Science Media Centre

David Fisher writes in the New Zealand Herald about a probe into last year’s GE breach at Plant and Food Research’s Lincoln lab. While no criminal charges have been laid, the probe found that there were a number of problems related to the handling of the GE seeds, including not using the proper equipment to [...]

The Sustainability Council of New Zealand released a report this week looking at what it describes as the “rising tide of consumer products containing nanomaterials” that haven’t yet had risk assessments. News reports this week drawing on information contained in the report look specifically at cosmetics on sale in New Zealand that contain nanoparticles that [...]

Ash means empty skies over Britain Thousands of travellers are feeling the effects of a large volcanic eruption in Iceland, with flights across Europe cancelled as ash floats across Britain and the continent. The impact on travel plans is illustrated well in this graphic that ran in The Guardian. Scientists meanwhile have been analysing every [...]

Eloise Gibson writes in the New Zealand Herald about the decision by Erma to allow scientists to create and work with genetically modified sheep, goats and cows. The research, to be conducted by AgResearch, will involve putting human genes into the animals in order to produce specific human proteins in their milk – it is [...]

The Environmental Risk Management Authority (Erma) has granted AgResearch approval to continue working with genetically modified cells and animals. The research, being conducted on goats, sheep and cattle, aims to develop specific proteins in milk which could be used to treat certain human diseases. An excerpt: (read in full here) “Erma said it considered the [...]

Eloise Gibson reports in the New Zealand Herald on a proposal to put human genes into livestock with the aim of creating a special type of milk. The application, by AgResearch, is currently under consideration by ERMA, and faces opposition from groups who believe the research is unethical. An excerpt: (read in full here) “AgResearch [...]

Kiran Chug reports in the Dominion Post that AgResearch may have to slaughter genetically modified cows if a current application to produce more of them is rejected. The application asks that AgResearch use transgenic cows to develop and produce a medicinal milk, but is facing opposition from some groups who say the research is unethical. [...]

Helen Murdoch of The Press reports on recent research showing that methyl bromide could have a damaging effect on DNA. The chemical, which is widely used in horticulture and to fumigate imports and log exports, is being reviewed by ERMA (the Environmental Risk Management Authority), who will determine whether it should continue to be used [...]

Media briefing on GMOs Media briefing from yesterday now available for playback online. Please dial 0800 449 994 and enter PIN code 136605# then press 1 to listen to the panel discussion and media Q&A. How do we know if genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are safe? Media are invited to hear from, and pose questions [...]

Genetic modification (GM) is the alteration of the genome of a plant or animal by the addition of new genetic material. It underlies the concept of transgenics, in which an organism is modified to incorporate new genes that lead to new characteristics, such as the production of proteins for human health, or the expression of [...]