Search
  • Videos
  • Windows 10
  • 5G
  • Best VPNs
  • Cloud
  • Security
  • AI
  • more
    • TR Premium
    • Working from Home
    • Innovation
    • Best Web Hosting
    • ZDNet Recommends
    • Tonya Hall Show
    • Executive Guides
    • ZDNet Academy
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
  • Newsletters
  • All Writers
    • Preferences
    • Community
    • Newsletters
    • Log Out
  • Menu
    • Videos
    • Windows 10
    • 5G
    • Best VPNs
    • Cloud
    • Security
    • AI
    • TR Premium
    • Working from Home
    • Innovation
    • Best Web Hosting
    • ZDNet Recommends
    • Tonya Hall Show
    • Executive Guides
    • ZDNet Academy
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
      • Preferences
      • Community
      • Newsletters
      • Log Out
  • us
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • India
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    • ZDNet around the globe:
    • ZDNet France
    • ZDNet Germany
    • ZDNet Korea
    • ZDNet Japan

Five biotech inventions the US is not ready for (in pictures)

4 of 5 NEXT PREV
  • Engineered bacteria

    Engineered bacteria

    For companies such as Synlogic, bacteria represents a way to evolve how we view and use drugs.

    The company is developing what it calls "synthetic biotics," which are genetically engineered bacteria strains that can "correct" metabolic problems in the body, in the hopes of tackling rare genetic metabolic diseases, tumors, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cancer, diabetes, and obesity.

    These purpose-built germs could provide an alternative to traditional drugs, but will likely pose a problem for regulators -- not only in the interest of controlling new medical products but also because agencies will have to tackle the issue of such biotics entering waste and water systems.

    Published: March 20, 2017 -- 10:30 GMT (03:30 PDT)

    Photo by: By HansN. - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Caption by: Charlie Osborne

  • Genetically engineered animals and food

    Genetically engineered animals and food

    The UK's cloned sheep Dolly, glow-in-the-dark mice, a genetically modified breed of cow which produces less methane, and salmon genetically altered to grow faster are only some examples of how we have already genetically altered animals for our own ends, but as worldwide food demands increase, so has research into this field.

    The US FDA has recognized the trend and earlier this year issued a set of draft proposals (.PDF) to control this kind of research.

    While the FDA wants to review every genetically-engineered animal in separate cases similar to how the agency currently tackles drugs, academics and researchers have expressed criticism at the proposed changes becoming a burden for future research projects.

    Published: March 20, 2017 -- 10:30 GMT (03:30 PDT)

    Caption by: Charlie Osborne

  • Laboratory meat products

    Laboratory meat products

    With the carbon footprint of livestock expected to double in 2050 from 1999 levels, reducing the volume of animals we need can be a critical factor in preserving what is left of our environment.

    Cultured meat reduces our reliance on natural resources and could assist in keeping up with global food demands -- with Memphis Meats already producing duck and chicken meat without the originals -- but the safety and viability of offering synthetic meat alternatives to consumers remains up in the air, not only for businesses but the regulators that will ultimately take responsibility.

    Published: March 20, 2017 -- 10:30 GMT (03:30 PDT)

    Photo by: Memphis Meats

    Caption by: Charlie Osborne

  • Glowing plants and perfumed moss

    Glowing plants and perfumed moss

    Plant life is also being explored beyond increasing nutritional values or shelf life to appeal more to consumers. Green City Solutions' CityTree, for example, uses engineered moss to improve the air quality of modern cities, while Fragrant Moss combined the DNA of different plants to create sweet-smelling plants for the home.

    Glowing plants and genetic experiments to extend the life of flowers are also in development, and while they may not be harmful to humans, the question regulators must ask is what would happen should these genetically engineered plants enter the natural ecosystem.

    Published: March 20, 2017 -- 10:30 GMT (03:30 PDT)

    Photo by: Glowing Plant

    Caption by: Charlie Osborne

  • Gene drives

    Gene drives

    Gene drives can potentially be utilized not only to stop the spread of certain pathogens such as malaria, Zika, and Lyme disease but also as a way to eradicate pests in isolated ecosystems.

    However, it may be premature to use gene drives to combat these issues, and regulators will likely face a headache of serious proportions in attempting to create rules around a concept which could destroy ecosystems and local communities should such schemes go wrong.

    Published: March 20, 2017 -- 10:30 GMT (03:30 PDT)

    Photo by: CC PHIL

    Caption by: Charlie Osborne

4 of 5 NEXT PREV
Charlie Osborne

By Charlie Osborne | March 20, 2017 -- 10:30 GMT (03:30 PDT) | Topic: Innovation

  • Engineered bacteria
  • Genetically engineered animals and food
  • Laboratory meat products
  • Glowing plants and perfumed moss
  • Gene drives

Whether it's lab-grown burgers or genetic drives, US regulators have a challenge on their hands.

Read More Read Less

Glowing plants and perfumed moss

Plant life is also being explored beyond increasing nutritional values or shelf life to appeal more to consumers. Green City Solutions' CityTree, for example, uses engineered moss to improve the air quality of modern cities, while Fragrant Moss combined the DNA of different plants to create sweet-smelling plants for the home.

Glowing plants and genetic experiments to extend the life of flowers are also in development, and while they may not be harmful to humans, the question regulators must ask is what would happen should these genetically engineered plants enter the natural ecosystem.

Published: March 20, 2017 -- 10:30 GMT (03:30 PDT)

Caption by: Charlie Osborne

4 of 5 NEXT PREV

Related Topics:

CXO Digital Transformation Tech Industry Smart Cities Cloud
Charlie Osborne

By Charlie Osborne | March 20, 2017 -- 10:30 GMT (03:30 PDT) | Topic: Innovation

Show Comments
LOG IN TO COMMENT
  • My Profile
  • Log Out
| Community Guidelines

Join Discussion

Add Your Comment
Add Your Comment

Related Galleries

  • 1 of 3
  • Remote working, programming languages, artificial intelligence, and more: ZDNet's research roundup

    From the growth in remote working to the rise of automation and onto the demand for wearable devices, here's the research that matters from the past month in tech news. ...

  • Pitfalls to Avoid when Interpreting Machine Learning Models

    Modern requirements for machine learning models include both high predictive performance and model interpretability. A team of experts in explainable AI highlights pitfalls ...

  • Toshiba laptops through the ages

    Toshiba’s 35-year run in the laptop business is at an end, but what a journey it has been.

  • Innovative projects now online to combat coronavirus outbreak

    The spread of COVID-19 has a small silver lining: highlighting how innovative humankind can be under pressure. Here are our favorite examples.

  • Top programming languages, 5G worries, cloud computing, and more: Research round-up

    All the facts and figures that matter to you and your business from the past month in technology news.

  • Samsung Galaxy S20 first look: All the models and colors up close

    Here is Samsung's latest flagship range, in all its glory.

  • Google Maps turns 15: A look back on where it all began

    A timeline of Google Maps through the years since it was launched in 2005.

ZDNet
Connect with us

© 2021 ZDNET, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Privacy Policy | Cookie Settings | Advertise | Terms of Use

  • Topics
  • Galleries
  • Videos
  • Sponsored Narratives
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About ZDNet
  • Meet The Team
  • All Authors
  • RSS Feeds
  • Site Map
  • Reprint Policy
  • Manage | Log Out
  • Join | Log In
  • Membership
  • Newsletters
  • Site Assistance
  • ZDNet Academy
  • TechRepublic Forums