Perform an Internet search for news related to food science and you’re sure to find stories related to GMOs (genetically modified organisms). This hot button issue for consumers is an increasing focus of food manufacturers. But according to a recent article on www.ausfoodnews.com.au, there may be a naturally occurring alternative that will help to keep up with the increasing demands placed on the worldwide food supply.
A study performed by German researchers found a “mutant tobacco plant that showed permanent vegetative growth, no aging, evergreen leaves and late or no flowering,” and grew “up to eight metres (that’s over 26 feet!), compared to a normal size of 1.5 metres,” with about 120 leaves, which is six times the normal amount. Researchers contribute this abnormal growth to a special protein in the plant and believe that “the cultivation of high-biomass crops” would be a viable alternative to genetically modified foods.
And while the article points to this discovery as possibly valuable in the search for alternatives to both GM foods and traditional farming methods, it does not state how the research could be used and how the new method for cultivating high-biomass crops would be different from genetically modifying plant foods.
What’s your opinion on using GMOs in your food products? We’d love to hear your thoughts on this article and on GM foods in general in the comments section below.
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