BACKGROUND The most common method of GMO detection is based upon the amplification of GMO-specific DNA amplicons using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Here we have applied the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method to amplify GMO-related DNA sequences, 'internal' commonly-used motifs for controlling transgene expression and event-specific (plant-transgene) junctions. RESULT...

Commercialization of numerous genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has already been approved worldwide, and several additional GMOs are in the approval process. Many countries have adopted legislation to deal with GMO-related issues such as food safety, environmental concerns, and consumers' right of choice, making GMO traceability a necessity. The growing extent of GMO testing makes it import...

This paper deals with the quantification of GMO regulations on bilateral trade flows. A composite index of the ‘complexity’ of such regulations for sixty countries as well as an ‘objective’ score for six GMO regulatory sub-dimensions has been developed. Using a gravity model, we show how bilateral ‘similarity’ in GMO regulations, affect trade flows for the composite index and its components. Re...

Practical application of new methods of а plant genome transformation resulted in the need for strict regulation of the safety assessment process of genetically modified organisms of plant origin, intended for use in food. The devise of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) of plant origin safety assessment system, which is currently valid in the Russian Federation, was initiated in 19951996. No...

The present paper proposes methods for constructing quasi-optimal or optimal generalized mutually orthogonal zerocorrelation zone (GMO-ZCZ) sequence sets. Zero-correlation zone (ZCZ) sequence sets have been studied as spreading sequences for approximately synchronized code-division multiple-access (ASCDMA) systems. A mutually orthogonal ZCZ (MO-ZCZ) sequence set is composed of several small ZCZ...

The DNA target sequence is the key element in designing detection methods for genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Unfortunately this information is frequently lacking, especially for unauthorized GMOs. In addition, patent sequences are generally poorly annotated, buried in complex and extensive documentation and hard to link to the corresponding GM event. Here, we present the JRC GMO-Amplico...

Production and processing of genetically modified organisms (GMO) in line with the European food safety and labelling regulations lead to an elevated risk of unintentional GMO contamination in food producing and processing companies. For these companies GMO contamination can lead to extensive losses such as decreased product value, recall expenses or decreased brand equity. The question that oc...

The paper develops a composite index of GMO standards restrictiveness for 60 countries, assigning objective scores to six different regulatory dimensions. Using this index and its components, we empirically investigate the political and economic determinants of GMO regulations. Results show that many of the determinants highlighted in the theoretical literature, such as the country trade positi...

Why is Europe so critical of GMO crops? As long as it is cheaper to import food than to produce it locally, Western European countries have no need for GMO crops. Where it does matter is Africa. In my scientific opinion, GMO food is safe to eat, GMO crops can increase yield and, when used wisely, are good for the environment. Unfortunately, scientists are helpless in the emotional and political...

Moringa oleifera seeds were processed as raw M. oleifera (RMO), germinated M. oleifera (GMO), and fermented M. oleifera (FMO), and were evaluated for proximate, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, phytochemicals/antinutrients, and functional properties. Protein content of GMO (23.69 ± 0.11 g/100 g) was higher than FMO (21.15 ± 0.08 g/100 g) and that of RMO (18.86 ± 0.09 g/100 g) (P < 0.05), res...