CRISPR-based gene-editing tools are being developed to correct specific defective sections of the genome to cure inherited genetic diseases, with some applications already in clinical trials. However, there is a catch: under certain conditions, the repair can lead to large-scale deletions and rearrangements of DNA – as in the case of targeting the NCF1 gene in chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). This was reported by a team of researchers and physicians. Their findings have important implications not just for gene editing-based therapy, but also for CRISPR-mediated gene editing of animals and plants, where the same types of large-scale genetic damage could be triggered. Indeed, because such editing is carried out with much less caution in non-human organisms, the likelihood of such large-scale damage occurring is hugely increased. The study also shows that attempts to avoid these problems by using adaptations of CRISPR gene editing technologies, such as prime and base editing, may not succeed. GMWatch

 

 

The European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA's) GMO Panel has issued an opinion saying it doesn't see any safety concerns regarding the toxicity and allergenicity of soy leghemoglobin protein as expressed in the genetically engineered yeast strain K. phaffii. This GM soy leghemoglobin is the key ingredient in Impossible Foods' fake meat that gives the company's Impossible Burger a "bleeding" appearance. The GMO Panel's opinion is an important step in the potential EU approval of GM soy leghemoglobin, which would allow the Impossible Burger to go on sale containing this novel GM ingredient. The opinion follows a previous positive opinion from EFSA's Food Additives Panel. GMWatch will soon publish an analysis of the EFSA opinions. GMWatch comment on EFSA opinions

 

 

A new report from CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development) debunks some of the myths spread by agribusiness and reminds us that agroecology, small farmers and local markets are at the heart of sustainable and just food systems. The four myths that are demolished are:
* “Intensive industrial agriculture is always more efficient than the alternatives”
* “Agroecology can’t feed the world so there is no alternative to corporate agriculture”
* “Local farmers need global markets to escape poverty”
* “We need cheap food to feed poor people”. CAFOD

 

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