DuPont Industrial Biosciences is looking into understanding the yeast metabolism and dynamics associated with various stresses in the fuel ethanol fermentation process. “Those stresses could be putting in too much enzyme, or not enough enzyme,” said Dr. Donald Cannon, who presented at the Corn Utilization and Technology Conference. “So, we’ve identified succinate as a marker for nitrogen stress and what …
If the Corn Fact Doesn’t Fit, Those Still Reading Should Quit
In a world where it can be hard to cut through the media morass, Bloomberg Businessweek made it even more difficult to get to the heart of the GMO-labeling issue with an article on the differing political stances taken by Ben and Jerry’s and their parent company, Unilever. Noting the opinion of food activists who already openly take sides without …
Chuck Norris: Stick With What You Know
Let’s all admit it. Chuck Norris jokes are still funny. The idea that he is an unparalleled butt kicking machine elicits a fond memory and a good chuckle. He holds a soft spot in many hearts. My dear grandmother lusted after Walker Texas Ranger until her dying day. He holds a special spot in our nation’s popular culture. So, it …
Biopolymers – Cutting Edge Technology
During this year’s Corn Utilization Technology Conference biopolymers took the stage first when the program moved into breakout sessions. Leading this session was Joe Rich, research leader of the Renewable Products Technology Group at the National Center of Agricultural Utilization Research. I first asked him to explain what a biopolymer is. Joe says biopolymers are a wide ranging group of …
Hillary Clinton Favors Biotech Crops
Hillary Clinton seems to be everywhere these days and this week she spent over an hour at the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) convention in San Diego chatting with BIO president and CEO Jim Greenwood, a former congressman from Pennsylvania. The wide ranging discussion touched on a variety of topics, including agricultural biotechnology. Greenwood asked Mrs. Clinton where she stood on …
Fighting Anti-GMO Rhetoric
Former Indiana governor and current president of Purdue University Mitch Daniels calls it immoral to be opposed to genetically modified crops. At the recent American Seed Trade Association annual meeting, Daniels talked about the “unspeakable sadness” of millions of children in underdeveloped countries going blind because political activism has prevented them from getting rice genetically engineered to provide beta carotene. …
Is It Throwback Tuesdays Now?
Seralini’s Study Should Stay Put in the Past It has often been noted that trends are cyclical. While something may go out of fashion today, it will almost certainly return in a slightly revamped version somewhere down the road. From high-waisted denim to Doc Martens, evidence of this truth glares at anyone with a few decades under their belt walking …
Starting the Conversation on T-TIP
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack was in Europe last week meeting with agricultural and trade officials and about the importance of agriculture’s role in the U.S.-European Union (EU) Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP). He started the week in Brussels by meeting with 28 agricultural ministers and representatives from the EU. “I wanted to emphasize the opportunity and the necessity that …
Let’s Move! Science Backs GMOs
Whether one is a fan of the White House’s Let’s Move! initiative or not, it almost inarguably plays a large role in our nation’s discussions on food. Today, Let’s Move! Executive Director and White House Senior Advisor on Nutrition Policy Sam Kass made a major statement about the future of food during the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives conference backing …
The More You Know
Remember the PSA’s that used to run with a tagline of “The More You Know?” They provided a helpful little piece of info on a broad array of subject? Today, Real Clear Science writer Ross Pomeroy offered up a succinct PSA of his own correcting misconceptions about organic and conventional agriculture with scientific information. So what is the 15-second sound …