All posts by Sumana Rao

Don't worry about the people in your past; There's a reason they didn't make it to your future.
GM mustard crop in India

Dhara Mustard Hybrid DMH-11 Genetically Modified Mustard Crop Field Trial Approved In India

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) of India, under Union Environment Ministry has approved production of genetically modified transgenic hybrid mustard. The seed production is approved as “prior to commercial release” and it is for the first time in 16 years GEAC approved the trial.

Do you know? So far, India has allowed production of only the genetically modified BT- cotton in the field till in 2002. Launching of GM egg plant (brinjal) was prevented by Environmental activists due to the risks and threat it poses to environment. India imports of BT Soya oil, however the cultivation of BT-soya is not permitted in the country.

The GM mustard called Dhara Mustard Hybrid -11 or DMH-11 is genetically modified mustard of Brassica juncea. This transgenic crop was developed by University of Delhi under the guidance of Professor Deepak Pental.

Research focus to develop GM mustard was to reduce India’s growing demand of edible oil and to reduce import of edible oils.

DMH-11 contains two different genes isolated from soil bacterium called Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. Another goal of producing the crops is to get high-yielding commercial mustard crops. It was created by using Plant Biotechnology involving Bar, Barnase and Barstar genes.

What are Bar, Barnase and Barstar genes? Mustad hybrid DMH-11 is a product of crossing two plants containing alien ‘barnase’ and ‘barstar’ genes derived from soil bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. Function of the three genes is:

  • Barnase gene confers male sterility
  • Bar gene insertion enables crop to produce phosphinothricin-N-acetyl-transferase an enzyme which is responsible for resistance for glufosinate (a foliar herbicide)
  • Barstar gene function is to restore crop ability to produce fertile seeds.

More about Mustard crop:

Mustad is a self-pollinating crop. It is difficult to make high yielding hybrid varieties in natural course. Mustard oil is used for both edible and medicinal purposes in India.

According to GM experts, it is essential and time for India to grow GM mustard to meet demand and to boost the economy that helps the farmers.

However, there are environmentalists who are showing concerns regarding the tech crop. It could cause allergy as well as could pollute natural crops. Approval, field trial and commercial production of the crop was delayed due to conflicting results and details regarding the safety evaluations and field trials of DMH-11.  

Earlier this month crop was recommended for environmental release. This recommendation of GEAC is valid for four years. Additional research and trials are needed in collaboration with ICAR (Indian council of Agriculture Research) within two years that decides future of GM crop. This study and trial will demonstrate the impact of mustard variety on honey bees and other pollinators. Further the commercial use of DMH-11 hybrids will be subject to Seed Act, 1966.

According to Professor Deepak Pental “If all the steps from here fall in place, then it would mean that farmers can get a hold of GM-based mustard hybrids in the next two years.”

India annually produces only 8.5-9 million tons of edible oil while importing 14-14.5 tons of edible oil ($18.99 billion in foreign exchange). Farmers from Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh grow mustard in 6.5-7 million hectares. Expectations DMH-11 to give 30% higher yields compared to current mustard varieties.

References:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

https://pib.gov.in/

Image credit: Image by u_791v5n8l en Pixabay (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: October 27, 2022
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Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

Diagnosis

  1. Breast Examination by a Health Professional: Women ages 20 – 49 should have a physical examination by a health professional every 1 – 2 years. Those over age 50 should be examined annually.
  2. Self examination: See slide no. 3
  3. Mammograms: Mammograms are very effective low-radiation screening methods for breast cancer. There is, however, debate on when women should begin to have mammograms and how frequently they should have them.
  4. Biopsy: A definitive diagnosis of breast cancer can be made only by a biopsy -a microscopic examination of a tissue sample of the suspicious area. When a lump can be felt and is suspicious for cancer on mammography, an excisional biopsy may be recommended.
Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: October 20, 2022
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Prognosis of Breast Cancer

Prognosis

Breast cancer is the second most lethal cancer in women. Several factors are used to determine the risk for recurrence and the likelihood of successful treatment. They include:

  • Location of the tumor and how far it has spread
  • Whether the tumor is hormone receptor-positive or -negative
  • Tumor markers
  • Gene expression
  • Tumor size and shape
  • Rate of cell division
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Environment Factors of Breast Cancer

Environmental Factors

  1. Exposure to Estrogen-like Industrial Chemicals. Chemicals with estrogen-like effects, called xenoestrogens, have been under suspicion for years. There has been particular concern with pesticides containing organochlorines (DDT and its metabolites, such as dieldrin) and pyrethroids (permethrin), but at this time evidence of any causal association is very weak.
  2. Exposure to Diethylstilbestrol. Women who took diethylstilbestrol (DES) to prevent miscarriage have a slightly increased risk for breast cancer. There may also be a slightly increased risk for their daughters (commonly called “DES daughters”), who were exposed to the drug when their mothers took it during pregnancy .
  3. Radiation Exposure. Heavy exposure to radiation is a significant risk factor for breast cancer. Girls who receive high-dose radiation therapy for cancer face an increased risk for breast cancer in adulthood. Low-dose radiation exposure before age 20 may increase the risk for women with BRCA genetic mutations.
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Prevention: Exercising and eating healthily is the first essential rule

Exercise:

Regular exercise, particularly vigorous exercise, appears to offer protection against breast cancer. Exercise can help reduce body fat, which in turn lowers levels of cancer-promoting hormones such as estrogen. The American Cancer Society recommends engaging in 45 – 60 minutes of physical activity at least 5 days a week.

Diet:

  • Choose foods and amounts that promote a healthy weight.
  • Eat 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
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  1. Obesity increases the risk for all types of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers. Women who gain weight after menopause are most at risk. (On a positive note, losing weight after menopause decreases breast cancer risk.) In postmenopausal women, estrogen is produced in fat tissue. High amounts of fatty tissue increase levels of estrogen in the body, leading to faster growth of estrogen-sensitive cancers.
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  • Breast abscesses during breast-feeding.
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