Modified yeast fine for food
Article Abstract:
A genetically manipulated strain of baker's yeast, which is used to make bread rise, will be manufactured by the Dutch company Gist-Brocades with the permission of the British government. This is the first time any government has approved the development of a food product containing a live genetically engineered organism. The new yeast will absorb and digest the sugar maltose more efficiently. More carbon dioxide will then be released, which will cause the bread to rise quicker. The genes from the yeast that are manipulated code for the enzymes maltose permease and maltase, which allow the maltose to enter into the yeast and be broken down. These genes were combined with a promotor (a sequence of DNA) that contains the control sequences for the activation of a gene from another strain of yeast, but this yeast strain is from the same species as the original yeast. The Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes decided that the yeast was safe, because it contained genes from the same species. Bread made with this genetically manipulated yeast will not be required to have a label indicating that it was made from a genetically manipulated organism. Environmentally concerned groups are not happy about the government's approval of the use of this organism; the application was kept secret prior to approval, which prevented public debate. The company has responded that some degree of secrecy is necessary before a patent can be obtained. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1990
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Animal rights: UK: researchers take a stand
Article Abstract:
At the August 1990 annual meeting of the British Association a declaration was read supporting the importance of animal research for biological science. The declaration was almost certainly evidence of the willingness of medical researchers to take a firm stand against animal rights activists after the recent car bombing in which researcher Max Headley narrowly escaped harm. The declaration affirms the necessity of animal experimentation for the development of new medical advances, but also encourages scientists to make use of new alternatives to animal research as they become available. The declaration is supported by the Medical Research Council (MRC), the British equivalent of the NIH. The recent violence has apparently brought people 'off the fence', and the MRC will, in the future, take a stronger stand in favor of animal research. The declaration has also received the support of more moderate animal rights groups who may appreciate the necessity of animal research, but who also emphasize the importance of developing alternative methods for many of the research tasks for which animals are now required. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1990
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Cloning's owners go to war
Article Abstract:
Issues concerning patents on cloning are discussed. The increasingly complex network of proprietary claims will have a significant impact on the future of cloning technology.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2000
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