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A genetically modified organism (GMO) or genetically engineered organism (GEO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. These techniques are generally known as recombinant DNA technology. With recombinant DNA technology, DNA molecules from different sources are combined in vitro into one molecule to create a new gene. This DNA is then transferred into an organism and causes the expression of modified or novel traits.

Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods produced from GMO that have had their DNA altered through genetic engineering. GM foods were first put on the market in the early 1990s. The most common modified foods are derived from plants: soybean, corn, canola cotton seed oil and wheat.


2008-11-04

Regionalization of Biotech Investments the Only Hope for Africa  

Should Africa

biotechnology regionalization investment? This is one of the key issues in a draft report on the future of biotechnology in Africa, by a panel of eminent African scientists and policy makers.

The panel, set by the African Union and New Partnership for Africa? S Development (NEPAD), has? Biotechnology proposed an important mission for all of Africa? S regions where such investments have the greatest potential for promoting development and promoting excellence. The jury would like genetic engineering projects are in areas where they can benefit the public most.

This proposal provides, for example, the concentration of HIV /AIDS-related biotechnology research in sub-Saharan Africa, where infections remain astronomically high.

The proposal has, however, controversy? an unnecessary one? to the extent that some countries are considering torpedoing it. These countries fear that starved the biotechnology research funds, because if the proposal is implemented, they argue, attention will focus on mutually agreed Centers of Excellence.

Such fears are misplaced and selfish, to say the least. For the biotechnology research to benefit Africa, it is competence, in which scientists from around the continent will jointly conduct research that the benefits for the African situation.

The proposal? S critics are reading nonsense, where there is none. They are construing Regionalization means zoning. I would not be surprised that they are the same people, the nose up the drive to assimilate genetically modified crops in Africa in the areas of agriculture.

Cross-border partnership in biotechnology is vital if success is achieved in this area. Prof. Calestous Juma, the chair of this panel biotechnology, has made it very clear that the proposal? S sole mission is to cluster biotechnology investments in areas where return on investment (ROI) is high. This biotechnology investments are also on meeting immediate and /or long-term needs of the regions where they are? Ll be found.

The proposal is clear that countries can not be denied opportunities to indulge in their own biotechnology investment. ? [The proposals are] not say that we shouldn? T money in crops in southern Africa. It's just say that, by the way we are, HIV /AIDS is a crucial issue in this region, so that it can be taken as a key area of investment for biotech? Aggrey explained Ambali, coordinator of the NEPAD initiative, African biosciences.

All scholars of the business or goodwill, are better advised to support this proposal. Biotechnology in connection with centers stand to accelerate the integration of genetically modified crops and other biotech products in Africa? S economy. Africa will be in a position to their own genetically modified food to feed the growing population.

As it stands, the biotechnological research in Africa is uncoordinated. We have briefcase biotechnology experts, the only good writing proposals for projects that are never completed. It? Sa case of one hand not knowing what the other is doing. This is regrettable.

time has come for Africa to change its attitude towards biotechnology. The first step is to support the proposed regionalization of the biotechnology investments. Once this is done, Africa? S of the agriculture and health care, will realize tremendous growth.

 

James uses his communication expertise to create awareness about GM food. To read more about him, go to http://www.gmoafrica.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Wachai

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