This paper develops a model of differentiated consumers to examine the consumption effects of genetic modification (GM) under alternative labeling regimes and segregation enforcement scenarios. Analytical results show that if consumers perceive GM products as being different than their traditional counterparts, genetic modification affects consumer welfare and, thus, consumption decisions. When...

We suggest modifying the human genome in order to aid in the treatment of disease. The modifications enable targeted treatment of all cells descended from a given cell, by providing each cell with a “cell pedigree label” (CPL). We specifically consider the treatment of cancer.

In order to promote healthful nutrition, insight is needed into the determinants of nutrition behaviours. Behavioural determinant research and behavioural nutrition interventions have focused mostly on individual-level motivational factors. It has been argued that the individual's socio-cultural and physical environments may be the main determinants of nutrition behaviours. However, the theoret...

Renowned experts convened in Chicago, Illinois on June 8, 2016 to assess the clinical applicability of malnutrition biomarkers based on emerging research. Abbott Nutrition Research & Development and the Abbott Nutrition Health Institute (ANHI) hosted the scientific roundtable. Discussion targeted strengths and limitations of nutrition screening and assessment tools in different clinical practic...

Amino-terminal acetylation is a ubiquitous protein modification affecting the majority of eukaryote proteins to regulate stability and function. We describe an optimised recombinant expression system for rapid production of amino terminal-acetylated proteins within bacteria. We go on to describe the system's use in a fluorescence based in vivo assay for use in the high-throughput screen to iden...

Although more than 100 types of RNA modification have been described thus far, most of them were thought to be rare in mRNAs and in regulatory noncoding RNAs. Recent developments have unveiled that at least some of the modifications are considerably abundant and widely conserved. This Minireview summarizes the molecular machineries and biological functions of methylation (N6-methyladenosine, m(...

Biodiversity research shows that diverse plant communities are more stable and productive than monocultures. Similarly, populations in which genotypes with different pathogen resistance are mixed may have lower pathogen levels and thus higher productivity than genetically uniform populations. We used genetically modified (GM) wheat as a model system to test this prediction, because it allowed u...

Agricultural biotechnology, especially genetic engineering or genetic modification (GM), is a topic of considerable controversy worldwide. The public debate is fraught with polarized views and opinions, some are held with religious zeal. Unfortunately, it is also marked with much ignorance and misinformation. Here we explore some popular misconceptions encountered in the public debate.

Significant progress is being made in defining the genetic etiology of schizophrenia. As the list of implicated genes grows, parallel developments in gene editing technology provide new methods to investigate gene function in model systems. The confluence of these two research fields--gene discovery and functional biology--may offer novel insights into schizophrenia etiology. We review recent a...

In the absence of effective pharmacotherapy for diabetes there has been an increase in the use of, and research into, alternative treatment strategies. These include exercise, dietary interventions and the use of supplements including extracts of ginseng. Two separate, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over studies investigating the effects of chronic ingestion of Panax ginseng (study 1 u...