Absence Of Genetic Modification Research Articles

Pea protein and starch: Functional properties and applications in edible films

Edible films and coatings, composed of biological components such as proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides, play a pivotal role in various applications. While proteins from diverse plant sources, including maize, soy, and wheat, have been extensively explored for their film-forming capabilities, soybean protein remains predominant in edible films. Nonetheless, researchers have increasingly investigated alternative legume proteins, such as those derived from various beans, peanuts, and field peas, as potential candidates for edible film applications. Pea, ranked fourth globally in food legume production after soybean, peanuts, and dry beans, emerges as a promising source for edible film production. Pea protein, valued for its low cost, high protein content, and absence of genetic modifications, along with pea starch, a by-product of pea protein extraction, has become the focal point of numerous studies in edible film development. This comprehensive review focuses on the examination of pea protein isolate, pea starch, and the edible films derived from these compounds. Functional properties of both pea protein and pea starch are systematically discussed. Subsequently, we delve into the extraction methods of these components, progressing to the creation of edible films from these materials. It then delves into various characteristics of edible films produced from pea protein and pea starch, encompassing mechanical properties, water vapor permeability, transparency, and solubility. Additionally, the review explores the influence of factors such as pH, heating, plasticizers, and other treatments on these film properties. Studies highlighted in this review demonstrate that modified edible film solutions based on pea protein and pea starch exhibit considerable potential for diverse applications in both food and non-food sectors. The promising outcomes suggest that these compounds could be utilized to produce edible films tailored to specific requirements, offering new possibilities for advancements in various industries.

Neural Stimulation In Vitro and In Vivo by Photoacoustic Nanotransducers

Summary Neuromodulation is an invaluable approach for the study of neural circuits and clinical treatment of neurological diseases. Here, we report semiconducting polymer nanoparticles based photoacoustic nanotransducers (PANs) for neural stimulation in vitro and in vivo. Our PANs strongly absorb the nanosecond pulsed laser in the near-infrared second window (NIR-II) and generate localized acoustic waves. PANs are shown to be surface modified and selectively bind onto neurons. PAN-mediated activation of primary neurons in vitro is achieved with ten 3-ns laser pulses at 1,030 nm over a 3-ms duration. In vivo neural modulation of mouse brain activities and motor activities is demonstrated by PANs directly injected into brain cortex. With submillimeter spatial resolution and negligible heat deposition, PAN stimulation is a new non-genetic method for precise control of neuronal activities, opening up potentials in non-invasive brain modulation.

Effects of the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard: Willingness To Pay for Labels that Communicate the Presence or Absence of Genetic Modification

AbstractAfter much debate, the United States recently adopted a law that will require mandatory labeling of genetically modified (GM) food. We elicit willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) for manufactured and fresh foods that communicate the presence or absence of GM material. We find that a text disclosing the presence of GM material lowers WTP relative to a QR code disclosure that must be scanned. Furthermore, participants perceive Non‐GMO Project verified and organic as substitutes; WTP premiums for a product with both Non‐GMO Project verified and organic labels is about the same as the WTP premium when either label is present in isolation.

Optogenetics, the intersection between physics and neuroscience: light stimulation of neurons in physiological conditions.

Neuronal stimulation by light is a novel approach in the emerging field of optogenetics, where genetic engineering is used to introduce light-activated channels. However, light is also capable of stimulating neurons even in the absence of genetic modifications through a range of physical and biological mechanisms. As a result, rigorous design of optogenetic experiments needs to take note of alternative and parallel effects of light illumination of neuronal tissues. Thus all matters relating to light penetration are critical to the development of studies using light-activated proteins. This paper discusses ways to quantify light, light penetration in tissue, as well as light stimulation of neurons in physiological conditions. We also describe the direct effect of light on neurons investigated at different sites.

The implications for mandatory GM labelling under the Consumer Protection Act in South Africa

The South African Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 was passed into law, which among other things, mandates the labelling of genetically modified (GM) ingredients in packed goods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential impact of mandatory GM food labelling in terms of the Consumer Protection Act by determining what products currently on the market would be implicated. A total of 46 food products from different companies was selected and sampled randomly with an emphasis on those containing canola, maize and soybean, since GM varieties for these crops have been approved in South Africa in terms of the Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) Act of 1997. The products were screened for the presence of genetic modification and, if positive, quantified. Genetic modification was detected in 50% of products tested, including seven out of 14 (50%) products labelled to indicate an absence of genetic modification. The results from this study indicate that at a 5% GM labelling threshold, 19 out of the 46 products tested would need to be labelled for their GM content. Of the 14 products labelled to indicate an absence of GM, five exceeded the 1% threshold for non-GM labelling. Many companies are concerned about the cost effectiveness of mandatory labelling. However, the Consumer Protection Act makes a provision for a “may contain” clause that if used relieves the producer of the financial considerations to verify the GM content of a product. Although the Consumer Protection Act does not make any provision for monitoring, consumers or consumer groups have recourse against companies in contravention of the Consumer Protection Act through the provision of the National Consumer Commissioner (NCC).

Acceptance of Transgenic Milk in La Araucania Region,Chile

A B S T R A C T Considering the high level of concern caused by genetically modified foods (GMF) in developed countries, the relevance of this variable in decision-making about the purchase of fluid milk among consumers in Temuco (La Araucania Region, Chile) was determined. By means of a personal survey of 400 people and using conjoint analysis, it was determined that the presence of genetic modifications in food was more important (44.7%) than brand (29.5%) and price (25.5%) in the decision-making process. By cluster analysis three segments were identified; the largest group (46.5%) gave similar relevance to food production and brand, preferring genetically modified milk. For the second group (41.5%), the presence or absence of genetic modification was the most important variable in the purchase, with a strong rejection of milk produced by genetic manipulation and preference for non-transgenic milk. The minority segment (12.0%) placed a higher value on price. These three segments prefer national brand milk, reject the product with private brands and react positively to lower prices. The most sensitive segment to genetic food manipulation had a higher proportion of people under 35 years of age and with no children. It is concluded that the absence of genetic manipulation in food is a desirable condition, mainly for young consumers of La Araucania Region.

South Africa: A case study for voluntary GM labelling

South Africa is the only country in Africa growing genetically modified (GM) crops, yet, consumer knowledge of biotechnology is limited and labelling regulations regarding consumer preference is lacking. In the absence of mandatory GM labelling, voluntary GM labelling is being used as a marketing strategy to attract discerning consumers. The aim was to detect and quantify the GM content in food products in South Africa, specifically labelled to indicate an absence of genetic modification. Of the products labelled ‘GMO-free’, ‘non-GM’ and ‘organic’, it was found that 31% had a GM content above 1.0% and 20% a GM content above 5.0%. Product batches differed by up to 40% in terms of GM content. In the absence of specific regulations, voluntary GM labelling is not providing discerning consumers with the choice intended. Thus, unregulated GM labelling is not a viable alternative to a regulated approach in terms of consumer protection.