Exploring the GMO narrative through labeling: strategies, products, and politics

Ryan, Camille D.; Henggeler, Elizabeth; Gilbert, Samantha; Schaul, Andrew J.; Swarthout, John T.

doi:10.1080/21645698.2024.2318027

Cited by 3 publications

References 38 publications

(55 reference statements)

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New Approaches to Herbicide and Bioherbicide Discovery

Duke,

Twitty,

Baker

et al. 2024

Weed Sci

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During the past 30 yr an impasse has developed in the discovery and commercialization of synthetic herbicides with new molecular targets and novel chemistries. Similarly, there has been little success with bioherbicides, both microbial and chemical. These bioherbicides are needed to combat fast-growing herbicide resistance and to fulfill the need for more environmentally and toxicologically safe herbicides. In response to this substantial and growing opportunity, numerous start-up companies are utilizing novel approaches to provide new tools for weed management. These diverse new tools broaden the scope of discovery, encompassing advanced computational, bioinformatic, and imaging platforms; plant genome–editing and targeted protein degradation technologies; and machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI)-based strategies. This review contains summaries of the presentations of 10 such companies that took part in a symposium held at the WSSA annual meeting in 2024. Four of the companies are developing microbial bioherbicides or natural product–based herbicides, and the other six are using advanced technologies, such as AI, to accelerate the discovery of herbicides with novel molecular target sites or to develop non-GMO, herbicide-resistant crops.

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New Approaches to Herbicide and Bioherbicide Discovery

Duke,

Twitty,

Baker

et al. 2024

Weed Sci

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Sustainable Cultivation of Ascomycete Fungi on Wheat Bran for Hydrolytic Enzyme Production

Pilz,

Castellan,

Conti

et al. 2024

Environmental and Climate Technologies

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To increase its product sustainability portfolio the detergent and personal care industry seeks bio-based alternatives to chemical performance additives in their products. Currently, enzymatic systems for these applications are mainly obtained from genetically modified organisms (GMO). However, these GMO products cannot be included in eco-certified household care formulations. Hence, this study evaluates alternative non-GMO enzymes systems that could be sustainable performance additives. Seven strain variants of Ceratocystis paradoxa and one strain of Aspergillus niger van Tieghem were cultivated in different liquid media with 3 % glucose (0.3 L cultivation volume, 120 rpm, 28 °C, pH 5.5, 336 hours). Specifically, the enzymatic activities were assessed initially qualitatively via 24 chromogenically labeled sugar polymer-substrates targeting various cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic activities. Quantitative assessment via spectrophotometric based on the same set of chromogenic substrates, was limited to cellulose, xylan, mannan, starch, galactan, rhamnogalacturonan and casein substrates. Using these assays, the C. paradoxa strains showed dominant cellulase, xylanase, amylase and galactanase activities, while the A. niger strain showed amylase and protease activities among other minor hydrolytic enzyme activities. To evaluate the efficiency of the respective hydrolase enzyme systems were concentrated and applied in the hydrolysis of wheat bran. Wheat bran a cereal milling by-product, which is available at low cost in high quantities, provides an ecologically and economically relevant carbon source for fungal cultivation. Hence, the ability of the new enzyme systems to liberate fermentable sugars was identified as a measure of efficiency. The best performing enzyme systems were identified in terms of total sugar released.

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Perspective Chapter: GMO Foods and Our Health

Walker-Smith

2024

Genetics

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GMO foods come from genetically modified plants that were genetically edited to create healthier and more environmentally tolerant plants that increase nutritional value, resist pesticides, and repel insects. The increase in herbicide uses and the alteration of plant DNA expression has opened the door for harmful toxins expressed in the plant’s genetic make-up. These transgenes produce protein-based toxins, such as in corn, which mimic other plant-based toxins that are harmful to humans when consumed. The domino effect of herbicide resistance is that the use of glyphosate (Roundup) increased for commercial purposes because of the resistance to the herbicide. Toxic levels of glyphosate have been found to lead to health problems, including having been identified as a carcinogen-causing agent. The effects of a two-fold alteration of foods genetically and chemically could very well be the Trojan horse of the twenty-first century. Elevated levels of toxins in the food chain may be the link to the declining health status worldwide with higher rates of cancer, diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, and neurologic conditions. So, how did GMO foods end up being a detriment instead of a benefit?

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Exploring the GMO narrative through labeling: strategies, products, and politics

Cited by 3 publications

References 38 publications

New Approaches to Herbicide and Bioherbicide Discovery

New Approaches to Herbicide and Bioherbicide Discovery

Sustainable Cultivation of Ascomycete Fungi on Wheat Bran for Hydrolytic Enzyme Production

Perspective Chapter: GMO Foods and Our Health

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