Editing Techniques Research Articles

Enhancing educational videos for preschool children: The impact of first-order editing techniques and shot variability

Enhancing educational videos for preschool children: The impact of first-order editing techniques and shot variability

Impact Study on the Implementation of Cal-Defll’s English Me Please Extension Program: Writing an Action Research with Editing and Proofreading Techniques 2017-2020

Asst. Prof. , East African Scholars J Edu Humanit Lit; 2023; 6(12): - DOI: Abstract PDF FULL TEXT E-PUB17 Downloads | Dec. 9, 2023 ABSTRACT The impact study involved 16 teacher-trainees of the Holy Spirit National High School who attended the free training on writing an action research with proofreading and editing techniques which was offered by the Department of English, Foreign Languages and Linguistics as part of its extension program. The quantitative data which were collected through a survey revealed that the participants who have been teaching for more than 11 years have gained self-confidence in writing research using the English language followed by the second impactful gain which is being promoted to a higher rank. The write-shop part was chosen by the majority as the key factor to the effectiveness of the training.

Additional PfCRT mutations driven by selective pressure for improved fitness can result in the loss of piperaquine resistance and altered Plasmodium falciparum physiology.

Our study leverages gene editing techniques in Plasmodium falciparum asexual blood stage parasites to profile novel mutations in mutant PfCRT, an important mediator of piperaquine resistance, which developed in Southeast Asian field isolates or in parasites cultured for long periods of time. We provide evidence that increased parasite fitness of these lines is the primary driver for the emergence of these PfCRT variants. These mutations differentially impact parasite susceptibility to piperaquine and chloroquine, highlighting the multifaceted effects of single point mutations in this transporter. Molecular features of drug resistance and parasite physiology were examined in depth using proteoliposome-based drug uptake studies and peptidomics, respectively. Energy minimization calculations, showing how these novel mutations might impact the PfCRT structure, suggested a small but significant effect on drug interactions. This study reveals the subtle interplay between antimalarial resistance, parasite fitness, PfCRT structure, and intracellular peptide availability in PfCRT-mediated parasite responses to changing drug selective pressures.

Defect detection of the surface of wind turbine blades combining attention mechanism

The proposed work introduces a novel, lightweight feature fusion network model based on the attention mechanism to address the issues of high time consumption and poor effectiveness in wind turbine blade surface defect detection. A bidirectional feature fusion network enhances the YOLOX network. The model employs an attention mechanism module to learn channel and spatial feature information. A classification loss function with an attenuation factor is designed to tackle the unbalanced distribution of learning weights for multiple samples in the blade surface defect detection task. Additionally, to mitigate recognition loss caused by target occlusion or overlap, the Soft-NMS method is utilized to eliminate redundant detection boxes. Sample imbalance is addressed by creating new samples using a geometric transformation-based multi-sample fusion data enhancement method and unsupervised learning MFF-GAN image editing techniques. A feature fusion network comparison test, classification loss function comparison test, and attention mechanism module position ablation test were completed using the blade surface defect dataset. The results indicate that the blade surface defect detection model incorporating the attention mechanism can effectively identify five types of defects with an average detection accuracy of mAP-0.5, achieving approximately 95.03 % and a detection frame rate of about 54.56 frame·s−1. Compared with the YOLOX-s network, YOLOv7-tiny network, and YOLOv8-s network, this model can improve the recognition rate and shorten the detection time, achieving high precision and rapid identification and localization of blade surface defects.

CRISPR futures: Rethinking the politics of genome editing

New genome editing techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 aspire to automate and standardize laboratory practices of genetic engineering at the molecular scale. They have been promoted as a ‘revolutionary’ means of production, which will revitalize industry, transform agribusiness and adapt it to changing climatic conditions. To realize this vision, a fundamental regulatory shift is now being enacted by multiple national governments around the world from Argentina to Canada, Brazil, Australia, South Africa, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, China and the European Union. As corporate science is directly in the service of private entities guided by a strict market rationality, while public research is increasingly pushed to prioritize immediate ‘industrial applications’ and the achievement of measurable ‘socio-economic impact’, genomic interventions are mostly geared towards expanding, accelerating and securing the accumulation of capital on a global scale. Structural market demands are embodied in gene-edited bodies produced for commercialization. While the emerging international regulatory regime for gene-edited organisms has been largely shaped by discussions focused on technical questions of health and safety, this tendency indicates the necessity of a wider democratic debate that would include the socio-economic, ethical and ecological concerns recently stressed by indigenous and peasant movements around the world. How will these new GM bodies transform the way people live and work in agricultural lands, industrial facilities, barnyards and slaughterhouses, in biotech labs and medical clinics? How will they affect lived ecologies? What types of multi-species worlds are being constructed through bioengineering practices, by whom and according to what political visions?

Genomic Engineering of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes.

Recent advances in patient-derived induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC) generation, improvement of cardiomyocyte-directed differentiation protocols, and the availability of new genome editing techniques have opened up new avenues for disease modeling of cardiomyopathies. Patients with cardiomyopathies often harbor a single-base substitution believed to be linked to the disease phenotype. Somatic cells derived from patients can be efficiently reprogrammed into iPSCs and subsequently engineered. The targeting of a precise mutation can be achieved by the introduction of double stranded breaks with CRISPR-Cas9 and by homology-directed repair when using a DNA donor template. This allows for the correction of a mutation in a patient iPSC line to generate an isogenic control. In addition, key mutations associated with cardiomyopathies can be introduced in an iPSC line derived from a healthy individual using the same techniques. In this chapter, we describe in detail how to engineer pluripotent stem cells to model cardiomyopathy in a dish using CRISPR-Cas9 technology.

Spectrogram Dataset of Korean Smartphone Audio Files Forged Using the “Mix Paste” Command

This study focuses on the field of voice forgery detection, which is increasing in importance owing to the introduction of advanced voice editing technologies and the proliferation of smartphones. This study introduces a unique dataset that was built specifically to identify forgeries created using the “Mix Paste” technique. This editing technique can overlay audio segments from similar or different environments without creating a new timeframe, making it nearly infeasible to detect forgeries using traditional methods. The dataset consists of 4665 and 45,672 spectrogram images from 1555 original audio files and 15,224 forged audio files, respectively. The original audio was recorded using iPhone and Samsung Galaxy smartphones to ensure a realistic sampling environment. The forged files were created from these recordings and subsequently converted into spectrograms. The dataset also provided the metadata of the original voice files, offering additional context and information that could be used for analysis and detection. This dataset not only fills a gap in existing research but also provides valuable support for developing more efficient deep learning models for voice forgery detection. By addressing the “Mix Paste” technique, the dataset caters to a critical need in voice authentication and forensics, potentially contributing to enhancing security in society.

Abstract C105: A systematic evaluation of the therapeutic potential of base editing in cancer prevention and treatment

Abstract Base editing (BE) techniques offer efficient means to modify specific nucleotides in the genome. While current research mainly focuses on applying BE for treating genetic diseases caused by single-nucleotide variants (SNVs), its potential in cancer is worth exploring, as many tumors arise from an accumulation of various mutations. BE techniques primarily consist of a fusion between a Cas nuclease and a deaminase (Cas-BE), that enables A-to-G or C-to-T edits. This allows for the correction of G>A and T>C SNVs at the DNA or RNA level. Additionally, BE can correct C>T and A>G SNVs at the DNA level through the cellular DNA repair response. Precise targeting is aimed by a programmed guide RNA (gRNA), which engages in Watson-Crick base pairing with the desired region. However, a remaining concern is gRNA binding to additional locations in the genome, leading to unintended off-target edits. An alternative approach of RNA editing, involves utilizing the gRNA alone, harnessing the native Adenosine Deaminases Acting on RNA (ADAR) enzyme (Non-Cas-BE). This eliminates the need for a vector vehicle and acting on the RNA level its effects are transient, thus potentially reducing off target permanent damage. Our first objective was to evaluate BE potential to reverse germline mutations in cancer predisposition genes (CPGs) as a strategy for cancer prevention. We analyzed the 64 CPGs recommended for pediatric genetic testing by NCBI, which are associated with cancer predisposition disorders. We extracted the known pathogenic SNVs reported in ClinVar within these genes, filtering those classified as neoplastic according to MedGen. Our findings indicate that among the 2820 SNVs examined, 54% display a suitable match for BE (34% for Cas-BE and 20% for Non-Cas-BE). To identify off-target sites, we utilized BLAST to compare the 40 nucleotides surrounding each mutation, resembling the gRNA, to the genome. Remarkably, our findings revealed that in 87% of BE correctable sites no off-target sites are detected, indicating that they are safe therapeutic targets. We further examined a list of pathogenic high-penetrance germline variants in adult patients who developed cancer, finding that among 250 SNVs reported, 59% could be addressed using BE. Second, we estimated the potential of BE to correct cancer driver mutations. Detecting the small subset of driver mutations within a tumor is indeed an open challenge, but once detected, correcting them holds considerable promise. We examined 5,913 driver mutations from 2,010 patients representing 36 cancer types, which underwent whole genome sequencing (WGS) in the PCWAG project, and found that 43% are suitable for BE, 16% by Non-Cas-BE. In 1,051 (52%) of the tumors at least one driver mutation is BE correctable, and in 208 (10%) all known driver mutations were BE correctable. Aligning with the swift incorporation of WGS in the field of oncology, this systematic exploration highlights the potential of BE to correct driver mutations for cancer prevention and treatment. Citation Format: Rona Merdler-Rabinowicz, Ariel Dadush, Sumeet Patiyal, Gulzar Daya, Lipika Ray, Padma Sheila Rajagopal, Alejandro A. Schaffer, Eytan Ruppin, Erez Y. Levanon. A systematic evaluation of the therapeutic potential of base editing in cancer prevention and treatment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC Virtual International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2023 Oct 11-15; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2023;22(12 Suppl):Abstract nr C105.

PRESYNAPTIC AMYLOID PRECURSOR PROTEIN IS NECESSARY FOR THE IMPAIRMENT OF SYNAPTIC FUNCTION AND MEMORY CAUSED BY EXTRACELLULAR AMYLOID‐ΒETA AND TAU OLIGOMERS

AbstractBackgroundAmyloid precursor protein (APP) is a transmembrane protein expressed at the synapse throughout life. In absence of APP, extracellular Aß‐ and tau‐oligomers no longer impair memory and its synaptic surrogate, long‐term potentiation (LTP). Synapses include pre‐ and post‐synaptic compartments. However, the relative role of pre‐ vs. post‐synaptic APP at the CA3‐CA1 hippocampal synapse in the Aß‐ and tau‐oligomer‐induced damage of memory and LTP is not know.MethodWe used a combination of gene editing, electrophysiological, behavioral and biochemical techniques to investigate the contribution of the pre‐ and post‐synaptic APP in oligomer induced impairment of memory and LTP.ResultSpecific ablation of APP expression in the post‐synaptic neuron did not alter the negative effects of Aß and tau oligomers on LTP and memory. In contrast, APP‐KO in the presynaptic neuron mimicked and occluded the negative effects of Aß and tau oligomers on LTP and memory, suggesting that presynaptic APP mediates the synapto‐toxic effect of Aß and tau. Further investigation demonstrated that pre‐synaptic APP deletion (but not post‐synaptic) mimicked and occluded the Aß and tau oligomer induced reduction of neurotransmitter vesicle availability during tetanic stimulation and increase of refilling rate after depletion of the readily‐releasable pool. Moreover, the increase in refilling rate after deletion of presynaptic APP was dependent upon intracellular calcium. Indeed, intracellular calcium homeostasis was affected both in basal conditions and after activity in full APP‐KO mice, likely due to decrease in the levels of inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor, ryanodine receptor and the calcium pump, SERCA3.ConclusionThese data support the view that Aß and tau oligomers affect synaptic function and memory through pre‐synaptic APP.

Precise base editing without unintended indels in human cells and mouse primary myoblasts

Base editors are powerful tools for making precise single-nucleotide changes in the genome. However, they can lead to unintended insertions and deletions at the target sites, which is a significant limitation for clinical applications. In this study, we aimed to eliminate unwanted indels at the target sites caused by various evolved base editors. Accordingly, we applied dead Cas9 instead of nickase Cas9 in the base editors to induce accurate substitutions without indels. Additionally, we tested the use of chromatin-modulating peptides in the base editors to improve nucleotide conversion efficiency. We found that using both dead Cas9 and chromatin-modulating peptides in base editing improved the nucleotide substitution efficiency without unintended indel mutations at the desired target sites in human cell lines and mouse primary myoblasts. Furthermore, the proposed scheme had fewer off-target effects than conventional base editors at the DNA level. These results indicate that the suggested approach is promising for the development of more accurate and safer base editing techniques for use in clinical applications.

Constitutional isomerization of cubane to semibullvalene via cuneane in hot water

Abstract The construction of cage-type hydrocarbon scaffolds, potential bioisosteres for benzene, often involves multiple steps, making their selective syntheses challenging. However, by employing a scaffold editing technique that leverages the isomerization of the highly symmetrical cubane as a precursor, these can be synthesized more efficiently with fewer steps. In this study, we present a method for the selective synthesis of semibullvalene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid with a good yield, starting from dimethyl cubane-1,4-dicarboxylate, using a reaction in hot water.

The strategy of knock-in with homology-directed genome editing in the model ornamental plant Petunia using CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complex

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated system 9 (Cas9) ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex offers numerous advantages, including increased genome editing efficiency, reduced off-target effects, minimized risk of genomic integration, expanded applicability, and the ability to address specific ethical concerns. These benefits establish the CRISPR/Cas9 RNP complex as a valuable technique for precise genome editing in plant research and applications. Nevertheless, achieving precise knock-in using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated precision knock-in of genes by homology-directed repair (HDR) remains challenging due to the infrequent occurrence of HDR and the limited availability of DNA repair templates near double-strand breaks (DSBs). In this study, we presented the efficient utilization strategy of HDR-mediated gene knock-in through co-infection of the CRISPR/Cas9 RNP complex and donor plasmid in Petunia protoplast. We accomplish this by designing a donor plasmid targeting the chalcone synthase (CHS) in Petunia, consisting of a CRISPR RNA (crRNA)-PAM sequences flanked by a donor DNA cassette with homology arms. These findings offer insights into the application of these techniques in ornamental crops to enhance CRISPR/Cas9 RNA complex-mediated gene knock-in strategies.

Isolation, Purification, and Application of Protoplasts and Transient Expression Systems in Plants

Protoplasts, derived from plant cells, exhibit remarkable totipotency and hold significant value across a wide spectrum of biological and biotechnological applications. These versatile applications encompass protein subcellular localization and interaction analysis, gene expression regulation, functional characterization, gene editing techniques, and single-cell sequencing. Protoplasts’ usability stems from their inherent accessibility and their ability to efficiently incorporate exogenous genes. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview, including details on isolation procedures and influencing factors, purification and viability assessment methodologies, and the utilization of the protoplast transient expression system. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of current applications and offer valuable insights into protoplast isolation and the establishment of transient expression systems in a diverse range of plant species, thereby serving as a valuable resource for the plant science community.

Enhancement of Human Neutrophil Bactericidal Activity through ROS Regulation

Antimicrobial agents are vital for treating infectious diseases, but their widespread use has led to a concerning rise in drug-resistant bacteria. The development and overuse of new antimicrobial agents have paradoxically given rise to even more drug-resistant strains. If current trends persist, drug-resistant infections may become the leading global cause of mortality by 2050. However, current measures such as restricting antimicrobial use and promoting appropriate usage have not provided a definitive solution. Therefore, exploring alternative treatment approaches is essential. In this study, our research was based on a novel strategy that shifts the focus from targeting specific bacterial species to leveraging the defense mechanisms of human neutrophils. Neutrophils play a critical role in innate immunity by engulfing bacteria and generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) in phagosomes. The primary ROS producer in neutrophils is the NADPH oxidase (NOX) complex centered on gp91 phox (NOX2), a membrane protein of the NOX family. However, excessive ROS are harmful, necessitating negative regulation. Neutrophils contain a negative regulator of reactive oxygen species (NRROS), which regulates ROS production by competing with p22 phox for binding to NOX2 when inflammation go into ending. NRROS knockout mice have shown increased ROS production and bactericidal activity during bacterial infection, resulting in significantly prolonged survival compared to wild-type mice. If this mechanism could be applied to human cells to enhance bactericidal activity, it would eliminate the need to target specific bacterial species and could revolutionize the treatment of infectious diseases. We used human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) as a model to validate the NRROS knockout effect in human cells, overcoming challenges in isolating peripheral blood neutrophils due to their limited lifespan, poor in vitro culture tolerance, and genetic editing complexities. We successfully generated NRROS-heterozygous knockout (hetero-KO) and NRROS-homozygous knockout (homo-KO) iPSC clones using genome editing techniques. Additionally, using the PiggyBac system, we established doxycycline-inducible NRROS expression clones (homo-KO+Dox) based on homo-KO clones. These iPSC were differentiated into neutrophils and evaluated for function. The isolated neutrophil fraction exhibited characteristic segmented nuclei in all clones. We measured ROS production and examined changes induced by NRROS knockout after stimulation. Immediate superoxide production showed no difference between wild-type and NRROS-KO clones. However, after 2 hours of stimulation, the NRROS-KO clones exhibited significantly elevated hydrogen peroxide production, indicating increased total ROS production, possibly due to delayed NOX complex degradation. Furthermore, we assessed the bactericidal capacity of iPSC-derived neutrophils against multidrug-resistant bacteria, revealing significantly enhanced bactericidal activity in NRROS-KO clones compared to wild-type clones. In conclusion, NRROS knockout in human neutrophils enhances bactericidal capacity through heightened ROS production, offering promising prospects for innovative infectious disease treatments. If successfully harnessed, this innovative treatment modality could revolutionize infectious disease management, combating drug-resistant infections, and improving global health outcomes.

Genomic and Transcriptomic Approaches to Developing Abiotic Stress-Resilient Crops

In the realm of agriculture, a pressing concern remains the abiotic stresses, such as temperature fluctuation, drought, soil salinity, and heavy metal contamination. These adverse growth conditions hamper crop yields and global food security. In this review, we present a comprehensive examination of the recent advancements in utilizing genomics and transcriptomics, tools to enhance crop resilience against these stress factors. Genomics aids in the identification of genes responsive to stress, unravels regulatory networks, and pinpoints genetic variations linked to stress tolerance. Concurrently, transcriptomics sheds light on the intricate dynamics of gene expression during stress conditions, unearthing novel stress-responsive genes and signaling pathways. This wealth of knowledge shapes the development of stress-tolerant crop varieties, achieved through conventional breeding programs and state-of-the-art genetic engineering and gene editing techniques like CRISPR-Cas9. Moreover, the integration of diverse omics data and functional genomics tools empowers precise manipulation of crop genomes to fortify their stress resilience. In summary, the integration of genomics and transcriptomics holds substantial promise in elucidating the molecular mechanisms behind crop stress tolerance, offering a path towards sustainable agriculture and safeguarding food security amidst shifting environmental challenges.

Unveiling the Genetic Symphony: Harnessing CRISPR-Cas Genome Editing for Effective Insect Pest Management.

Phytophagous insects pose a significant threat to global crop yield and food security. The need for increased agricultural output while reducing dependence on harmful synthetic insecticides necessitates the implementation of innovative methods. The utilization of CRISPR-Cas (Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) technology to develop insect pest-resistant plants is believed to be a highly effective approach in reducing production expenses and enhancing the profitability of farms. Insect genome research provides vital insights into gene functions, allowing for a better knowledge of insect biology, adaptability, and the development of targeted pest management and disease prevention measures. The CRISPR-Cas gene editing technique has the capability to modify the DNA of insects, either to trigger a gene drive or to overcome their resistance to specific insecticides. The advancements in CRISPR technology and its various applications have shown potential in developing insect-resistant varieties of plants and other strategies for effective pest management through a sustainable approach. This could have significant consequences for ensuring food security. This approach involves using genome editing to create modified insects or crop plants. The article critically analyzed and discussed the potential and challenges associated with exploring and utilizing CRISPR-Cas technology for reducing insect pest pressure in crop plants.

CRISPR/Cas as a Genome-Editing Technique in Fruit Tree Breeding

CRISPR (short for “Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats”) is a technology that research scientists use to selectively modify the DNA of living organisms. CRISPR was adapted for use in the laboratory from the naturally occurring genome-editing systems found in bacteria. In this work, we reviewed the methods used to introduce CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing into fruit species, as well as the impacts of the application of this technology to activate and knock out target genes in different fruit tree species, including on tree development, yield, fruit quality, and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The application of this gene-editing technology could allow the development of new generations of fruit crops with improved traits by targeting different genetic segments or even could facilitate the introduction of traits into elite cultivars without changing other traits. However, currently, the scarcity of efficient regeneration and transformation protocols in some species, the fact that many of those procedures are genotype-dependent, and the convenience of segregating the transgenic parts of the CRISPR system represent the main handicaps limiting the potential of genetic editing techniques for fruit trees. Finally, the latest news on the legislation and regulations about the use of plants modified using CRISPR/Cas systems has been also discussed.

Key and emerging themes in gene editing: A lexicometric analysis of publications in the biological sciences (1990–2022)

Societal Impact StatementVarious techniques to modify genomes have been developed over the past decades, from molecular cloning to gene editing techniques. What are their applications? What are the key themes discussed by scientists? To answer these questions, we provide a qualitative and quantitative analysis of 14,739 scientific articles published between 1990 to 2022 showing that some themes are constant over time, such as the molecular aspects of genetics and discussions about data and software, while other themes emerged more recently. For example, CRISPR/Cas9 became prominent from 2012 onwards, and applications in agriculture and policy/regulatory implications from 2015 onwards. This mixed method opens up new spaces for dialogue between the natural and social sciences and captures the shifting boundaries of science.Summary The article analyzes publications in the biological sciences concerned with genetic engineering, in particular gene editing, between 1990 and 2022 to examine key and emerging themes. It provides a lexicometric analysis of 14,739 articles, which were subdivided into four periods (1990–2011, 2012–2015, 2016–2018, and 2019–2022). We show that certain themes are constant over time, such as the molecular aspects of genetic engineering techniques and discussions about data and software. Other themes, however, have emerged at specific moments in time: CRISPR/Cas9 became prominent from 2012 onwards and applications in agriculture and policy and regulatory implications from 2015 onwards. We observe, in particular, a semantic shift from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to crops. The article contributes to debates about the boundaries of science by shedding light on the temporal dynamics of boundary‐work and by showing how the frames of scientific debates can shift to account for the political aspects of science. We conclude that the dialogue between the natural and social sciences can be strengthened by showing that apart from scientometric approaches, there are other methods to analyze “what counts” in science.

Advancements in the research of combining MRI and CRISPR technology for the treatment of breast cancer

Cancer remains a significant contributor to global mortality, posing a considerable public health challenge. Among the various types of cancer, breast cancer stands out as one of the most prevalent among women worldwide. Ongoing efforts are dedicated to the development of innovative treatments with minimal side effects. A groundbreaking genome technique for editing, CRISPR-associated protein-9 (Cas9), also known as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR), has become an effective instrument for genetic modification. This technology has revolutionized genome editing across diverse biological fields, including its applications in genome therapy and tumor research. With ongoing advancements in sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has gained increasing recognition for the detection of breast cancer. MRIs capability to produce high-resolution images plays a pivotal role in aiding healthcare professionals in precise localization of breast masses, tumors, and other abnormalities. Additionally, it facilitates the assessment of parameters like tumor size, extent, and lymph node involvement, contributing to the formulation of more accurate treatment strategies. Here is a review summary of the combined utilization of MRI and CRISPR technology in breast cancer treatment. It explores the synergy between these two technologies, discussing their advantages and disadvantages and their potential to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes.

47 Navigating the Biotechnology Landscape in Animal Agriculture: Consumer and Producer Acceptance of Gene Editing to Improve Farm Animal Welfare

Abstract Consumer demand for production process traits in food and agricultural products is rapidly increasing. Recent legal measures reflect the demand for high animal welfare standards. At the same time, consumers are wary of biotechnology applications in food and agriculture, with calls for natural or organic production across the industry. However, when biotechnologies are applied for the benefit of the consumer or address a consumer concern, they become more acceptable. Producers, however, may be hesitant to adopt biotechnologies, given concerns about market acceptance. This presentation will explore the economic foundations, challenges, and opportunities for consumer and producer acceptance of biotechnology applications in animal welfare, especially gene editing techniques. Using the pork and diary industries as case studies, this talk will discuss the emerging opportunities for future improvements through gene editing. Understanding the economic foundations of biotechnology used to improve animal welfare aids agricultural producers, scientists, and policymakers to make optimal decisions regarding how these important aspects of animal agriculture progress.