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MIT Scientists Create GMO Biofuel

Editorial Posted On February 17, 2022

A team of researchers from MIT have managed to find a solution for the production of genetically modified biofuel which can be mass distributed in the future, lowering the cost of the biofuel available in the market today. The process of deriving biofuels from plants and bio waste can be lengthy and the fermentation is often tainted by unwanted microbes if not done in completely sterile and secure environment. What makes this discovery so astonishing is the fact that they have managed to grow modified microorganisms and generate biofuel from them quickly and efficiently. Therefore, this method of production vastly lowers the environmental issues involved in the current production of biofuel.

The MIT research team is supported by Novogy, which is a startup company that will take over the patent once the formula is perfected and the product passes the final tests. The scientists managed to create genetically modified microbes that use phosphorus and nitrogen, both essential for the production of biofuel. They are the foundation of this sort of fuel and are crucial for the final product porno.

Biofuel and the benefits

The typical way of creating biofuel includes fermentation and a lot of outside factors that take a lot of time. Therefore, biofuel is very expensive and the majority of population cannot afford it right now. However, this new method of generating biofuel by using genetically modified microorganisms will lower both the price of production and the final product.

The team of researchers at MIT created special strains of microorganisms that are capable of using nitrogen and phosphorous from various sources, such as genetically modified Escherichia coli bacteria that uses melamine in order to produce high levels of nitrogen within itself. They also created Yarrowia lipolytica, a strain of yeast capable of using potassium phosphate to generate phosphorus, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae that has the ability to get nitrogen by breaking down cyanimide into urea. All of these microorganisms are found in nature but their abilities to absorb the chemicals from other sources cannot even come close to these strains created at MIT’s laboratories.

Biofuel is important because it does not emit greenhouse gasses like fossil fuel. Using it regularly would make a huge difference in saving the environment and reducing the pollution. Biofuel is derived from plants and agricultural waste and that process can get a bit costly for the manufacturers. The results are not always satisfactory due to the possible microbes that might invade the process of fermentation. By genetically modifying the strains, scientists are making them more resistant to the microbes and therefore securing the positive outcome.

Novology who is behind this project hopes to make a difference in fuel production and once they test out the process and the efficiency of the genetically modifies biofuel, they plan to license the patent and pass it out to bigger fuel companies who have the ability to mass produce this fuel. It would revolutionize the production and the availability of biofuels to the public, as well as prove the critics how useful genetic engineering can be for improving our daily lives.

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News

Healthier GM Potato Hits the Shelves

Editorial Posted On February 13, 2022

Simplot, a large food company from Idaho announced that they will begin with mass production of healthier genetically modified potato that is resistant to bruising. They spent more than a decade developing and perfecting this new sort of potato that will reduce the food waste and carry more healthy fats which might be appealing to the health conscious people who are interested in getting the right micro nutrients from their meals.

Besides the obvious changes in the appearance of the genetically modified potatoes who are bruise resistant, Simplot also developed a non-browning apple. They managed to do so by applying the so-called gene silencing technology that is a new way of genetically modifying various fruits and vegetables. The scientists extract certain genes from already cultivated products and they put them in the fruits or vegetables they are trying to improve. The extracted genes mute the ones that are already existing in a said product and modify the genetic sequence that is the cause of bruising, browning, etc.

Gene silencing is not a standard way of modifying the fruits and vegetables because no foreign genes are introduced, so this might be one of the new methods of biotechnology that will bring changes to the production in the future. Plus, gene silencing will activate numerous other processes in a crop that was treated with this method.

So what makes this potato healthier than the others? The gene silencing method modifies the acrylamide production in the said plant as well. Acrylamide is released during frying and it adds unnecessary carbohydrates to a potato. As you already know, excessive consumption of carbohydrates can lead to obesity and that is one of the main causes of health problems in the United States. As a matter of fact, numerous foods release larger quantities of carbohydrates during cooking, frying, or deep frying xxx.

Another concern is that a couple of unofficial studies have shown that acrylamide can be cancerous. Even though there is no concrete proof and further investigation should be done in order to determine the validity of these findings, numerous people started avoiding potatoes due to the fact that it produces this chemical when it is deep fried. However, Simplot’s potatoes are completely safe since it has very low amounts of acrylamide even after it has been cooked at very high temperatures.

On the other hand, we know for sure that acrylamide is a neurotoxin and that it is not harmful in low doses. It is released during frying but it cannot leave any permanent damage to human health even if you work in a restaurant and you are exposed to it on a daily basis. So if you still have any concerns about this chemical, using Simplot’s potato in your diet might be the way to go.

Simplot really did their best to develop this sort of potato and their efforts have been met with fairly positive feedback from the scientific community. However, it might not be as successful with the consumers because people are still concerned about the genetically modified foods and have reservations about buying the products that are being marketed as altered fruits and vegetables.

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Research / Scientific debate

Tomato Research Made Easier For Scientists

Editorial Posted On February 10, 2022

Tomatoes are one of the most commonly used plants in the process of genetic modification and experimentation. Researchers have been altering them for decades because they have a clear genetic structure so it comes as no surprise that a large number of scientific breakthroughs were made with this plant. However, scientists working at Boyce Thompson Institute managed to speed up the process of gene modification on tomatoes by exactly six weeks, which will make them even more popular for testing.

So how did they manage to do so? Researchers simply stumbled on this discovery while trying to make tomato plants more fertile. The team that was working on this project tried introducing DNA to a tomato in order to create a brand new plant. Auxin which is a hormone that speeds up the growth changed things up and it was responsible for the faster development of this plant. Therefore, the entire process of genetic modification was quicker as well.

Usually, the undertaking lasts for seventeen weeks. The scientists introduce new DNA to the tomato seed by inserting Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The modified cells directly influence the regeneration medium that is in charge of nutrients which are needed for a healthy development of a brand new plant xnxx. The modified plant is kept away from the soil for some time in order to grow roots. They are planted as soon as they are ready.

The new method shortens the length of the rooting process, completing the whole procedure in just eleven weeks. So why is this new approach useful for the researchers? Having in mind that tomato is frequently used for genetic modification, scientists will be able to closely monitor the growth of the plant and observe the changes that happen on both inside and the outside. Additionally, it will reduce the costs of the experiments, save time, and allow them to work on several projects at once.

Also, researchers will be able to test various other modifications and apply them to numerous plants that can solve various global problems, including the widespread of hunger and poverty in the third world countries. We are all aware of the issues that people in those countries face on a daily basis, and having a better understanding of the food production can revolutionize the agriculture all over the globe. There will be no need for financial aid from the developed countries once the steady production begins.

Understanding the DNA of a certain crop is the major step forward in creating crops that can survive harsh environment, and tomatoes are one of the best plants to use for analysis. Speeding up the development process will let scientists have more finances to fund other projects that might upgrade and enhance the food production in the future and ultimately provide us with a complete understanding of the GMO and the way they work. This finding will surely speed up the research that is currently underway at Boyce Thompson Institute and we can expect great things from the scientists that are working there.

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Research

The Astonishing Results of Bt Eggplants Research

Editorial Posted On February 7, 2022

Scientists from the University of the Philippines Los Baños joined their forces with a research team working at the Cornell University in order to investigate the effects of Bt eggplants on the surrounding species that are not the primary target of this insecticide. The research itself lasted for three planting seasons and it monitored the surrounding biosphere of both Bt eggplants and non-Bt eggplants. The results proved that species which are not targeted by Bt were not affected in any way.

The study was published a couple of weeks ago and it confirmed the previous findings. Similar researches were done with cotton and corn, and they also indicated that there was no interaction with the non-targeted species. However, these studies did not cover the entire three seasons. The results from Philippines explored the long term influence of this insecticide on the surrounding nature. Bt has been around since 1990s but for some reason it wasn’t a common subject in scientific studies of video porno.

What is Bt?

Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) is a microorganism commonly used for protecting crops from various pests and insects. It can be introduced either to soil or to a crop itself. It was the first human-made insecticide that was approved for general use in the United States. Bt became very popular among farmers all around the world in the last two decades.

The positive effects of this finding

Dr. Anthony Shelton, a professor working at the Cornell University confirmed that these results will ensure both farmers and consumers that Bt eggplants are safe for environment, as well as for the customers. As a matter of fact, Bt eggplant will be very beneficial for the people living in Philippines because these plants are typically sprayed with toxic insecticides during the growing season. However, Bt eggplants do not require the same chemicals and they still remained resistant to the targeted pests.

Shoot borer pest is the most common troublemaker for farmers on Philippines and they use a variety of highly toxic insecticides in order to keep it away from their crops. Bt eggplant will completely change the way eggplants are cultivated in Philippines because there will be no need to spend additional funds for a wide range of pesticides. Integrated pest management is the future of agriculture because it will keep the surrounding ecosystem intact.

It is well known that pesticides can destroy the organisms that are essential for keeping the natural environment intact. These life forms help with the pollination of the crops, as well as with decomposition of different matters that keep the soil healthy and fertile. By removing these dangerous chemicals from the equation, you will get increased harvest productivity, as well as healthier crops.

Therefore, once they apply this technology to their fields, farmers will decrease the cost of the production which will lead to numerous consumer benefits. After all, they will be able to buy safer and healthier eggplants that cost less. The reduction of the standard pesticides will make the produce less hazardous for human health. It is really a win-win situation for both sides.

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Research

Genetically Modified Plants are Saving Us from Global Warming

Editorial Posted On August 7, 2018

Researchers working at the Purdue University decided to take a closer look at the effects of a global GMO ban and how it might influence the environment and the worldwide economy. Their findings were published in the Journal of Environmental Protection and it sparked a heated debate within the scientific community.

The benefits of cultivating GMO

Their study discovered that replacing GMO products with organic crops would increase the price of food on a global scale. This would eventually lead to an economic crisis and the poorer countries would sink even further. GMO crops are without a doubt more productive and cheaper than the organic fruits and vegetables. Therefore, third world countries can rely on GMO crops as a source of income. Taking this away from them would have a huge impact on the poverty-stricken areas.

Additionally, GMO crops are a huge part of reducing the greenhouse gas emissions. As a matter of fact, if the rest of the world followed the example set by the US farmers, the emission of greenhouse gas would be very low, and it would eventually lead to the expansion of forested areas. Therefore, banning GMO crops would certainly create the higher levels of pollution.

GMO crops are completely accepted in the United States and they were approved by all the major state agencies. Numerous researches did not show any negative effects GMO produce might have on the human health. Africa is slowly accepting GMO science because they need a reliable source of food. On the other hand, GMO is still a controversial topic in Europe and the genetically modified crops are banned in numerous countries.

The opposing sides

Environmentalists who are fighting to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions are also against GMO research. However, it is clear that planting GMO crops is doing wonders for eliminating the greenhouse effect which became a real threat a couple of decades ago. The team of researchers from the Purdue University took the data collected in 2011 and applied it to the theoretical model that featured the ban on GMO crops. They focused on the discontinuance of soybeans, corn, and cotton production.

The researchers discovered that the food prices would skyrocket which would lead to the economic profit for the countries that are large food manufacturers. However, poverty-stricken countries would suffer greatly. The countries that export produce would need more farmland and converting the wild pastures to fertile soil would be both costly and dangerous for the environment. This will lead to a spike up in the greenhouse gas emissions.

Wally Tyner, a professor of Agricultural Economics who was directly involved in this study says that he wasn’t surprised by the results. As a matter of fact, he points out that their findings should be the foundation of the global discussion about the benefits of GMO products. A large number of GMO opponents refuse to acknowledge the other side of the story and they are not even aware of the positive sides of the GMO research. So the results of this analysis might lead some people to change their minds about the negative effects of porno GMO crops.

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Analysis / Scientific debate

Brexit and GMO Farming in Great Britain

Editorial Posted On January 6, 2018

Genetically modified crops are strictly regulated in Europe. However, Brexit might bring a change to the old continent. Since Great Britain is leaving the European Union, there will be more opportunities for the local farmers to grow GMO products. GMO farming is beneficial for the climate, and it is significantly cheaper than the conventional or organic farming. Great Britain will take a huge leap forward in terms of domestic agriculture.

The response from the government

As soon as the Brexit occurred, the government started to discuss the future of the domestic agriculture. Since trading with the European Union might be a bit difficult in the future, the focus should be on growing their own products and distributing it locally. George Eustice, the Minister of Agriculture told the press that Brexit will certainly create more opportunities for loosening up the GMO regulations and modifying the existing laws which are prohibiting the mass production of genetically modified crops. However, the government will be examining the results from various scientific researches and change the law accordingly.

The possible risk?

Even though European Union did allow genetically modified maize to be cultivated within its borders, farmers seemed to remain indecisive. Yes, there are plenty of controversies revolving around genetically modified organisms, but there are so many studies out there which prove that they are not dangerous for either humans or animals.

Additionally, growing genetically modified crops will increase the profits and yield more products. Plus, it is saving the environment because the usage of pesticides is reduced. The opposition in GB claims that growing genetically modified crops next to organic farms will have a negative impact on the organic produce.

Peter Melchett who works for Soil Association opposes genetically modified crops and states that contamination is very possible, which might lead to low quality organic foods that will be filled with various chemicals brought over there by insects and other animals. Once it happens, local farmers will be at loss. Plus, the organic food would be imported from the mainland Europe.

USDA did conduct a couple of researches that dealt directly with cross contamination and discovered that the interaction between GMO and organic farms is pretty small. Surely, it is hard to control the process of porno gratis pollination, but the scientists couldn’t find any direct signs of GMO contamination on the organic fruits and vegetables. Therefore, GMO and organic fields can safely exist side by side.

The future of farming in Great Britain

The Ministry of Agriculture is still very open to suggestions and they look forward to discussing all the possibilities that might be beneficial to both farmers and consumers. The fact that they will not be a part of European Union certainly does open various doors for genetically modified crops. Great Britain might become the first European country that fully accepted and legitimized the GMO products. Surely, the government will be working closely with the scientists and researchers who will provide them with enough information in order to make the right choice. All in all, this can spark the discussion all over the continent and we might even see a change of hearts in Europe.

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News

Trial Run: The Success of Bt Corn in Kenya

Editorial Posted On December 18, 2017

Corn is one of the staple products in Africa. It gained popularity due to the fact it can be cultivated everywhere and in every possible temperature. Surely, the conditions in Africa are difficult and droughts are common but there are other issues that are causing a lot of trouble for the local farmers.

A couple of species of stem borers are known for attacking corn that is cultivated in Africa. This is a huge problem because thousands and thousands of people are relying on these plants as the source of food. Luckily, Bt corn did show great results in standing up to these pests and managing to thrive perfectly.

The research

A study that examined three harvest seasons in Kenya was released this month in the journal called Crop Protection. The scientists analyzed the produce to the smallest details, measuring both the number of successful crops, as well as the damage that was made by stem borers. This research included eighteen different sorts of crops and they were put to test at Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization. The examined corn ranged from the high-quality GMO hybrids, to local corn species that were not treated with Bt.

So over the course of three planting seasons, scientists measured the damage that was done to all planted crops as well as the general productivity. It was clear that the first planting season was an overall success with all crop variations. However, the number of healthy products did reduce in the second and third season. It was also evident that Bt corn hybrids yielded more produce than any other planted crop. Mon810 hybrids came in second place, while the non GMO corn gave the least amount of usable corn.

Bt and Mon810 corn hybrids performed really well against pests and they were able to keep all species of stem borers away. Since Bt corn is resistant to these pests “from the inside”, there is no need for farmers to spend their funds on various chemicals in order to treat the outside of their crops. Therefore, Bt corn has a huge impact on the economy, and it can be an excellent source of affordable food to the entire region.

Conclusion

Even though GMO seeds are not widespread in Africa, it is clear that the countries that have implemented the new technology into their agriculture are generally more successful. South Africa is the leading force in producing GMO corn and the surrounding countries are following the same path. Since Bt corn seems to thrive in harsh African weather and the crop is resistant to pests, it is clear that this plant might be the future of farming on this continent.

Everyone would benefit from planting and producing Bt corn, but most importantly – a large number of people would stop worrying about their next meal. Famine is a real problem in Africa and since technology did come a long way, this is a step forward in helping those in need. Bt corn did pass the tests and now we can only hope that it will be accepted by the government in Kenya.

Source: Breaking.com.mx

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Scientific debate

The Contrast between All-Electric and Hybrid Plug-in Cars

Editorial Posted On July 5, 2017

First and foremost, let’s understand the basic differences between an all-electric vehicle and a plug-in hybrid. EVs run fully on electric, meaning they don’t use any gasoline. The Ford Focus Electric, the Nissan Leaf and the Tesla Model S, and others are among the popular examples of electric vehicles. There’s no backup engine in electric vehicles because they use electric power alone. Since they don’t have to make space for the gasoline engine, electric vehicles usually have more room for batteries which tells us that EVs offer a longer electric-only range than plug-in hybrids. While on the other hand, as their name suggests, plug-in hybrid cars are exactly that- hybrid cars that can be plugged in. the Cadillac ELR, the Chevrolet Volt and the Toyota Prius Plug-In are the popular ones. Two different powertrains are essentially used by plug-in cars, both can drive the wheels- the drivers go a certain limited distance (often between 30 and 40 miles), on the electric motor and there’s a normal gasoline engine that kicks in once the electric motor is depleted.

Several advantages are offered by electric vehicles over plug-in hybrids. What makes the electric vehicle attractive mainly is that they benefit the environment more than plug-in hybrids, since they don’t use any fuel at all, especially to customers looking to minimize their carbon footprint as much as possible. In addition to that electric vehicles help drivers save more money than plug-in hybrids do, since they don’t use any fuel. Since EVs also offer a longer electric-only range than plug-in hybrids, and drivers who want to cruise for as long as possible without using a drop of fuel will be better served with an EV than a plug-in. Plug-in hybrids too offer some advantages. In comparison to EVs, the primary advantage is range. An EV travels as far as its batteries allow. While plug-in hybrids use gasoline engines in addition to their electric powertrains, and as a result of which is the plug-in drivers get the best of both worlds: electric-vehicle efficiency around town and traditional car range for longer trips.

There are some drawbacks to EVs, obviously. The limited range is by far the largest disadvantage of the EVs. Most electric vehicles are limited to 60 to 70 miles of total range, while the plug-ins can usually travel 30 or 40 miles on fully electric power and an extra 200 to 300 miles on gasoline, which implies that drivers with a long commute, or those who routinely travel more than 60 to 70 miles without overnight stops, would be wise to consider a plug-in hybrid instead of an EV. The only exception is the Tesla Model S, which can travel well over 150 miles between charges, but it still doesn’t have the range of most plug-in hybrids, or the ability to refuel as quickly. For plug-in hybrids, the biggest drawback is variety. The range to choose from is very small, not many models to choose from, as most automakers have instead chosen to offer fully electric vehicles instead. The reason largely is that drivers interested in an electric vehicle tend to want the full experience, using no fuel and benefiting the environment as much as possible. As a matter of fact, today’s crop of plug-in hybrids is limited to just a few models (the Chevrolet Volt and Toyota Prius Plug-In are the most popular) compared to a larger offering for EVs.

Both plug-in hybrids and EVs will be beneficial if the main purpose for buying a new car with a fuel-efficient focus is gas-pump savings and tax rebates. In spite of the fact that plug-in hybrids still need to be filled with gas occasionally, fuel costs are still much lower than traditional cars. Federal income tax rebates apply to both plug-in hybrids and EVs, as do most state tax credits most importantly. Both plug-in hybrids and EVs are allowed to be used even in states that use alternative-fuel carpool. Alternative put, one will not and cannot go wrong when choosing an EV or a plug-in cancer hybrid; you’ll just have to choose the one that works best for your situation.

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News / Research

The Future of Medicine: CRISPR Technology vs HIV Virus

Editorial Posted On January 23, 2017

HIV virus has been a global problem for decades now, and even though scientists did make progress in battling this illness, these is no definite solution (so far). So it is surprising that the answer might lay in CRISPR technology, primarily developed for genetically modifying crops and plants. CRISPR gene editing method allows scientists to identify and locate the DNA sequence they want to modify and basically improve it by a copy/paste method. So the end result is an edited organism that does not contain any outside DNA.

CRISPR vs HIV

A team of scientists working at the Temple University located in Philadelphia decided to take a closer look at CRISPR/Cas 9 technology and find the way to use it in order to remove HIV-1 genome from human CD4+T cells. These cells are in charge of immune system. Their attempt was successful and HIV-1 genome disappeared completely from the infected cells. This finding might be a watershed moment in our history because HIV-1 is the main source of HIV infections.

Further analysis of the few treated individuals revealed that HIV-1 replication has slowed down and that their general health has improved. These astonishing results are a proof that immune system can repair itself and that CD4+T cells will not be damaged by this brand new treatment. As a matter of fact, the small number of patients who were involved in this study showed a huge progress in a very short period of time.

As we have previously mentioned, the host genome was not affected in any way after this treatment. Their DNA remained unchanged after the successful removal of HIV-1 from the immune cells. There are even indications that the treated cells are almost immune to a new HIV-1 infection, but this claim has to be explored furthermore. However, one thing is certain – the viral load of the treated patients decreased significantly. The research team from Temple University still have plenty of work ahead of them for sure.

The cure for HIV-1?

This trial was not large and it included only a handful of individuals that are infected with HIV-1 virus. It is certainly a huge step forward because this finding might lead us straight to the cure. Various drug therapies are available for the infected patients and they allow them to live a normal life for years to come. However, the virus is still present in their system and it might affect them in the long run if they are not careful. Any step away from the prescribed therapy might bring the virus back to the surface. So yes, once the virus gets into human system, there is no going back.

What makes CRISPR/Cas 9 technology so important is the fact that it can be used to target specific areas of a cell, and modify the parts that need repair. The fact that the technology developed for genetically modifying crops can be used to save thousands and thousands of lives and it might be the solution we have all been waiting for decades is very exciting. Temple University will continue their research and we are all excited to see the results.

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Research

First Drought Resistant Maize Successfully Planted in Tanzania

Editorial Posted On November 2, 2016

Many countries located in Africa grow maize due to the fact that it has high nutritional values and it can be planted almost everywhere. Unfortunately, due to frequent draughts, the maize crops often fail, leading farmers to huge losses and leaving thousands of people without the they desperately need. Water Efficient Maize for Africa project is about to change the future of crops in Africa by developing a drought resistant genetically modified maize sort that can survive in the toughest conditions imaginable.

The project plans

Hundreds of millions of people all around this continent are dependent on the maize so minimizing the losses was one of the major goals of the scientists working on this project. Funded by non-government organizations from all around the globe, Water Efficient Maize for Africa project wants to deliver their new sort of maize to all farmers who are trying to grow this crop in a challenging climate.

Even though this genetically modified maize has been tested and planted in smaller amounts all over central Africa, it arrived in Tanzania this October. A handful of farmers planted it on their fields and the aim is to reduce the cost of food by growing local crops that will be readily available to everyone living in the surrounding areas. The next step is reaching out to farmers in Mozambique to get them on board in the following months.

Water Efficient Maize for Africa project received positive feedback from numerous countries who are aware of the food problem that has been effecting Africa in the last couple of decades. Genetically modified crops might be the best way to fight the food shortage in these countries and we will see how this plan unfolds in the future.

Developing the seed

Even though scientists has been very supportive of this project from the beginning, not all countries are ready to accept the new technologies. The process of developing and modifying the drought resistant maize has been long. South Africa is a country that accepted genetically modified crops in the past so it comes as no surprise to find out they were the first country who decided to purchase large quantities of drought resistant maize.

Uganda did plenty of testing and successfully planted these crops but the laws of this country did not allow commercialization. Drought resistant maize is sold with the royalty free maize which makes it very useful, but it still wasn’t enough to convince the government to change their law regarding the genetically modified crops entering their country.

The international support

As we have previously mentioned, Water Efficient Maize for Africa project is supported by numerous non-government organizations such as Bill & Melinda Foundation and a couple of agencies from the United States. They are financing the research that will solve the food problem in Africa through developing biotechnology and they are hoping to receive a positive feedback from the African countries in the years to come.

It is important to mention that Water Efficient Maize for Africa project started in 2008 and they are still set on finding and developing various ways to genetically modify the maize seeds in order to make them stronger and more resistant to harsh African. Hopefully, their effort will be more accepted in the future.

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