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Plant researchers say genome editing is not GMO

Currently, genome editing has mostly been earmarked for medical applications, but its use in plant breeding could potentially be very promising. However, there is the controversial question of whether plants that have been subject to genome editing will fall under the GMO bracket. According to international scientists, among them Detlef Weigel of the German Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology in Tübingen, this won’t be the case.

Farming in space: Scientists develop multi-storey greenhouses

The sky farm, or vertical farming, will not only provide the town’s residents with fresh vegetables, the scientists are also developing greenhouses for astronauts in space. As part of their research to build the greenhouses, engineers from DLR have already grown dozens of lettuces under a pink light in a sterilized laboratory. The greenhouses contain combined life-support systems and do not require soil, but hang in the air whilst their roots are constantly sprayed with a solution containing nutrients.

Brain AG sets share price at 9 euros per share

The subscription period for the bioeconomy specialists’ shares ended on 3 February. It is expected that the shares will be admitted to trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange on 5 February, with the first listing scheduled for 9 February. Based on the final offer price of 9 euros per share, the company has announced that from the 32.5 million euros raised, it will receive gross proceeds of 31.5 million euros. Now with Brain AG’s IPO, the number of German listed biotech companies in Frankfurt will increase to 16.

Growing stem cells on algae gel from Chile

Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT Biomedical from the town of Sulzbach have discovered that alginate appears to be the ideal breeding ground for the propagation of pluripotent stem cells. The two types of algae are known as Lessonia trabeculata and Lessonia nigrescens and grow on Chile’s coasts. For the drug tests of the future, the pharma industry and medical research needs large quantities of pluripotent stem cells.

Water fern inspired nanofur to clean up oil spills

An oil slick measuring 10,000 square metres endangered marine animals, sea birds and costal inhabitants. Until now, oil spills have been cleaned up by burning the oil, or using dispersion materials, which decompose the oil with the use of chemicals. These methods have been controversial for a long time because they equally pollute the environment. According to environmental scientists, the dispersant chemicals used can cause genetic mutation and cancer, adding to the toxicity of the spill. 

India

It is estimated that the country's energy needs will be fivefold within the next 25 years. By 2025, the government plans for biodiesel to cover 20% of the energy sector’s demand. It is to be obtained mainly from agricultural and forestry waste products. In its "National Biodiesel Mission", the country also identified the jatropha plant as a beacon of hope. However, the expectations that were given to this plant as a supplier of biodiesel have not yet been met. In addition to biofuels, there are many opportunities for innovation in the food sector.

Argentina

For an essentially agricultural country with extensive natural resources, the conversion of the economy to renewable raw materials offers unimagined opportunities. The Argentine government recognises this. In 2012 and 2013, it intensified its efforts to put the issue of bioeconomy on the agenda. One building block is the National Plan "Argentina Innovadora 2020", which defined agricultural, environmental and sustainable development as strategic sectors. For example, four biorefinery pilot plants are to be built.

Estonia

This has been initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture. The Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Environment are also involved.According to our estimates, the bio-based economy accounts for about a third of Estonia’s total economy.

Lithuania

Biotechnology is still important for the economy and therefore receives sustained government support. Lithuania does not have a bioeconomy strategy. Included among the relevant political strategies from 2007 to 2013 was a program for industrial biotechnology. The "Smart Specialization Program" launched in 2014 also focuses on biotechnology and will be part of the government's current policy of innovation until 2020. The focus is on innovations in agriculture and food technologies.

Belgium

A national bioeconomy strategy has not been available to date.

In Flanders, facilities for modern plant breeding as well as high-tech industrial locations ensure high potential for innovations. In 2014, the Flemish Government presented the strategy “Bioeconomy in Flanders”. Additionally, there are other relevant initiatives on "sustainable chemistry" or the 2012 "Flemish Materials Program".

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