Patient receives GM pig heart in transplant procedure

For the first time, a heart from a genetically modified pig was successfully transplanted into a human. This “watershed event” could change the way medicine handles organ failure. David Bennett Sr., a 57-year-old man whose advanced heart disease disqualified him from receiving a human donor heart, underwent the operation on New Year’s Eve at the […]

China plans overhaul of seed rules to pave way for GM corn approval

In a significant “turnaround,” the Chinese government is overhauling regulations in the seed industry to clear a path for commercial growing of genetically modified corn. The planned revamp, fortified by the Communist Party’s goal to develop a modern seed industry, was announced in December. The revisions mean that several recently approved GM traits could be […]

RIP Arpad Pusztai: Scientist who discovered toxic effects from GMO potatoes

A meticulous scientist who woke up the world to the dangers of GM foods The eminent scientist Dr. Arpad Pusztai passed away last December. As the lead author of the landmark 1999 study that found that genetically modified insecticidal potatoes had toxic effects on rats, Arpad woke up the world to the fact that some GM crops […]

Fashion industry adopts regenerative agriculture

Despite clothing fabrics touting “organic” or “sustainable” labels to lure ethically minded customers, many of the environmental claims are not accurate. Changing Markets Foundation revealed that over half the claims from leading retailers like Zara, H&M, and Uniqlo were “unsubstantiated.” Levi’s and Reformation also fell short. A newer trend targets how fabrics are grown, prioritizing […]

Organic soybeans remain a hot topic in early 2022 prompting interest in alternatives

With continually rising organic soybean prices remaining a key point of market concern, the question for many becomes which alternative source of organic protein makes the most sense in the current market? This month we explore supply, pricing, and potential substitutes for organic proteins in the Mercaris Monthly Market Update. Soybeans remain a primary source […]