Benefits of Genetically Modified Foods: Scientists identify anti-cancer gene in njavara rice
NewIndPress
July 8, 2007
This is a great article on the benefits of genetically modified foods published by NewIndPress.
Excerpt…
THRISSUR: Molecular studies of njavara rice by the scientists at Kerala Agricultural University indicated the presence of Bowman-Brik Trypsin Inhibitor protein in it.
This protein has not yet been identified in other rice varieties cultivated in the country, said KAU Vice-Chancellor K R Vishwambharan.
Talking to reporters here on Saturday, he said that this protein, which was earlier isolated from a few other crops like soyabean, barley and sunflower, was reported to have anti-carcinogenic (chemo preventive) property, especially against breast cancer.
It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic properties in animals and imparts resistance to fungal pathogens and insect pests in crop plants.
The Vice-Chancellor said that the sequenced part of the gene includes 762 bp and it shows 94 percent identity with Bowman-Birk Trypsin Inhibitor protein in japonica rice in China. This is the first report of the gene in indica rice (common rice varieties of our country).
Full article at NewIndPress.
