Press Releases - Media / Presse- und Medienberichte

Peter Raven Dies at 89; Botanist Warned of Perils of Climate Change

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/29/science/earth/peter-raven-dead.html?unlocked_article_code=1.elA.sY49.nf7Y5mTpLg0z&smid=url-share

Genforschungs-Pionier Craig Venter ist tot

https://www.heise.de/news/Genforschungs-Pionier-Craig-Venter-ist-tot-11278015.html

https://www.ad-hoc-news.de/politik/er-war-ein-pionier-aber-auch-umstritten-craig-venter-entschluesselte-das/69262394

J. Craig Venter, genomics pioneer and founder of JCVI and Diploid Genomics, Inc., dies at 79

https://www.jcvi.org/media-center/j-craig-venter-genomics-pioneer-and-founder-jcvi-and-diploid-genomics-inc-dies-79

Testbiotech: A new dimension in plant genetic manipulation - ‘Hypermorphing’: small changes, big impact – high risk

https://www.testbiotech.org/en/news/a-new-dimension-in-plant-genetic-manipulation/

(see publication Groover)

China now holds 75% of gene-edited seed patents as Europe moves to loosen NGT rules

https://www.hortidaily.com/article/9832600/china-now-holds-75-of-gene-edited-seed-patents-as-europe-moves-to-loosen-ngt-rules/

Donnellon-May G.: China’s seed war for food security and supply chains

https://www.thinkchina.sg/economy/chinas-seed-war-food-security-and-supply-chains

Züchtung mittels Genschere sorgt weiter für Debatten

https://www.bauernzeitung.at/artikel/bundesteil/genschere-sorgt-fur-debatten

Hanoi setzt auf Biotechnologie für die Zukunft der Landwirtschaft.

https://www.vietnam.vn/de/ha-noi-dat-cuoc-vao-cong-nghe-sinh-hoc-cho-nong-nghiep-tuong-lai

POINT NEWSLETTER NR. 285 – APRIL 2026 Aktuelle Biotechnologie

https://www.scienceindustries.ch/_file/39555/point-2026-04-286-d.pdf

NZT Saatgut was ist das?

https://www.heuundhalle.de/p/nztsaatgut

Only some selected press releases or media reports are listed here. The daily up-date of the press releases and

media reports are ►here: April 18/2026 

Publications – Publikationen

Backing visionary entrepreneurs

The Law and Economics of Regulation of Engineered Living Materials in the EU: Prospects for Investments and Innovation

Expert report for the EIC Pathfinder Portfolio „Engineered Living Materials“

Prof. Dr. Kai Purnhagen, LL.M., M.J.I., University of Bayreuth

Prof. Dr. Justus Wesseler, Wageningen University and Research

Pdf-file below

Borniotto D., Courtois A.-M., Baret P.V. (2026): A critical review of EU agri-food policy impacts. Food Policy 141, 103090 |

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodpol.2026.103090

The European Union’s agri-food policies aim to balance productivity with environmental, social, and economic sustainability. However, their overall effectiveness remains debated due to fragmented evidence and inconsistent implementation. This study critically reviews the literature on the cumulative impacts of EU policies governing primary agricultural production, focusing on six sectors: the Common Agricultural Policy, genetically modified organisms, pesticide, fertilizers, fisheries, and animal health and welfare.

Using a two-step approach, we first mapped EU-level policies, retaining 38 policies that met predefined criteria (binding EU scope, production-related, impact-oriented, and active since 2000). We then conducted a qualitative synthesis of 97 peer-reviewed studies (from 1.359 retrieved), coding the environmental, social, and economic impacts reported in these studies.

Results reveal three systemic weaknesses limiting policy effectiveness across sectors: i) compliance gaps, where high implementation costs and limited enforcement create uneven outcomes across actors and Member States; ii) governance tensions, driven by subsidiarity ambiguities and fragmented decision-making; and iii) targeting deficiencies, where vague objectives reduce effectiveness and accountability. Environmentally, region-specific agri-environmental measures show localized benefits but fail to address systemic pressures like persistent nitrate pollution and delays in pesticide reassessments. Socially, advances in food safety and animal welfare coexist with exclusionary effects, notably the marginalization of small-scale fishers. Economically, compliance costs disproportionately burden smaller operators, while larger actors tend to leverage regulatory complexity and loopholes to their advantages.

To overcome these structural challenges, the EU must set clearer objectives aligned with long-term sustainability goals, streamline decision-making responsibilities across governance levels, and implement robust outcome-based monitoring to ensure adaptability and accountability.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306919226000576?via%3Dihub

Peer L.A. (2026): Viewpoint: The epigenetic set-point: metabolic and redox gating of developmental transitions in plants.

New Phytologist doi: 10.1111/nph.71184.

Plants survive fluctuating environments by converting transient stress signals into stable developmental decisions; however, the biophysical logic that filters environmental ‘noise’ from true ‘signals’ remains elusive. I propose the epigenetic set-point paradigm, in which chromatin acts as a biophysical integrator that couples metabolic and redox inputs to establish developmental thresholds. I delineate the molecular hardware, writers that nucleate chromatin states, readers that compact chromatin, and erasers that reset marks, which convert analog environmental cues into digital, bistable switches at master regulatory loci, such as FLOWERING LOCUS C and VERNALIZATION 1. I present a testable model showing how redox gating of histone erasers mediated by nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species and metabolic gating of chromatin writers mediated by Target of Rapamycin signalling and acetyl–CoA availability collectively modulate developmental transition probabilities. This integration generates a spectrum of memory stabilities, from the Digital Set-Point of vernalization to Metastable Set-Point underlying thermomemory and rare transgenerational inheritance. Finally, I translate this framework into an epibreeding roadmap, proposing the use of single-cell epigenomic approaches for predictive phenology and tunable epigenetic engineering to design crops with ‘rheostat-like’ resilience. Together, this synthesis positions the epigenetic set-point as a dynamic, programmable logic governing plant adaptation to climate change.

Lenton, T.M. (2026): Positive tipping points for nature. Nat Sustain | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-026-01803-0

A radical acceleration of change is needed to reach widely agreed nature-positive goals for 2030 and beyond. Triggering positive tipping points where strong amplifying feedback supports self-propelling nature-positive change can help achieve this acceleration. These include ecological, social–ecological and social tipping points that abruptly regenerate ecosystems and resources, spread nature-positive activities and reduce key drivers of nature loss. Together they have the potential to positively tip large-scale recovery of nature. Affecting key leverage points by facilitating online collective learning, properly valuing nature in economics and tipping worldviews to ecocentrism would further enable positive tipping points for nature.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-026-01803-0

Groover, E.D., Ding, D., Wang, F.Z. et al. (2026): Mapping cis-regulatory mutations at scale in sorghum enables modulation

of gene expression. Nat Biotechnol | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41587-026-03046-y

Precise modulation of gene expression through cis-regulatory editing holds promise for nontransgenic crop improvement. However, the sequence-to-function relationships that govern plant promoter activity remain poorly understood. Here we develop a massively parallel reporter assay in Sorghum bicolor to systematically measure the effects of >30,000 mutations spanning deletions, substitutions and motif insertions accessible through CRISPR editing across entire native promoters and 5′ untranslated regions of 3 photosynthesis genes: PsbS, Raf1 and SBPase. We find that gene expression is most tunable within a ~500-bp core promoter region. The mutational effects are reproducible across biological replicates and predictive of protein output. Within these regions, we identify compact deletions and motif insertions that strongly increase protein production (>30-fold relative to wild type), outperforming transgenic enhancer elements. Mutation–effect relationships are gene specific, highlighting the need for tailored regulatory maps. Our results establish a high-throughput strategy for cis-regulatory fine-mapping that may enable crop improvements through minimal, precise and nontransgenic gene edits.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-026-03046-y

Liu, B., Petti, A., Zhou, X. et al. (2026): Prime assembly with linear DNA donors enables large genomic insertions.

Nature | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-10460-4

Targeted insertion of large DNA fragments has promising applications for genome engineering and gene therapy^1,2. Twin prime-editing guide RNAs have enabled relatively large insertions, but the efficiency remains low for insertions greater than 400 base pairs^3,4,5,6. Here we describe a prime assembly (PA) approach for the insertion of large DNA donor fragments, of which the ends are designed to overlap with the flaps generated by twin prime editing (twinPE). We used PA to insert one or multiple overlapping DNA fragments, with total insertion sizes ranging from 0.1 kb to 11 kb. An inhibitor of non-homologous end joining enhanced both the efficiency and precision of insertions. PA relies on DNA templates that are easily produced, does not require co-delivery of exogenous DNA-dependent DNA polymerases and proceeds in non-cycling cells, suggesting independence from canonical homology-directed repair pathways. Our study demonstrates that PA can initiate Gibson-like assembly in cells to generate gene insertions without double-stranded DNA breaks, recombinases or homology-directed repair.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-026-10460-4

Smith J.L., Farhan Y., Wells J., Congdon C. et al. (2026): Sentinel monitoring for resistance to Bt toxins in European corn

borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in Canada. Journal of Economic Entomology, toag077, | https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toag077

Transgenic corn Zea mays (L.) producing Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal toxins (Bt corn) has successfully controlled the European corn borer Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), one of the most destructive corn pests in North America, for over 25 years. However, field-evolved resistance to Cry1Fa toxin was first documented in Nova Scotia, Canada, in 2018, with subsequent detections in Quebec and Manitoba. Before these discoveries, no resistance had been reported in O. nubilalis populations to Bt toxins, despite ongoing resistance monitoring mandated by regulatory agencies. Sentinel plots monitored in Canada during 2019 to 2023 reveal the first cases of resistance in O. nubilalis populations to Cry1Ab and Cry1A.105 toxins. Laboratory bioassays of field-derived populations corroborate these findings. This study serves as a case study demonstrating the value of sentinel plots for detecting field-evolved resistance and providing critical insights into regional resistance dynamics. Enhanced surveillance, particularly in regions with low Bt corn acreage, is essential to mitigate the spread of resistance and preserve Bt corn technology. This study underscores the need for robust and integrated monitoring frameworks to sustain the efficacy of Bt crops and prevent the resurgence of a historically significant corn pest.

https://academic.oup.com/jee/advance-article/doi/10.1093/jee/toag077/8661504

Tillería S.G., Presotto A., Pandolfo C., McAlvay A.C. et al. (2026): Unveiling the genetic diversity and ancestry of Brassica

rapa weeds in Argentina: evidence for local adaptation and feralization. AoB PLANTS, 18 (2), plag018 | https://doi.org/10.1093/aobpla/plag018

Feralization is an evolutionary process that can reverse domestication traits, giving rise to invasive or weedy plants. Brassica rapa is an example of extensive diversification, producing multiple domesticated crops, while its non-crop forms persist as weeds in disturbed habitats worldwide. In Argentina, the spread of this weed has increased since 2012, when populations resistant to glyphosate (transgenic) and to acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS)-inhibiting herbicides (non-transgenic) were first reported. Despite their spread across more than one million hectares with economic consequences, their origin and genetic diversity remain unknown. This study aims to evaluate the genetic diversity and population structure of Argentinian B. rapa accessions and try to infer the origin of herbicide-resistant populations. We analysed 56 Argentinian accessions and compared them with 568 accessions worldwide using genotyping-by-sequencing. A total of 15 790 SNPs were used to analyse genetic diversity, population structure, and phylogeny. Resistant and susceptible Argentinian accessions formed a genetically homogeneous group distinct from global populations. An exception was a population from southwestern Argentina, which clustered separately. The lowest genetic differentiation was observed with weedy strains from South and North America and with European turnips, suggesting a shared origin and local differentiation. The genetic similarity between resistant and susceptible accessions suggests that herbicide resistance may have emerged via local gene flow from transgenic Brassica napus cultivated informally in Argentina. Overall, our findings improve understanding of the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of this weed and provide a genomic baseline for future management strategies, as well as insights into transgene escape.

https://academic.oup.com/aobpla/article/18/2/plag018/8606992

Moretto A., Alan R. Boobis A.R. (2026): Retraction of Williams et al. (2000) does not affect the conclusions of the 2016

FAO/WHO JMPR evaluation of glyphosate. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology 168, 106065 | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yrtph.2026.106065

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0273230026000383?via%3Dihub

Mesnage, R., Ferguson, S., Nechalioti, PM. et al. (2026): Impact of glyphosate and its mixture with 2,4-D and dicamba on gut

biochemical function, intestinal barrier integrity and microbiome composition in adult rats with prenatal commencement of exposure. Arch Toxicol | https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-026-04409-9

Intensive use of glyphosate-based herbicides in genetically modified (GM) and non-GM agriculture has resulted in widespread glyphosate-resistant weeds. In response, the agricultural biotechnology industry has launched GM crops tolerant to glyphosate plus 2,4-D and glyphosate plus dicamba. Consequently, people are increasingly exposed to mixtures of these herbicides, yet no studies have been conducted to assess health risks. Intestinal structure and integrity, as well as gut microbiome composition and function, are recognised contributors to disease. Therefore, we investigated the effects of glyphosate alone and in combination with 2,4-D and dicamba on gut structure and function. Pregnant Wistar rats were administered via drinking water from gestation day 6 with glyphosate at the European Union (EU) no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL: 50 mg/kg bw/day) and acceptable daily intake (ADI: 0.5 mg/kg bw/day), and with an ADI mixture of glyphosate (0.5 mg/kg bw/day), 2,4-D (0.02 mg/kg bw/day) and dicamba (0.3 mg/kg bw/day). Offspring continued this regimen for 13 weeks post-weaning. Large and small intestinal tissues and gut content were isolated and analysed for inflammation, gut epithelial integrity, oxidative stress, microbiota composition and histopathology. The glyphosate NOAEL and, to a greater degree, the glyphosate, dicamba, 2,4-D mixture resulted in increased gut inflammation and permeability, associated with oxidative stress and altered microbial composition. Histological analysis confirmed structural alterations and inflammation in large and small intestine. Effects were more pronounced in large intestine and females. Our results identify exposure to glyphosate alone and a mixture of glyphosate, 2,4-D and dicamba as risk factors for gut structure and function dysbiosis.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00204-026-04409-9

Abo, A. The next decade of alternative proteins. Nat Food (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016-026-01344-x

https://www.nature.com/articles/s43016-026-01344-x

EFSA

Republished:

CEP Panel (2024): Safety evaluation of the food enzyme preparation D-psicose 3-epimerase from the non-genetically modified Microbacterium foliorum strain SYG27B. EFSA Journal, 22(4), e8702. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8702

CEP Panel (2026). Safety evaluation of the food enzyme β-galactosidase from the non-genetically modified Papiliotrema terrestris strain AE-BLC. EFSA Journal, 22(1), e8515. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8515

https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8515