced carbon emissions and improved longevity. This research delves into the prediction of the compressive strength of GePC (CSGePC) employing various soft computing techniques, namely SVR, ANNs, ANFISs, and hybrid methodologies combining Genetic Algorithm (GA) or Firefly Algorithm (FFA) with ANFISs. The investigation utilizes empirical datasets encompassing variations in concrete constituents and compressive strength. Evaluative metrics including RMSE, MAE, R², VAF, NS, WI, and SI are employed to assess predictive accuracy. The results illustrate the remarkable precision of all soft computing approaches in predicting CSGePC, with hybrid models demonstrating superior performance. Particularly, the FFA-ANFISs model achieves a MAE of 0.8114, NS of 0.9858, RMSE of 1.0322, VAF of 98.7778%, WI of 0.9236, R² of 0.994, and SI of 0.0358. Additionally, the GA-ANFISs model records a MAE of 1.4143, NS of 0.9671, RMSE of 1.5693, VAF of 96.8278%, WI of 0.8207, R² of 0.987, and SI of 0.0532. These findings underscore the effectiveness of soft computing techniques in predicting CSGePC, with hybrid models showing particularly promising results. The practical application of the model is demonstrated through its reliable prediction of CSGePC, which is crucial for optimizing material properties in sustainable construction. Additionally, the model’s performance was compared with the existing literature, showing significant improvements in predictive accuracy and robustness. These findings contribute to the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly construction materials, offering valuable insights for real-world engineering applications. Full article

Viruses are silent enemies that intrude and take control of the plant cell’s machinery for their own multiplication. Infection by viruses and the resulting damage is still a major challenge in the agriculture sector. Plants have the capability to fight back, but the ability of viruses to mutate at a fast rate helps them to evade the host’s response. Therefore, classical approaches for introgressing resistance genes by breeding have obtained limited success in counteracting the virus menace. Genetic modification (GM)-based strategies have been successful in engineering artificial resistance in plants. Several different approaches based on pathogen-derived resistance, antisense constructs, hairpin RNAs, double-stranded RNA, etc., have been used to enhance plants’ resistance to viruses. Recently, genome editing (GE) strategies mainly involving the CRISPR/Cas-mediated modifications are being used for virus control. In this review, we discuss the developments and advancements in GM- and GE-based methods for tackling viral infection in plants. Full article

Rehmannia glutinosa, a member of the Scrophulariaceae family, has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine since ancient times. The main bioactive component of R. glutinosa is catalpol. However, the biogenesis of catalpol, especially its downstream pathway, remains unclear. To identify candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of catalpol, transcriptomes were constructed from R. glutinosa using the young leaves of three cultivars, Beijing No. 3, Huaifeng, and Jin No. 9, as well as the tuberous roots and adventitious roots of the Jin No. 9 cultivar. As a result, 71,142 unigenes with functional annotations were generated. A comparative analysis of the R. glutinosa transcriptomes identified over 200 unigenes of 13 enzymes potentially involved in the downstream steps of catalpol formation, including 9 genes encoding UGTs, 13 for aldehyde dehydrogenases, 70 for oxidoreductases, 44 for CYP450s, 22 for dehydratases, 30 for decarboxylases, 19 for hydroxylases, and 10 for epoxidases. Moreover, two novel genes encoding geraniol synthase (RgGES), which is the first committed enzyme in catalpol production, were cloned from R. glutinosa. The purified recombinant proteins of RgGESs effectively converted GPP to geraniol. This study is the first to discover putative genes coding the tailoring enzymes mentioned above in catalpol biosynthesis, and functionally characterize the enzyme-coding gene in this pathway in R. glutinosa. The results enrich genetic resources for engineering the biosynthetic pathway of catalpol and iridoids. Full article

With the increasing challenges of climate change caused by global warming, the effective reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂) becomes an urgent environmental issue for the sustainable development of human society. Previous reports indicated increased biomass in genetically engineered (GE) Arabidopsis and rice overexpressing the 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) gene, suggesting the possibility of consuming more carbon by GE plants. However, whether overexpressing the EPSPS gene in GE plants consumes more CO₂ remains a question. To address this question, we measured expression of the EPSPS gene, intercellular CO₂ concentration, photosynthetic ratios, and gene expression (RNA-seq and RT-qPCR) in GE (overexpression) and non-GE (normal expression) Arabidopsis and rice plants. Results showed substantially increased EPSPS expression accompanied with CO₂ consumption in the GE Arabidopsis and rice plants. Furthermore, overexpressing the EPSPS gene affected carbon-fixation related biological pathways. We also confirmed significant upregulation of four key carbon-fixation associated genes, in addition to increased photosynthetic ratios, in all GE plants. Our finding of significantly enhanced carbon fixation in GE plants overexpressing the EPSPS transgene provides a novel strategy to reduce global CO₂ for carbon neutrality by genetic engineering of plant species, in addition to increased plant production by enhanced photosynthesis. Full article

Gene or genome editing, often known as GE, is a technique utilized to modify, eliminate, or substitute a mutated gene at the DNA level. It serves as a valuable tool in the field of genetic manipulation. Gene therapy (GT) is a therapeutic approach that aims to correct mutations by delivering a functional gene copy into the body. In contrast, the mutated gene remains in the genome. It is considered a form of medical intervention. No approval has been granted for any product manufactured by GE, in contrast to the approval of 22 medications produced by GT. These GT products are priced at millions of US dollars each dose. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently implemented a guideline about gene editing, which aims to facilitate the expedited creation of genetically engineered (GE) goods. However, the FDA must provide further elucidation and necessary revisions to enhance the rationality of this guideline. Full article

The adoption of genetically engineered (GE) crops has led to economic and environmental benefits. However, there are regulatory and environmental concerns regarding the potential movement of transgenes beyond cultivation. These concerns are greater for GE crops with high outcrossing frequencies to sexually compatible wild relatives and those grown in their native region. Newer GE crops may also confer traits that enhance fitness, and introgression of these traits could negatively impact natural populations. Transgene flow could be lessened or prevented altogether through the addition of a bioconfinement system during transgenic plant production. Several bioconfinement approaches have been designed and tested and a few show promise for transgene flow prevention. However, no system has been widely adopted despite nearly three decades of GE crop cultivation. Nonetheless, it may be necessary to implement a bioconfinement system in new GE crops or in those where the potential of transgene flow is high. Here, we survey such systems that focus on male and seed sterility, transgene excision, delayed flowering, as well as the potential of CRISPR/Cas9 to reduce or eliminate transgene flow. We discuss system utility and efficacy, as well as necessary features for commercial adoption. Full article

Advances in genome engineering (GE) tools based on sequence-specific programmable nucleases have revolutionized precise genome editing in plants. However, only the traditional approaches are used to deliver these GE reagents, which mostly rely on Agrobacterium-mediated transformation or particle bombardment. These techniques have been successfully used for the past decades for the genetic engineering of plants with some limitations relating to lengthy time-taking protocols and transgenes integration-related regulatory concerns. Nevertheless, in the era of climate change, we require certain faster protocols for developing climate-smart resilient crops through GE to deal with global food security. Therefore, some alternative approaches are needed to robustly deliver the GE reagents. In this case, the plant viral vectors could be an excellent option for the delivery of GE reagents because they are efficient, effective, and precise. Additionally, these are autonomously replicating and considered as natural specialists for transient delivery. In the present review, we have discussed the potential use of these plant viral vectors for the efficient delivery of GE reagents. We have further described the different plant viral vectors, such as DNA and RNA viruses, which have been used as efficient gene targeting systems in model plants, and in other important crops including potato, tomato, wheat, and rice. The achievements gained so far in the use of viral vectors as a carrier for GE reagent delivery are depicted along with the benefits and limitations of each viral vector. Moreover, recent advances have been explored in employing viral vectors for GE and adapting this technology for future research. Full article

Similar to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) produced by classical genetic engineering, gene-edited (GE) organisms and their derived food/feed products commercialized on the European Union market fall within the scope of European Union Directive 2001/18/EC. Consequently, their control in the food/feed chain by GMO enforcement laboratories is required by the competent authorities to guarantee food/feed safety and traceability (2003/1829/EC; 2003/1830/EC). However, their detection is potentially challenging at both the analytical and interpretation levels since this requires methodological approaches that can target and detect a specific single nucleotide variation (SNV) introduced into a GE organism. In this study, we propose a targeted high-throughput sequencing approach, including (i) a prior PCR-based enrichment step to amplify regions of interest, (ii) a sequencing step, and (iii) a data analysis methodology to identify SNVs of interest. To investigate if the performance of this targeted high-throughput sequencing approach is compatible with the performance criteria used in the GMO detection field, several samples containing different percentages of a GE rice line carrying a single adenosine insertion in OsMADS26 were prepared and analyzed. The SNV of interest in samples containing the GE rice line could successfully be detected, both at high and low percentages. No impact related to food processing or to the presence of other crop species was observed. The present proof-of-concept study has allowed us to deliver the first experimental-based evidence indicating that the proposed targeted high-throughput sequencing approach may constitute, in the future, a specific and sensitive tool to support the safety and traceability of the food/feed chain regarding GE plants carrying SNVs. Full article

The complete netting of orchards is one strategy to protect fruit trees from pest and pathogen damage by reducing insect movement. When the cultivated trees were derived from genetic engineering (GE), reduced pollinator movement may also reduce outcrossing to cultivated or wild non-GE trees. We report on a field study over four years in a plot of apple tress supplied with insect side nets and covered with hail nets that were closed from shortly before flowering to harvest. A reduced number of arthropods in general, and large bees in particular, were recorded inside the netted plot compared with outside. However, wild bees colonized the plot before the net was closed and built up populations inside. An additional experiment demonstrated that small bees were able to cross the hail net. While the nets were effective in excluding large bees as active pollen vectors, the proportion of small bees acting as such remained unquantified. Furthermore, a companion study showed occasional cross-pollination events through the netting. For the field release of GE apple trees, acceptable levels of outcrossing thus need to be defined. Full article

Mitigating the function of acquired transgenes in crop wild/weedy relatives can provide an ideal strategy to reduce the possible undesired environmental impacts of pollen-mediated transgene flow from genetically engineered (GE) crops. To explore a transgene mitigation system in rice, we edited the seed-shattering genes, SH4 and qSH1, using a weedy rice line (“C9”) that originally had strong seed shattering. We also analyzed seed size-related traits, the total genomic transcriptomic data, and RT-qPCR expression of the SH4 or qSH1 gene-edited and SH4/qSH1 gene-edited weedy rice lines. Substantially reduced seed shattering was observed in all gene-edited weedy rice lines. The single gene-edited weedy rice lines, either the SH4 or qSH1 gene, did not show a consistent reduction in their seed size-related traits. In addition, reduced seed shattering was closely linked with the weakness and absence of abscission layers and reduced abscisic acid (ABA). Additionally, the genes closely associated with ABA biosynthesis and signaling transduction, as well as cell-wall hydrolysis, were downregulated in all gene-edited weedy rice lines. These findings facilitate our deep insights into the underlying mechanisms of reduced seed shattering in plants in the rice genus Oryza. In addition, such a mitigating technology also has practical applications for reducing the potential adverse environmental impacts caused by transgene flow and for managing the infestation of weedy rice by acquiring the mitigator from GE rice cultivars through natural gene flow. Full article

Bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) is a comprehensive disease in cattle caused by various viral and bacterial infections. Among them, bovine herpesvirus type I (BoHV−1) and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) play important roles and have caused huge financial losses for the cattle industry worldwide. At present, vaccines against BRDC include trivalent attenuated BoHV−1, BVDV−1, and BVDV−2 live vaccines, BoHV−1 live attenuated vaccines, and BoHV−1/BVDV bivalent live attenuated vaccines, which have limitations in terms of their safety and efficacy. To solve these problems, we optimized the codon of the BVDV−1 E2 gene, added the signal peptide sequence of the BoHV−1 gD gene, expressed double BVDV−1 E2 glycoproteins in tandem at the BoHV−1 gE gene site, and constructed a BoHV−1 genetics-engineered vectored vaccine with gE gene deletion, named BoHV−1 gE/E2−Linker−E2⁺ and BoHV−1 ΔgE. This study compared the protective effects in BoHV−1, BoHV−1 ΔgE, BoHV−1 gE/E2−Linker−E2⁺, and BVDV−1 inactivated antigen immunized guinea pigs and calves. The results showed that BoHV−1 gE/E2−Linker−E2⁺ could successfully induce guinea pigs and calves to produce specific neutralizing antibodies against BVDV−1. In addition, after BoHV−1 and BVDV−1 challenges, BoHV−1 gE/E2−Linker−E2⁺ can produce a specific neutralizing antibody response against BoHV−1 and BVDV−1 infections. Calves immunized with this type of virus can be distinguished as either vaccinated animals (gE^-) or naturally infected animals (gE⁺). In summary, our data suggest that BoHV−1 gE/E2−Linker−E2⁺ and BoHV−1 ΔgE have great potential to prevent BVDV−1 or BoHV−1 infection. Full article