scholarly journals The Use of Non-Canonical Amino Acids as a Novel Biocontainment Strategy

Author(s):  
Jourdan Witt

Advancements in synthetic biology have led to the use of genetically modified organisms in research and industrial fields. Bacteria were one of the first organisms to be genetically engineered due to their fast growth and simple genetics, and have emerged as a major scientific and commercial interest. For instance, modified commensal bacteria can be used as an oral delivery vector of therapeutics, or as probiotics to target specific pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract. The impact of the release of pathogens used in research or vaccine development could be catastrophic to the environment and public health. In addition, there is growing concern about using genetically modified organisms in open systems, as there is a possibility for unintentional proliferation into natural environments. Therefore, is imperative that the environmental safety of genetically modified organisms are addressed, and that adequate biocontainment mechanisms are developed.

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 747-775
Author(s):  
Ivanka Pjesivac ◽  
Marlit A. Hayslett ◽  
Matthew T. Binford

This study examined the framing of genetically modified organisms in two American newspapers, The New York Times and the Washington Post (2000-2016) and tested the impact of risk and opportunity framing on attitudes and behaviors regarding genetically modified organisms. The content analysis ( N = 165) showed that the two newspapers did not have a dominant frame type in their coverage. A randomized three-condition experiment ( N = 182) showed that the type of framing significantly affected individuals’ attitudes and was able to change them. The type of framing affected individuals’ behavioral intentions through postexposure attitudes but was not able to significantly affect actual behavior.


2012 ◽  
Vol 235 (4) ◽  
pp. 597-610 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Meyer ◽  
M. Caprioara-Buda ◽  
B. Jeynov ◽  
P. Corbisier ◽  
S. Trapmann ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Olena KOVAL

The issues of accounting and information provision of management, state and social control over biological assets with genetically modified forms are considered. The method of constructing a separate account of the availability of genetically modified biological assets (GMBA) and operations on their transformations has been developed, ways of improving the quality of the P (S) "Biological Assets" and IAS 41 "Agriculture" have been identified, which lies in the rethinking of the role of agricultural activity for social and environmental and environmental factors of human development. The analysis of accounting standards has shown that in the content of P (S) "Biological Assets" and IAS 41 "Agriculture" there is no information on the procedure for the accounting and control of biological assets and agricultural products from GMOs. In connection with this, it is necessary to find an integrated approach to building a system of accounting for biological assets with genetically modified organisms, in view of increasing public requests for accounting information in the context of sustainable development. Since GMOs are the assets of all agricultural enterprises in the form of biological assets and agricultural products, for the "transparent" accounting of the enterprise it is necessary to reflect them as separate objects of accounting. Mandatory allocation of relevant analytical accounts leads to the introduction of additional articles on genetically modified biological assets in the accounting registers of accounting and statistical reporting. The accounting of biological assets with genetically modified organisms should ensure that accurate information is obtained about the quality and quantity of these assets, and the basis for their reliable assessment. More responsibly should be placed on the disclosure of information on genetically modified biological assets in the Notes to the Financial Statements. We suggest that the accumulated information on biological assets from GMOs be reflected in a separate section in section 16 entitled "Financial Results from Primary Acceptance and Marketing of Agricultural Products from GMOs and Additional Biological Assets with GMOs". The introduction of a separate section in the notes on genetically modified assets will allow obtaining the necessary operational information on these assets for management needs and for the state as a whole. Information on the biological assets of the enterprise and their biological transformations, as well as agricultural products, are reflected in the Form 50-s. "Basic economic indicators of agricultural enterprises". We consider it expedient to supplement it with another section, which will reflect the information on the composition of production and marketing of agricultural products from GMOs. The financial statements of agricultural enterprises require changes in the reflection of the reassessment of biological assets and information on the production and sale of genetically modified assets. Information on GMO biological assets is currently absent from P (S) "Biological Assets" and IAS 41, although it is significant both at the enterprise level and on the basis of the country as a whole. Therefore, we consider it expedient to supplement the contents of the provisions with the section "Environmental safety", which will specify the method of constructing a separate accounting for biological assets with GMOs. Solving the problems of accurately displaying information in accounting and reporting regarding genetically modified biological assets and their biological transformations requires the adoption of new, regulatory and legal decisions by the state. Taking into account the harmonization of Ukraine's legislation with the EU, this statement is quite logical. In this regard, we propose the standard of accounting for agricultural activities to be supplemented with the section "State support", which, in addition to the norms reflected in IAS 41, found a place and provisions to stimulate the production of biological assets and agricultural products without genetically modified organisms.From the above, we believe that at the state level, companies should be required to account for biological assets and agricultural products from GMOs in accounting and reporting. The real steps in this regard are to create, with the help of economic incentives (taxes, loans, privileges, etc.), state support to companies that provide true information on the availability of biological assets from GMOs, the quantity of GM products grown and markets for its sales. Consequently, taking into account the advantages and disadvantages of a new accounting of agricultural activity, having identified the problems of its application in practice, we propose to finalize P (S) 30 "Biological Assets". The revised standard will facilitate more realistic accounting in agriculture and achievement of higher end results of activities in order to ensure the management of reliable and truthful information about the results of activities. Improvement of P (S) 30 "Biological Assets" lies in the rethinking of the role of agricultural activity for social and environmental and environmental factors of human development. The issue of "State support" and "Environmental safety" require separate disclosure in agricultural sectoral standards. The world standardization of accounting and reporting of the production of genetically modified products is also very important


2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 57
Author(s):  
Anjali Ghodasara ◽  
Marisa Deliso ◽  
Satesh Bidaisee

This study assessed knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of various stakeholders in Grenada regarding genetically modified organisms and the release of genetically modified mosquitoes. The study adopted a cross sectional design with a study population that comprised of members from seven stakeholder groups of civil society in Grenada. The sample population was obtained through a snowballing strategy and data collection for the study consisted of a semi-structured interview. Data was managed through the collection and reviewing of data from transcribed interview notes, as well as observations and interpretations made during the field collection. Interview recordings were analyzed to identify emerging themes. These themes were ranked according to the frequency with which they appeared, and main concepts identified by linking related themes. Most groups supported the use of genetically modified mosquitoes against Zika, but there were several varying concerns, including environmental worries and the impact of these organisms on humans. Many questioned the characteristics of Zika itself, and some believed Zika is a man-made virus created in a lab. Others doubted the link of Zika virus to microcephaly and other birth defects, and some were unsure if Zika virus is transmitted by mosquitoes. There is a wide range of differing knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards genetically modifying technology in general and towards mosquitoes in response to Zika.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olalekan Akinbo ◽  
Silas Obukosia ◽  
Jeremy Ouedraogo ◽  
Woldeyesus Sinebo ◽  
Moussa Savadogo ◽  
...  

African countries face key challenges in the deployment of GM crops due to incongruities in the processes for effective and efficient commercial release while simultaneously ensuring food and environmental safety. Against the backdrop of the preceding scenario, and for the effective and efficient commercial release of GM crops for cultivation by farmers, while simultaneously ensuring food and environmental safety, there is a need for the close collaboration of and the interplay between the biosafety competent authorities and the variety release authorities. The commercial release of genetically modified (GM) crops for cultivation requires the approval of biosafety regulatory packages. The evaluation and approval of lead events fall under the jurisdiction of competent national authorities for biosafety (which may be ministries, autonomous authorities, or agencies). The evaluation of lead events fundamentally comprises a review of environmental, food, and feed safety data as provided for in the Biosafety Acts, implementing regulations, and, in some cases, the involvement of other relevant legal instruments. Although the lead GM event may be commercially released for farmers to cultivate, it is often introgressed into locally adapted and farmer preferred non-GM cultivars that are already released and grown by the farmers. The introduction of new biotechnology products to farmers is a process that includes comprehensive testing in the laboratory, greenhouse, and field over some time. The process provides answers to questions about the safety of the products before being introduced into the environment and marketplace. This is the first step in regulatory approvals. The output of the research and development phase of the product development cycle is the identification of a safe and best performing event for advancement to regulatory testing, likely commercialization, and general release. The process of the commercial release of new crop varieties in countries with established formal seed systems is guided by well-defined procedures and approval systems and regulated by the Seed Acts and implemented regulations. In countries with seed laws, no crop varieties are approved for commercial cultivation prior to the fulfillment of the national performance trials and the distinctness, uniformity, and stability tests, as well as prior to the approval by the National Variety Release Committee. This review outlines key challenges faced by African countries in the deployment of GM crops and cites lessons learned as well as best practices from countries that have successfully commercialized genetically engineered crops.


2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (3(71)) ◽  
pp. 63-65
Author(s):  
B.I. Nazar

The article briefly presents the main approaches to the state registration and order of the state veterinary and sanitary expertise GMO sources of feed, feed additives and veterinary medicinal products are listed feasibility studies to be carried out at the registration of GMO sources listed safety parameters on which the assessment of GMO sources. There need to conduct clinical studies to determine the impact of GMO sources or feed sources, feed ingredients derived from their use on animals. The order defines the procedure for state registration of genetically modified organisms sources of feed, feed additives and veterinary medicinal products containing genetically modified organisms or derived from their use.The basic components and objectives of the integrated system of state monitoring of GMO sources of feed, feed additives, premixes for livestock and poultry. The basic methodological approaches and criteria for the development and implementation in Ukraine of the State monitoring of feed containing GMO sources including requirements for sampling, setting the frequency of sampling and analysis of risks at all stages of the chain «production – consumption» . Based on the analysis of a draft list of feeds, feed raw materials and premixes that must be controlled on content of genetically modified organisms. 


2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 309
Author(s):  
Živko Gacovski ◽  
Goce Cilev ◽  
Biljana Petrovska

Genetically modified organisms (GMO) are organisms whose genetic modification of heritable genetic material (DNA) is a planned amendment to the unnatural way by applying modern techniques of genetic engineering, or, a gene or genes from one organism are inserted into another organism,what in nature with a natural breeding would never be created. GMOs are a source of modified laboratory food, supplements and various additives.The subject of this research paper is to see the impact of GM food as a threat or a benefit on the health of humans and animals, as well as its application in the Republic of Macedonia. Comparative analysis of scientific research in the field of modern biotechnology science using the technique of genetic engineering has been used in this paper. From the analysis of previous research, there are no official data on possible effects on human health, and animal tests have shown negative effects on their health.


2013 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karmen Erjavec ◽  
Jožica Zajc ◽  
Melita Poler Kovačič ◽  
Jelka Šuštar Vozlič ◽  
Samo Uhan ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: Because existing studies examining the impact of knowledge on people’s attitudes towards genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have had contradictory results, the goal of this study was to explore the attitudes that the population of Slovenia has towards GMOs and how knowledge affects their attitudes. Methods: In January 2012, a telephone survey was conducted researching attitudes towards GMOs and knowledge about them on a representative sample of the population of Slovenia (N=446). Results: The results revealed a predominantly negative attitude towards GMOs, regardless of their type, application and geographical distance; perceptions of the negative impact of GMOs on an individual’s health were particularly strong. The majority of respondents (59.5%) had moderate knowledge about GMOs, while a largeshare (30.4%) had poor knowledge of the topic. They had better objective knowledge about topics linked to formal education or legislation and a weaker understanding of mass media myths. Correlation analysis and one-way analysis of variance showed a statistically significant correlation between knowledge and attitudes towards GMOs. The respondents with better objective knowledge (who gave the correct answers to test questions) had a less firm and a more positive attitude towards GMOs and vice versa. The respondents who lacked objective knowledge but expressed subjective knowledge (they were convinced that their answers were correct) on average had a more negative attitude towards GMOs compared to those who lacked subjective knowledge. Conclusions: This finding leads to the conclusion that knowledge, particularly relating to media myths about GMOs, has an important role in forming attitudes towards the impact of GMOs on an individual’s health.


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