unspecific

Millions in funding for plant genome

The process of breeding new plants is expensive and requires a lot of time and resources - because the genomes have to be carefully adapted for each individual species. This limits genetic improvements. The SyncSol research project at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology (MPI MP) aims to develop a universal chloroplast genome that will increase efficiency and diversity in plant breeding. It has now received £9.1 million (approx. 11 million euros) in funding from the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA).

Thailand

In 2012, a new framework program, the "Biotechnology Development Policy Framework", was published to cover plans for the coming decade. It aims to strengthen the role of biotechnology in the energy, food, agriculture and health sectors. The National Science Technology and Innovation Policy Office and the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology are responsible for the strategy. The Kingdom sees great potential in the promotion of bioplastics ("National BioPlastics Roadmap") and bioenergy ("Alternative Energy and Development Plan").

Brazil

The production and consumption of sugar cane alcohol has dominated for decades. The bioethanol industry has become the second largest producer in the world. In addition to biofuels, cane sugar and soya are other important export goods. The use of genetically modified crops is widespread: Brazilian fields account for one-fifth of the global GM cultivation area. Future potential lies in bio-based chemicals production. The timber industry is considered an additional growth market.

South Africa

Thus in 2008, the 10-year development plan (TYIP, 2008-2018) already recognised "strengthening of the country’s bioeconomy" as one of five "big challenges". However, the government did not present its bioeconomy strategy until 2013. In this context, the Ministry of Science and Technology identifies three key sectors: the health sector, agriculture and industry in general. In particular, the strategy is intended to provide a key impetus for the agricultural sector and the bioindustry, especially with regard to global competitiveness.

LIFE programme seeks bioeconomy innovations

With LIFE (L'Instrument Financier pour l'Environnement), the European Union launched a programme in 1992 to promote innovation in environmental, nature and climate protection. Since then, more than 6,000 projects have received financial support across the EU, including projects in the bioeconomy sector. The starting signal for this year's funding round for the current LIFE period, which began in 2021 and runs until 2027, was given at the end of April.

GET (2025): Microplastic increase in the sea is underestimated

According to the study, the amount of plastics entering the sea each year could peak at 23 million tonnes in 2045. The concentration of microplastics would also increase significantly. The research team's calculations are based on an OECD study from 2022, but provide significantly higher values because the team used measurements and estimates of the amount of plastic in the oceans, while the OECD derived its values from population density and waste generation.

Bio-based coatings for ships

The hull area of large container ships can be over 30,000 square meters, on which a variety of organisms such as algae, mussels and barnacles settle. On the one hand, this increases the flow resistance and therefore fuel consumption, and on the other hand, sensitive marine ecosystems are endangered by introduced species.

Subscribe to unspecific