Sunday Evening News 496/ 2026
Weekly report on genetic engineering, genome editing, biotechnology and legal regulation.
October 2026-10-26 - November 2026-11-01 Week 44
Meetings und Veranstaltungen
Registration open for our CRISPR-Cas9 revolution course
https://www.embl.org/ells/2026/10/26/registration-open-for-our-crispr-cas9-revolution-course/
EFSA: Info Session | Rethinking Food Enzyme Safety: New Perspectives on Systemic Toxicity Testing and Allergen
Homology Search
Amsterdam (NL), 25 November & 26 November 2026
Programme: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2026-10/draft_agenda_info_session_enzymes.pdf
Press Releases - Media / Presse- und Medienberichte
Hiroshima University: Japan's genome-editing law sets a global ethics challenge
https://phys.org/news/2026-10-japan-genome-law-global-ethics.html
Introducing the genome-edited crop product tracker
https://www.cabi.org/news/introducing-the-genome-edited-crop-product-tracker/
Reis A.: In Europe, legislation (Not the Science) Drives the development of Gene-Edited Crops
de Matos O.: To lead in agriculture, Europe must unlock innovation faster
Morrison O.: Regulation, not technology, now driving gene editing adoption in Europe, says Hudson RiverOpens in new
window
Aktuelle Biotechnologie - POINT NEWSLETTER NR. 292 – OKTOBER 2026
https://www.scienceindustries.ch/_file/40327/point-2026-10-292-d.pdf
Testbiotech: US-WissenschaftlerInnen warnen vor unzureichender Regulierung von Gentechnik-Mikroben
DNR: Über eine Million Menschen stellen sich gegen den Abbau von Naturschutzstandards
Only some selected press releases or media reports are listed here. The daily up-date of the press releases and
media reports are ►here: October week 44
Publications – Publikationen
Jin, Y., Godinho, J., Smeets Kristkova, Z. et al. (2026): Impacts of hazardous pesticide reduction in Europe. Agric Econ 14, 77 |
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40100-026-00525-3
The European Union (EU) has abandoned its proposal to reduce hazardous pesticide use by 50% by 2030 due to opposition from various stakeholders. However, the EU remains committed to reducing pesticide use and balancing food security, economic viability, and environmental sustainability. We assess the impacts of reducing hazardous pesticide use using MAGNET, a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model built on the Global Trade Analysis Project framework. We evaluate two scenarios: (1) an uncompensated scenario with yield and production losses; (2) a compensated scenario substituting hazardous pesticides with low-risk alternatives using the example of double-stranded RNA technology. The results show that a 50% reduction in hazardous pesticide use would reduce production, consumption, and exports in the EU27 agricultural sector while increasing prices and land demand. However, substituting hazardous pesticides with low-risk alternatives substantially mitigates these negative effects, maintaining economic stability while advancing environmental goals. This is the first study that uses a CGE model to capture the heterogeneous impacts of hazardous pesticide reduction and substitution across EU Member States. We provide insights into policy trade-offs, helping inform EU decision-makers on strategies to reduce hazardous pesticide use while ensuring economic and food system resilience.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40100-026-00525-3
Wang C., Brown, White T.A., Anderson B.F. et al. (2026): Safety Assessment of Newly Expressed Proteins in Genetically
Modified Crops: A Decade of Regulatory Case Studies. Plants 15 (21), 3343 |https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15213343
This review synthesizes regulatory and scientific evidence accumulated over the past decade supporting the safety of newly expressed proteins (NEPs) in genetically modified (GM) crops. Using five case studies representing diverse protein classes, including dicamba monooxygenase (DMO), protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase (PPO), Cry1B.2/Cry1B.3, Mpp75Aa1.1, and Vip3Cb1, it illustrates how science-based, case-by-case, weight-of-evidence approaches are applied in food and feed safety assessment and ecological risk assessment (ERA) for regulatory submissions. These examples demonstrate how hazard identification, hazard characterization, and exposure assessment are integrated across proteins with diverse biological functions, structural characteristics, and levels of familiarity. It further examines the safety relevance of protein processing and sequence variation arising from protein engineering or biological processing and discusses the scientific basis supporting bridging and read-across approaches, including phylogenetic relationships, sequence similarity, structural conservation, domain architecture, and functional equivalence. The increasing application of safe-by-design principles and bridging strategies is highlighted as an important advancement enabling efficient, scientifically robust evaluations while reducing unnecessary testing. The review also discusses the convergence of food/feed safety assessment and ERA and future directions. Overall, accumulated evidence from NEPs commercialized to date in GM crops has not identified hazards for the assessed safety endpoints and supports the continued evolution and modernization of protein safety assessment frameworks.
https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/15/21/3343
Gupta A., Ahuja R., Liu B., Adero M. et al. (2026): Ajay Gupta et al., AI-designed OpenCRISPR-1 enables efficient targeted
mutagenesis and prime editing in rice, aBIOTECH 7 (3,) 100054 | DOI: 10.1016/j.abiote.2026.100054
Recent advances in generative artificial intelligence (AI) have enabled the de novo design of genome-editing nucleases. For example, OpenCRISPR-1 offers an open-source alternative to naturally evolved CRISPR systems and expands the "freedom to operate" (FTO). Here, we report the development and systematic validation of a monocot-optimized OpenCRISPR-1-based genome-editing ecosystem in rice (Oryza sativa). By targeting the OsSWEET susceptibility (S) gene family, we demonstrate that OpenCRISPR-1 supports robust multiplexed editing in both rice calli and stable T0 plants, with mutation frequencies reaching 100% in some samples. Deep sequencing revealed that the OpenCRISPR-1 mutational landscape mirrors that of Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9), facilitating the development of predictable loss-of-function alleles that confer broad-spectrum resistance to bacterial blight. To develop a fully open-source platform, we integrated an AI-designed Open sgRNA scaffold (OpsgRNA), which maintained high editing efficacy across multiple target loci, into our editing system. Furthermore, we expanded the toolkit by engineering OpenPE6c, an OpenCRISPR-1-based prime editing system. OpenPE6c exhibited precise editing rates in rice protoplasts comparable to that of canonical SpCas9-PE6c while significantly reducing imprecise byproducts, suggesting that the AI-designed nuclease has enhanced fidelity. Our results establish OpenCRISPR-1 as a versatile, high-performance, public-access platform for advanced plant genome engineering, offering a transparent framework for the global democratization of precision crop breeding.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2662173826000688?via%3Dihub
Msundi, E. A., Seyum, E. G., et al: (2026): Genomic-Assisted Breeding to Accelerate Genetic Advance for Drought Tolerance
in Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.), Advances in Agriculture, 2026, 2362013, 22 pages, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1155/aia/2362013
Finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) is an underutilized crop with exceptional climate resilience and nutritional richness. Severe drought stress in finger millet leads to unpredictable yield losses, which threaten global food and nutritional security. Conventional breeding has historically enabled the development of climate-resilient cultivars to address food and nutritional needs. However, its limited efficiency, reliance on environmental conditions, high labor demands, and lengthy timelines make it insufficient to keep pace with rising global food demands. Therefore, plant breeders need to integrate emerging technologies in the breeder’s tool kit to complement traditional breeding approaches for greater efficiency and to accelerate production of stress-resilient and high-yielding finger millet. This is evidently possible with recent technological advancements in genomics-assisted breeding (GAB) through the development of chromosome-scale reference genomes; innovations in molecular breeding tools such as quantitative traits loci mapping, genome-wide association mapping, genomic selection (GS), and genome editing; and comparative and structural genomics. In GAB, genomic information of finger millet in combination with its phenomic resources is used to speed up plant breeding for drought tolerance. This review highlights current knowledge and progress on available tools that can be used in GAB, how these tools complement conventional breeding methods, and the challenges impeding GAB for drought tolerance in finger millet. From the review, GAB emerges as a powerful approach to enhance drought tolerance in finger millet, leveraging advanced genomic tools and techniques to identify and incorporate resistance traits. By utilizing GAB, new varieties of finger millet that can withstand drought and enhance food security and farmer livelihoods can be developed. The generated information will be helpful as guidance for finger millet breeders on strategies adoptable in the development of drought-tolerant finger millet varieties.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1155/aia/2362013
Lei Y.; Wu J., Gao C. (2026): From genome editing to chromosome engineering in plants. Trends in Biotechnology, 2026; 0
Engineering large genomic segments is rapidly expanding the scope of plant genome manipulation from individual genes to chromosome-scale redesign. Recent advances in double-strand break-, prime-editing-, recombinase-, and transposase-based technologies now enable programmable deletion, insertion, replacement, duplication, inversion, and translocation of DNA fragments ranging from kilobases to megabases. In this review, we summarize the major strategies for large-fragment genome engineering in plants, compare their strengths and limitations, and discuss their applications in both fundamental plant biology and crop breeding. We further highlight that the integration of artificial intelligence is catalyzing the rapid optimization of large-fragment genome engineering. The ongoing transition from genome editing to chromosome engineering promises to revolutionize crop breeding and plant synthetic biology, ultimately enabling rational design of plant genomes.
Gao R., Zhuo L., Duan Y., Yan C. et al. (2026): Effects of alternate wetting and drying irrigation on yield, water-saving, and
emission reduction in rice fields: A global meta-analysis. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 353, 110075
With limited natural resources and uncertain climate, increasing food production must mitigate the environmental impacts. Rice, a water-intensive grain crop, contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in agricultural systems. Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) Irrigation stands out as the prevailing water-saving irrigation technique in rice fields worldwide. Nonetheless, the effects of AWD on yield variation, water conservation, and emissions reduction as well as the synergies and trade-offs between the effects remain unclear. Here a global meta-analysis of 437 literature sources covering 93 % of global rice production was conducted to quantify changes in yield, water utilization, and GHG emissions following AWD implementation. Results show that, on a global scale, AWD reduces irrigation water usage by 33.88 % and enhances water use efficiency, irrigation water use efficiency, and water productivity by 20.27 %, 47.58 %, and 29.63 %, respectively. However, there is a minor decrease in yield by 1.56 %. Notably, AWD leads to a noteworthy 47.47 % reduction in methane emissions, counterbalanced by a 52.20 % rise in N2O emissions, ultimately resulting in a decrease in global warming potential (GWP) and greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) by 39.38 % and 38.06 %, respectively. The AWD threshold is the most significant predictive factor, adopting a suitable threshold can greatly improve the accuracy of AWD implementation. Soil properties also play a pivotal role, with pH levels > 7 or soil organic carbon (SOC) < 12 g/kg correlating to more pronounced yield losses. Implementing reasonable field management measures, such as suitable rice varieties and straw incorporation can effectively increase rice productivity. Approximately 60.36 % of the data falls within the “win–win” zone, demonstrating simultaneous in yield increases, water conservation, and emissions reduction. AWD is more suitable for acidic soils with high SOC (>12 g/kg) and a light texture. This study introduces novel insights for analyzing the synergies and trade-offs within the food–water–climate nexus.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168192324001904?via%3Dihub
Alhodieb F.S. (2026): Emerging Food Fortification and Precision Nutrition: Technologies for Personalized Nutrient Delivery
and Health Monitoring. Foods 15 (21), 3823 | ;https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15213823 (registering DOI)
Food fortification has experienced a revolution because of the process of encapsulation techniques, controlled delivery systems, and personalized nutrition approach. The purpose of this review is to analyze the recent trends in encapsulated and personalized food fortification systems and the possibility of increasing the stability, bioavailability, targeted delivery, and personalized nature of nutrients. A review of the scientific literature was performed, covering topics such as micro- and nanoencapsulation, microfluidization, emulsified systems, omics approaches, nutrigenomics, nutrigenetics, microbiome interventions, 3D/4D food printing technology, wearable biosensors, artificial intelligence dietary analysis, and Internet of Things in foods. According to the reviewed literature, these technological approaches could help protect, distribute, and release vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and bioactive compounds, and help provide the opportunity to develop personalized nutritional approaches. Moreover, integration of omics techniques with advanced food technologies would allow taking into account genetic, metabolic, and microbiome aspects of different nutritional needs. Furthermore, emerging digital and manufacturing technologies would also provide an opportunity to create individualized fortified foods. Nevertheless, there are still issues with regulatory aspects, cost-effectiveness, consumer acceptability, and the equity and privacy of genetic and personal data. In conclusion, the application of controlled-release technology in personalized nutrition techniques holds much promise in creating specialized fortified foods, while additional research is required to establish their safety, effectiveness, affordability, and practical application.
https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/15/21/3823
Li, Q., Zeng, Z., Zhao, Y. et al. (2026): TaqW-6BL, a novel gene positively regulates grain WE-AX content in wheat.
Theor Appl Genet 139, 314 | https://doi.org/10.1007/s00122-026-05417-0
Water-extractable arabinoxylans (WE-AX) are major dietary fiber components and play a crucial role in wheat end-use quality, especially its nutritional quality. In this study, TaqW-6BL was cloned from parental varieties of a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population, in which a missense mutation (+ 296 bp, T/C) was detected and found to cause a methionine (Met) to threonine (Thr) substitution. Overexpression of TaqW-6BL positively regulated grain WE-AX content, thousand kernel weight (TKW) and mean grain perimeter (MP), with increases of 30.80%, 14.59% and 14.53%, respectively. Conversely, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of TaqW-6BL led to significant decreases in WE-AX content, TKW and MP. Cytological observations revealed that the aleurone layer of overexpression lines partially proliferated into two layers, whereas knockout lines showed disordered cell arrangement and abnormal morphology. Subcellular localization analysis confirmed that TaqW-6BL protein localizes in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The relative expression level and WE-AX content of the favorable haplotype (TaqW-6BLAvocet) were significantly higher than those of the unfavorable haplotype (TaqW-6BLChilero) at 14 days and 21 days after flowering (DAF) (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, we developed a functional cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) marker CAPS-6B-296. The wheat varieties with favorable haplotype TaqW-6BLAvocet accounted for 68% of 160 wheat varieties. Therefore, our findings provide a valuable gene and a reliable functional marker for nutritional quality breeding in wheat.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00122-026-05417-0
Ahmed A., Cavanaugh K., Baldrich P., +1 , Michelmore R. (2026): Reduction of aflatoxin contamination in maize kernels
mediated by host-induced gene silencing PNAS 123 (43) e2620406123 | https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2620406123
Aflatoxins produced by some species of Aspergillus pose a significant threat to global food safety, because they contaminate a variety of crops including maize. In this study, we used host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) to reduce aflatoxin accumulation in maize upon infection with Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Two RNAi constructs were designed and introduced into maize, one targeting two essential fungal genes involved in ergosterol biosynthesis (CYP51A and CYP51B) and the other targeting three aflatoxin biosynthesis genes (AflC, AflD, and AflR). The presence of RNAi transgenes was confirmed in 17 and 14 independent lines possessing the CYP51A/CYP51B RNAi construct and the AflC/AflD/AflR RNAi construct, respectively. Most transgenic lines had single-locus integrations and one or two copies of the transgene. Transgene expression varied considerably among the lines. Small RNA sequencing confirmed the production of siRNAs from the HIGS trigger sequences. Levels of CYP51A, AflC, AflD, and AflR transcripts in Aspergillus spp. were successfully decreased upon infection of transgenic maize. However, significant reduction in the level of CYP51B transcripts was not achieved and the CYP51A/CYP51B RNAi transgene had no discernible effect on fungal growth in infected maize. In contrast, we observed significant reductions in aflatoxin accumulation in four AflC/AflD/AflR RNAi transgenic lines infected with A. flavus and in two transgenic lines infected with A. parasiticus. Notably, one AflC/AflD/AflR transgenic line exhibited minimal aflatoxin contamination upon kernel infection with A. parasiticus. These results demonstrate the potential of HIGS to reduce aflatoxin production in mature corn kernels.
https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2620406123
biosafe (2026): What comes next for food enzymes in the EU?
Kuzma J, Cummings C., Grieger K. (2026): Regulatory review and governance gaps for genetically engineered microbes.
Front. Genet., Sec. ELSI in Science and Genetics; Volume 17 - 2026 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2026.2008399
Living genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs) are increasingly used in consumer products and environmental applications, yet U.S. biotechnology regulation relies on statutes that predate their development or are designed for other types of products. This article examines oversight of living GEMs through 3 case studies of consumer and environmental GEM applications. Across these cases, federal premarket review was very limited or absent because oversight depended on distinctions such as the type of modification, the developer’s product classification, or marketing claims. These regulatory pathways may not always align uniformly with the potential health and environmental risk profiles. While not all GEMs require the same level of oversight, current regulatory gaps have allowed for the large-scale, open release of these GEMs without substantial federal oversight. The article recommends baseline federal notification, changes to statutes or regulations to strengthen regulatory foundations, greater transparency, independent evaluation, and post-market monitoring, while also preserving efficient pathways for lower-risk applications. These enhancements to the regulation of GEMs will become increasingly important for effective risk governance as consumer and environmental products incorporate advanced synthetic biology approaches.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/genetics/articles/10.3389/fgene.2026.2008399/full
EFSA
GMO Panel (2026). Assessment of genetically modified soybean MON 94313 × MON 89788 (application GMFF-2023-17394).
EFSA Journal, 24(10), e10366. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10366
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10366
FEZ Panel (2026): Safety evaluation of an extension of use of the food enzyme lysophospholipase from the genetically modified
Aspergillus niger strain NZYM-LP. EFSA Journal, 24(10), e10400. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10400
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10400
FEZ Panel (2026). Safety evaluation of a food enzyme containing cellulase and endo-1,3(4)-β-glucanase activities from the non-
genetically modified Trichoderma reesei strain DP-Nzc104. EFSA Journal, 24(10), e10339. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10339
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10339
FEZ Panel (2026): Safety evaluation of the food enzyme endo-polygalacturonase from the non-genetically modified Rhizopus oryzae
strain MC3-3-9. EFSA Journal, 24(10), e10333. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10333
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10333