What is gene editing and how is it different from older-style GM and conventional breeding?
There's a lot of confusion about what gene editing is and is not, fed by the efforts of pro-GMO lobbyists. For example, it's commonly claimed that gene editing doesn't involve the introduction of foreign DNA into the genome and that gene editing just makes changes that are similar to what could happen in nature. In this briefing, Prof Michael Antoniou and GMWatch's Claire Robinson sort out the myths from the facts. They explain what gene editing is and how it differs from older-style GM and conventional breeding.

Gene editing myths and reality: A guide through the smokescreen
A detailed report written by GMWatch's Claire Robinson and published by the Greens/EFA in the European Parliament, deconstructing the myths about gene editing that are promoted by the pro-GMO lobby.

Science supports need to subject gene-edited plants and animals to strict safety assessments
An annotated collection of peer-reviewed scientific papers explaining what can go wrong with gene editing and why gene-edited products must be robustly regulated, in order to protect health and the environment.

Gene editing: Unexpected outcomes and risks
An abbreviated version of our resource, "Science supports need to subject gene-edited plants and animals to strict safety assessments", for those who want a shorter document with less explanation.

On-target effects of genome editing techniques: (Un)repaired DNA damage, a hindrance to safety and development?
This report by GeneWatch UK shows that claims of safety and efficacy of gene editing often hinge on their "precision" in targeting DNA sequences of interest, while ignoring unintended DNA damage not only at "off-target" sites of the genome (those not targeted by the intended genetic modification), but also at "on-target" sites (at the intended edit site).

Behind the smokescreen: Vested interests of EU scientists lobbying for GMO deregulation
This report, written by GMWatch's Claire Robinson and published by the Greens/EFA in the European Parliament, looks at the vested interests of those lobbying for the removal of regulatory safeguards around new GMOs in the EU. Alongside the seed industry, three scientist organisations also lobbied for legislative change. What are these groups? Why would they promote a weakening of the EU’s GMO legislation? This report answers these questions by investigating the members of these groups and the national organisations with which they are affiliated. It shows that many have material interests in the commercial use of GM technology in agriculture.

PODCASTS

Prof Michael Antoniou on GMO myths and truths and why deregulation is not the way ahead

Prof Jack Heinemann on why we should not deregulate GMOs

Prof Jack Heinemann on GMO deregulation and media smothering of doubt on GMO safety

People pay premium prices for GMO-free food. But the AU/NZ regulator proposes to declare a vast range of foods non-GMO
This podcast comes from Physicians and Scientists for Global Responsibility New Zealand. You can hear it here and also on Spotify, where we found the audio quality a little better.