Science Media Centre

American research has shown that genetically modified canola plants grow outside of defined cultivation areas and that the plant’s modified genetic traits persist in wild. However, experts note that this is not new and that GM plants have been well documented in the wild previously. The study, published today by the online journal PLoS ONE, [...]

The Rotarua Daily Post has introduced a monthy column from the CEO of Scion, Dr Warren Parker. In his inaugural column, Dr Parker examines the issue of genetic modification in an careful light, acknowledging the  benefits but also highlighting the need to “proceed with caution”. An excerpt (read in full here): FORESTRY RESEARCH INSIGHT by [...]

The Dominion Post’s Jon Morgan interviews visiting genetic modification expert Professor Pamela Ronald. An excerpt: (read in full here) “Professor Ronald, a specialist in genetically engineering rice, says it doesn’t make sense that mutation breeding is allowed in New Zealand and GE is not. She raises her hand to eye level. “‘The National Academy of [...]

RadioLive EnviroNews: Graeme Hill interviews Janine Duckworth, Landcare Research’s pest control specialist, on a new vaccine that might control the possum population in New Zealand. The vaccine, rather than killing possums, aims to cause infertility – leading to an eventual decline in numbers. You can listen to the full interview here

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 [...]

Chris Barton writes in the NZ Herald about the vigorous debate over the use of genetic modification (GM) in the country, presenting the arguments of both sides. Pro-GM campaigners say that such research is necessary for the development of therapies and treatments for a number of diseases, and that using animals to produce some of [...]

Eloise Gibson writes in the New Zealand Herald that the PM’s chief science advisor Professor Sir Peter Gluckman’s UK counterpart, Professor John Beddington, has suggested that New Zealand reevaluate its position on GM. Saying that to classify GM either ‘good’ or ‘bad’ is not the right approach, he said it had a powerful role to [...]

Chris Gardner of the Waikato Times reports that AgResearch’s chief executive has said that scientists are morally obliged to use GM techniques to solve the world’s upcoming food crisis. Dr Andy West has said that New Zealand is able to support 17 million people in terms of its current product mix, and that he feels [...]