Biotech Updates

The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), Inc., in partnership with CropLife Asia, CropLife Malaysia, and National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia (NIBM), will host a webinar titled Global Impact of GM Crops and Opportunities for Malaysia's Agriculture and Trade via Zoom on November 17, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM (GMT+8). Zoom registration is now open to all interested participants.

Framing Biotech Benefits Matters When Introducing Gene-Edited Orange Juice to Consumers

A study from the University of Florida examined how information framing influences consumer willingness to pay for biotechnology-derived foods. Researchers assessed how consumers valued bioengineered orange juice compared with Non-GMO Project Verified alternatives. They found that explaining how gene editing and bioengineering could help protect citrus trees from citrus greening, a disease devastating Florida's groves, reduced consumers' reluctance to pay for biotech-derived juice. The findings highlight how connecting biotechnology to real-world agricultural challenges can shape consumer perceptions.

Scientists Successfully Produce Gene-Edited Lambs Using Prime Editing

Scientists from China Agricultural University reached a milestone in animal biotechnology by developing a method for editing sheep genes using prime editing and electroporation, a technique that uses electrical pulses to deliver gene-editing components into embryos. The researchers targeted two genes linked to high-value livestock traits: TBXT, which influences tail development, and FecB, which affects ovulation rate and litter size. These traits could have game-changing benefits for sheep production, as shorter tails eliminate the need for surgical tail docking and significantly improve animal welfare, while enhanced reproductive performance could boost farm yields.