A new publication in the journal Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology comprehensively reviews unintended genetic changes in plants caused by new genetic engineering techniques (new genomic techniques, NGTs). The study shows that the risks associated with NGT plants are frequently underestimated. According to data presented in the publication, the processes of NGT can cause unintended genetic changes that would not be expected to occur with conventional breeding. In addition, the associated effects, such as the production of new proteins, the insertion of genetic material from other species or the disruption of important gene functions, can differ significantly from conventional breeding outcomes. In contrast, a working group of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) and Leopoldina recently came to the conclusion that NGT plants would not pose any specific risks in comparison to conventionally bred plants. Furthermore, the EU Commission recently put forward a legislative proposal to exempt the majority of NGT plants from current from mandatory risk assessment. The authors of the recent publication disagree with such assumptions. Testbiotech

 

 

A new open-access study in rats shows that the melatonin hormone system is damaged by the glyphosate-based herbicide Roundup. Melatonin has neuroprotective effects, especially against oxidative stress, and decreased melatonin levels are suggested to be involved in the development of various neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Serum melatonin levels decreased and oxidative stress significantly increased in the brains of adult rats perinatally (before and after birth) exposed to Roundup. The authors conclude, "The results show that early-life GBH [glyphosate-based herbicide] exposure can cause persistent neuroendocrine deficits that may promote long-term oxidative brain damage." Antioxidants

 

 

Exposure to several widely used insecticides probably decreases sperm concentration and may have profound effects on male fertility, new US research finds. The George Mason University paper analysed five decades of peer-reviewed studies to determine if organophosphates and carbamate-based pesticides exposure correlated with decreased sperm concentration. Collectively, the studies researchers included looked at about 1,800 men, and showed what co-author Melissa Perry, dean of the George Mason College of Public Health, characterised as a “strong association”. “Based on this meta analysis, we believe insecticide exposure … is impacting overall sperm concentration,” she said. “The message is we need to reduce insecticide exposure in order to ensure men who are planning a family or want to conceive children are able to do that without interference.” The Guardian

 

 

Nearly 40% of conventional baby food products analysed in a new US study were found to contain toxic pesticides, while none of the organic products sampled in the survey contained the chemicals. The research, conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) non-profit, looked at 73 products and found at least one pesticide in 22 of them. Many products showed more than one pesticide, and the substances present a dangerous health threat to babies, researchers said. “Babies and young children are particularly vulnerable to the health risks posed by pesticides in food – and food is the way most children will be exposed to pesticides,” said Sydney Evans, a senior science analyst at EWG and co-author of the report. The Guardian

 

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