Public perception of genetically-modified (GM) food: A Nationwide Chinese Consumer Study

Public knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward genetically modified foods in Lebanon

Genetically modified foods (GMFs) have garnered significant attention due to their implications for health, agriculture, and food security. Understanding knowledge and perceptions of GMFs is essential, as these factors influence acceptance and attitudes. This study, the first of its kind in Lebanon, aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding GMFs and to explore their association with socio-demographic characteristics. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,001 participants who completed a 50-item questionnaire, followed by a 15-minute educational session on GMFs. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. Prior to the educational session, participants had an average knowledge score of 60.3 ± 17.4%, which significantly increased to 83.0 ± 15.8% afterward. Attitude and perception scores improved from an average of 30.3 ± 25.1% pre-intervention to 38.9 ± 12.4% post-intervention. Females demonstrated significantly higher knowledge scores, and educational attainment was positively correlated with knowledge levels both pre- and post-intervention. Younger participants and those in health-related fields scored higher before the intervention, while unemployed individuals scored lower. Additionally, higher educational levels and health-related educational backgrounds were linked to better attitudes and perceptions pre-intervention, while unemployment correlated with lower scores. Interestingly, multivariate regression analysis indicated that being under 35 years of age, having a health-related educational background, and holding a university degree were predictors of higher GMF knowledge. Consequently, individuals with initially lower knowledge level benefited the most from the educational intervention, exhibiting the greatest knowledge increases post-education. Our findings underscore the importance of targeted educational initiatives to bridge knowledge gaps and address misconceptions regarding GMFs.

Consumer Sensory Perceptions of Natural Ingredients: A Multi-Country Comparison

Consumer perceptions of the term 'natural' do not always align with those of science or public policy. Further examination of the term from a consumer standpoint is therefore necessary. In this study, we aimed to identify differences in consumer perceptions of natural ingredients across various countries and demographic segments to determine whether a common concept of natural ingredients exists. Twenty ingredients were assessed to identify those perceived as natural by consumers. A total of 8191 consumers (about 630 consumers per country) were surveyed. Cluster analysis identified four clusters of countries with similar perceptions of natural ingredients. Most ingredients were evaluated similarly across countries; however, specific ingredients differed among certain countries. Several ingredients considered natural according to scientific, public policy, or marketing standards were not perceived as natural by consumers. These insights into perceptions of natural ingredients in each country may help governments, public policy experts, and food manufacturers reconsider strategies for marketing natural products and educating consumers about natural ingredients.

Rethinking progress: harmonizing the discourse on genetically modified crops

Genetically modified crops (GM crops) also known as biotech crops are crops that have been altered through genetic engineering techniques and under cultivation for approximately 28 years. By October 2024, over 30 nations have approved the cultivation of GM crops. The global area utilized for biotech crop production has reached 206.3 million hectares. Despite the substantial growth in the cultivation of these crops, debate continues between proponents and opponents of GM crops. In this article, critical concerns and common ground between the arguments of both sides were described. The main issues addressed include the naturalness of GM crops, religious perspectives, beneficial aspects, safety issues, socio-economic impacts and intellectual property rights. We argue that the classification GM crops as unnatural is a claim that lacks scientific reality. In a similar vein, comparing GM technology to the act of playing God is inappropriate. Moreover, the belief that GM crops do not contribute to yield improvements is inconsistent with empirical evidence. Additionally, the claim that foods produced from GM crops are unsafe for human consumption holds unseen concerns that is not on the ground. We have also highlighted the necessity of implementing intellectual property rights that support seed developers for a limited duration without violating farmers' rights. In conclusion, as a consumer has the right to know what they eat, labeling of GM food products fosters transparency and enhance consumer autonomy.

Importance-Performance Map Analysis of the Drivers for the Acceptance of Genetically Modified Food with a Theory of Planned Behavior Groundwork

The revolution in biotechnology at the end of the 20th century has improved agricultural productivity, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced food nutrition. However, genetically modified food (GMF) consumption remains low, particularly in the European Union, including Spain. This study develops a GMF acceptance model based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, incorporating five key variables alongside gender and age as control factors. Attitude-related variables include perceived benefit (PB) and perceived risk (PR). Perceived control factors involve food neophobia (PHOB) and knowledge (KNOWL) about GMFs. Additionally, subjective norm (SN) is considered. Using a sample of 728 Spanish consumers, the model was validated, explaining 70% of the variance and demonstrating strong predictive capability. The results so PB, KNOWL, and SN positively influence GMF acceptance, whereas PR and PHOB have negative effects. PB and SN emerged as the most influential variables, which are also highlighted as priorities in the importance-performance map analysis (IPMA). Based on these findings, strategies have been proposed to enhance perceived benefits and influence subjective norms, potentially increasing GMF acceptance. This study provides valuable insights into consumer behavior and offers guidance for policymakers and industry stakeholders to promote the adoption of GMFs.

Public opinion outweighs knowledge: A dual-process framework for understanding acceptance of genetic modification among scientists and laypeople

Communication research on scientific issues has traditionally relied on the deficit model, which posits that increasing scientific knowledge leads to public acceptance. However, this model's effectiveness is questioned due to inconclusive impacts of knowledge on acceptance. To address this, we propose a dual-process framework combining the deficit model (with scientific knowledge as a key predictor) and a normative opinion process model (where perceived majority opinion plays a crucial role) to predict people's risk/benefit perceptions and their support for genetic modification (GM). Using two national surveys in mainland China-Study 1 with 5145 laypeople and Study 2 with 12,268 scientists-we found positive and significant correlations between scientific knowledge or perceived majority opinion and GM support, mediated by risk/benefit perceptions. Importantly, the normative pathway-represented by perceived majority opinion-exerts a stronger direct and indirect impacts on GM support than scientific knowledge across both scientists and laypeople. Moreover, while the normative process shows a greater influence than the informative process on individuals' perceptions of both benefits and risks associated with GM, its prominence differs between scientists and laypeople depending on the types of perceptions-scientists are more sensitive to risk-related social norms, whereas laypeople are more concerned with norms related to benefits. The paper concludes with a discussion on the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.

Exploring cost reduction strategies for serum free media development

Cultivated meat production offers solutions in addressing global food security and sustainability challenges. However, serum-free media (SFM) used in cultivating the cells are expensive, contributing to at least 50% of variable operating costs. This review explores technologies for cost-effective SFM, focusing on reducing cost from using growth factors and recombinant proteins, using affordable raw materials for basal media, and implementing cost-saving measures like media recycling and reducing waste build-up.

Food engineers' attitudes and purchasing intentions towards genetically modified organism products

Background: Biotechnological developments have resulted in the modification of the genetic structures of many organisms. However, the possibility of risks in terms of human health has caused consumers to approach products containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) with suspicion. Objective: In this study, we aimed to determine the attitudes of food engineers towards GMO products and their effects on purchase intentions. Methods: For this purpose, an attitude scale towards GMO products was adapted, and a multivariate regression analysis was performed by applying the adapted questionnaire. Results: It has been determined that the negative attitudes of food engineers towards GMO products and their purchasing intentions have an effect. Attitudes toward the use of gene technology in production were determined with 17% as the most effective dimension of purchase intention, and it was found to have a significant effect (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Overall, it was determined that food engineers were concerned about the potential risk of GMO foods. In order to overcome these concerns, it is thought that eliminating the lack of knowledge of this professional group on gene technology should be planned as a strategic goal.

Harnessing Pseudomonas spp. for sustainable plant crop protection

This review examines the role of Pseudomonas spp. bacteria as biocontrol agents against crop diseases, focusing on their mechanisms of action, efficacy, and potential applications in sustainable agriculture. Pseudomonas spp., ubiquitous in soil ecosystems and root microbiomes, have attracted attention for their ability to suppress phytopathogens and enhance plant health through various mechanisms. These include direct competition for nutrients, production of antimicrobial compounds and volatile organic compounds, competition using type VI secretion systems, and indirect induction of systemic resistance. Our review shows that Pseudomonas strains effectively control a wide range of diseases across diverse plant species, with some strains demonstrating efficacy comparable to chemical fungicides. However, the review also highlights challenges in achieving consistent performance when using Pseudomonas inoculants under field conditions due to various biotic and abiotic factors. Strategies to optimize biocontrol potential, such as formulation techniques, application methods, and integration with other management practices, are discussed. The advantages of Pseudomonas-based biocontrol for sustainable agriculture include reduced reliance on chemical pesticides, enhanced crop productivity, and improved environmental sustainability. Future research directions should focus on understanding the complex interactions within the plant microbiome, optimizing delivery systems, and addressing regulatory hurdles for commercial deployment. This review underscores the significant potential of Pseudomonas spp. in sustainable crop protection while acknowledging the need for further research to fully harness their capabilities in agricultural systems.

Public perception of folate-biofortified genetically modified lettuce varieties in Brazil

Lettuce is one of the most widely consumed vegetables in the world, commonly eaten fresh in salads, sandwiches, wraps, and as a garnish in various dishes. Consequently, it is a very promising vehicle to deliver vitamins, such as folate (vitamin B9), to a specific population using biofortified varieties generated by conventional or molecular breeding. A new genetically modified lettuce was generated with increased folate content. However, some issues related to public perception regarding this technology should still be evaluated. The aim of this study was to analyze whether consumers are willing to accept a folate-biofortified GM lettuce that could become available to the Brazilian market. A questionnaire involving several issues regarding lettuce consumption was answered by 2,391 people from almost all Brazilian states. When informed that the folic acid biofortified lettuce is a transgenic plant, 46.1% of respondents stated that they would eat it and 30.5% stated that it would be a possibility. This study demonstrated that if there is any explanation regarding the advantage in relation to the use of biotechnology, like enrichment with folic acid, the number of people who accept it increases.

Understanding the Factors Driving Consumers' Willingness to Pay for Gene-Edited Foods in China

Gene editing contributes to enhancing food security through the creation of novel foods. However, public perception of gene-edited (GE) foods is crucial to their acceptance and adoption. This study expanded the knowledge-attitude-practice model and constructed an integrated framework comprising four dimensions: demographic factors, scientific literacy and beliefs, social trust, and perceptions of gene technology, aimed at explaining the public's attitudes toward GE foods. A questionnaire survey was conducted (N = 649), revealing a positive attitude toward GE foods, with over 80% expressing a certain willingness to pay (WTP) for them. Factors such as income level, subjective knowledge, scientific beliefs, trust in scientists, trust in government, and trust in national technological capabilities and perceived benefits positively correlated with WTP. Conversely, objective knowledge, perceived risks, and perceived ethical concerns were negatively correlated with WTP. The impact of objective knowledge on attitudes toward GE foods demonstrated a significant, nonlinear relationship. Additionally, it is noteworthy that the Chinese public currently exhibits relatively low trust in national technological capabilities, necessitating vigilance against the emergence of conspiracy theories akin to those surrounding genetically modified foods. This research contributes theoretical insights into the public communication of GE foods.

China's regulatory change toward genome-edited crops

China's newly issued genome-edited crop safety assessment guidelines do not entirely deviate from the existing genetically modified regulatory regimes. However, there is an urgent need to reform the genome-edited regulatory framework based on scientific values and a novel regulatory philosophy that balances diverse values to enhance public trust.

Awareness of GMOs in terms of the Iran biosafety act: A case study of Tehran city

Given emerging food supply challenges for the world population, Genetic Modified Organisms (GMOs) are referred to as a solution to the upcoming food security crisis. Besides technological advancement, other significant components such as public Awareness play an important role in national and international scientific regulations. Towards this, this study evaluated Tehranian consumers' Awareness (a sample including 946 respondents) about GMOs' risks and benefits, trust in governmental regulation, and the ways to obtain information about GMOs. Specific questionnaires were designed and distributed among participants in four districts in Tehran, and the collected data were used to conduct descriptive and inferential statistics by applying the ANOVA test. The Findings showed that 39 % with a p-value <0.01 of the public is unaware of GMOs in Tehran despite 20 years of commercialization, consumption, and controversial debate about GMOs in media and social networks. Therefore, the goals of public Awareness of science concerning biotechnology have not been met yet. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that public Awareness is not a crucial component in biotechnology advancement, and the other factors, including policymakers' desire, may have more weight.

Belgian dietitians' knowledge, perceptions and willingness-to-recommend of genetically modified food and organisms

BACKGROUND

Dietitians play a critical role in the public's relationship with food and are often overlooked as an important stakeholder group in the general debate about sustainable food. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are one type of modern food source that could contribute to a more sustainable food system. This case study is the first to examine the knowledge, perception and willingness-to-recommend (WTR) genetically modified (GM) foods by dietitians in Europe.

METHODS

An online survey was addressed to all members of the Flemish Association of Dietitians (Belgium) in 2021, resulting in a sample of 98 valid responses. Multivariate linear regression included sociodemographic, knowledge, and attitudinal factors as the independent variables to explain dietitians' WTR.

RESULTS

Flemish dietitians had limited knowledge of GMOs; only about half of the GM questions were answered correctly. Most dietitians (53%-76%) would recommend GMOs with positive effects on human nutrition or sustainability, whereas few dietitians (19%-27%) would recommend other GMO applications. Trust in GMO information sources and perceived GM benefits significantly influenced a positive WTR of GM foods. Predominant negative information about GM foods was significantly associated with dietitians' low trust and WTR such foods.

CONCLUSIONS

Countering the predominantly negative portrayal with more neutral and factual information could improve trust, which in turn could positively influence dietitians' perceptions towards GMOs. By further examining the knowledge and perception of dietitians worldwide GMOs and gene-edited products, new insights could be could gathered into the positioning of this underexposed stakeholder group.

Deconstruction of science hegemony: discursive strategies of Chinese science communication on genetically modified foods

This study analyzes Chinese online science communication and discussion about genetically modified foods (GMFs). Based on data collected from one of the largest Chinese GMFs science popularization website, it utilizes Wodak's discourse analysis to investigate how Chinese genetically modified (GM) scientific discourse is characterized by a range of discursive strategies that construct specific identity of Chinese GM scientists and explore science hegemony underlying Chinese GMFs debates. Findings show that discourse features of Chinese GM scientific discourse is objective as well as emotional, particularly conveying a strong sense of superiority realized by trope, argumentative strategies and intertextuality. The unequal power relationship between scientists and the public as well as Chinese intellectuals' knowledge hegemony could partly explain why those discursive strategies are employed in science communication practices of GMFs debates in Chinese context.

Similarities and differences with the 'general public': Chinese civil servants' attitude to genetically modified organisms and its influencing factors

This study examines Chinese civil servants' attitudes toward genetically modified organisms by reviewing a national survey of 3,018 Chinese civil servants. The findings show that Chinese civil servants hold a more positive attitude to GMOs than the wider Chinese "general public", with a similar level of genetic scientific literacy and belief in GMOs conspiracy theories and their influence mechanisms. While the Chinese civil servants' occupational literacy plays an important role in their GMOs attitude. This study provides a new mind-set for studying some specific groups' attitudes toward GMOs and related food policies.

Impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on consumers' perceptions of genetically modified food

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has generated significant economic loss and an unprecedented challenge to people's livelihoods. Using household data collected in November 2020, this study shows that the COVID-19 outbreak has significantly affected consumers' perceptions and consumption of genetically modified (GM) food in China. Their perceptions and purchase intentions have turned more negative, and their actual purchase of GM food has decreased after the COVID-19 outbreak. The study's results also indicate that consumers with more knowledge of genetic modification technology are less likely to change their perceptions of GM food.

Processes for regulating genetically modified and gene edited plants

Innovation in agriculture has been essential in improving productivity of crops and forages to support a growing population, improving living standards while contributing toward maintaining environment integrity, human health, and wellbeing through provision of more nutritious, varied, and abundant food sources. A crucial part of that innovation has involved a range of techniques for both expanding and exploiting the genetic potential of plants. However, some techniques used for generating new variation for plant breeders to exploit are deemed higher risk than others despite end products of both processes at times being for all intents and purposes identical for the benefits they provide. As a result, public concerns often triggered by poor communication from innovators, resulting in mistrust and suspicion has, in turn, caused the development of a range of regulatory systems. The logic and motivations for modes of regulation used are reviewed and how the benefits from use of these technologies can be delivered more efficiently and effectively is discussed.

What do popular YouTube videos say about genetically modified foods? A content analysis

Purpose

YouTube is one of the most popular media sharing platforms that facilitates both professionals and lay people to participate in dissemination of knowledge and opinions. Its wide-reaching impact allows both top-down and bottom-up flow of information between experts and lay audience. With a vast proportion of Americans obtaining health-related information digitally, the purpose of this study was to describe the content of 100 most viewed YouTube videos in the English language, specific to genetically modified foods (GMFs).

Methods

Using the search terms "genetically modified foods" the URLs and metadata for 100 English YouTube videos with the highest viewership were curated. Each video was viewed, and dichotomously coded for the absence or presence of ten content categories. Descriptive statistics, percentages of categorical variables and independent one-tailed t-tests (α=.05) were conducted to assess the statistical effect of the absence or presence of these categories on the number of views and likes garnered by the videos.

Results

Cumulatively, the 100 videos observed received 65,536,885 views and 1,328,605 likes. Only 7% of the videos were created by professionally credentialed individuals or organizations. More than 90% of the sampled videos described GMFs with an example, 50% mentioned their role in alleviating hunger, and 65% mentioned ecological concerns attributed to GMFs.

Conclusions

Our results underscore the need for health professionals to increase their digital presence on online media sharing platforms such as YouTube, and capitalize on its pervasiveness as potential conduits of accurate scientific information to equip consumers make evidence-based, informed decision regarding GMFs.

Transforming stressed plants into healthy foods

This paper presents the current status of transforming stressed plants into healthy foods and the future trends in this emerging field. Herein, we describe the three major key elements to advance this field, including a better understanding of the mode of action of oxidative stress on nutraceutical biosynthesis under pre- and postharvest scenarios either converting plants into biofactories of nutraceuticals or creating 'functional fresh produce' while preserving quality. We discuss the need of designing healthy products based on stressed fresh produce and by-products and present a pragmatic strategy to enhance nutraceuticals in plants, and finally we propose designing appropriate studies with stressed plants targeting immunomodulatory properties to determine preventive and therapeutic effects against chronic diseases and the appropriate recommended dose.

Genetic modification strategies for enhancing plant resilience to abiotic stresses in the context of climate change

Enhancing the resilience of plants to abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity, heat, and cold, is crucial for ensuring global food security challenge in the context of climate change. The adverse effects of climate change, characterized by rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events, pose significant threats to agricultural systems worldwide. Genetic modification strategies offer promising approaches to develop crops with improved abiotic stress tolerance. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of various genetic modification techniques employed to enhance plant resilience. These strategies include the introduction of stress-responsive genes, transcription factors, and regulatory elements to enhance stress signaling pathways. Additionally, the manipulation of hormone signaling pathways, osmoprotectant accumulation, and antioxidant defense mechanisms is discussed. The use of genome editing tools, such as CRISPR-Cas9, for precise modification of target genes related to stress tolerance is also explored. Furthermore, the challenges and future prospects of genetic modification for abiotic stress tolerance are highlighted. Understanding and harnessing the potential of genetic modification strategies can contribute to the development of resilient crop varieties capable of withstanding adverse environmental conditions caused by climate change, thereby ensuring sustainable agricultural productivity and food security.

Hostile media perceptions and consumption of genetically modified and organic foods: Examining the mediating role of risk-benefit assessments

Drawing upon the hostile media effect, this study examined how perceived media bias in covering genetically modified (GM) food influences individuals' risk-benefit assessments of it and their food consumption behaviors. The results of a nationally representative survey (N = 1364) showed that individuals seeing media coverage as more biased in favor of GM food perceived it as more hazardous, which was related to a higher proportion of organic food consumption in their diets. In contrast, perceived media coverage as less slanted toward GM food was associated with more benefit perceptions of it, thereby predicting its higher proportion in individuals' diets. More importantly, the indirect effect of perceived media bias on GM food consumption through benefit perceptions was more pronounced among males than females. The findings of this study not only provide empirical evidence of the perceptual and behavioral outcomes of hostile media perceptions, but also offer valuable insights for journalists and education practitioners to improve public understanding of emerging food technologies.

Exploring the future of GM technology in sustainable local food systems in Colombia

The security of Earth's food systems is challenged by shifting regional climates. While agricultural processes are disrupted by climate change, they also play a large role in contributing to destabilizing greenhouse gases. Finding new strategies to increase yields while decreasing agricultural environmental impacts is essential. Tropical agriculture is particularly susceptible to climate change: local, smallholder farming, which provides a majority of the food supply, is high risk and has limited adaptation capacity. Rapid, inexpensive, intuitive solutions are needed, like the implementation of genetically modified (GM) crops. In the Latin American tropics, high awareness and acceptance of GM technologies, opportunities to test GM crops as part of local agricultural educations, and their known economic benefits, support their use. However, this is not all that is needed for the future of GM technologies in these areas: GM implementation must also consider environmental and social sustainability, which can be unique to a locality. Primarily from the perspective of its educators, the potential of a rural Colombian university in driving GM implementation is explored, including the role of this type of university in producing agricultural engineers who can innovate with GM to meet regionally-dependent environmental and cultural needs that could increase their sustainability.

Norm Perceptions about Rumor Sharing on Genetically Modified Foods: The Interaction between Facebook Likes and a Refuting Comment

This study investigated how normative information on Facebook (i.e., the number of Likes on a Facebook post and a refuting comment) influences one's intention to share a rumor post regarding genetically modified foods. The results of an online experiment with 630 Facebook users showed that a high number of Likes increased the intention to share the post through perceived descriptive and injunctive norms of sharing behavior. The number of Likes on the post and a refuting comment interacted to influence perceived injunctive norms about rumor sharing. A comment stating that the post is a rumor increased injunctive norm perceptions about rumor sharing when the number of Likes on the post is low.

Achieving High Expression of Cry in Green Tissues and Negligible Expression in Endosperm Simultaneously via rbcS Gene Fusion Strategy in Rice

To allay excessive public concern about the safety of transgenic foods, and to optimize insect-resistant genes expression to delay the evolution of resistance in pests, we developed a promising strategy to fuse the GOI (gene of interest) with OsrbcS (rice small subunit of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) in transgenic rice, which acted as a carrier, driven by the OsrbcS native promoter to sequester its expression in green tissues. Using eYFP as a trial, we reported a high-level accumulation of eYFP in green tissue and almost none in the seed and root of the fused construct compared to the non-fused construct. After applying this fusion strategy in insect-resistant rice breeding, recombinant OsrbcS-Cry1Ab/Cry1Ac expressed rice plants conferred high resistance to leaffolders and striped stem borers, among which two single-copy lines possessed normal agronomic performance in the field. Specifically, Cry1Ab/Cry1Ac protein levels in single-copy construct transgenic lines ranged from 1.8 to 11.5 µg g^-1 in the leaf, higher than the Actin I promoter-driven control, T51-1, about 1.78 µg g^-1 in the leaf, but negligible (only 0.00012-0.00117 µg g^-1) in endosperm by ELISA analysis. Our study provided a novel approach to creating Cry1Ab/Cry1Ac-free endosperm rice with a high level of insect-resistant protein in green tissues through the simultaneous usage of the OsrbcS promoter and OsrbcS as a fusion partner.

Genome editing technologies, mechanisms and improved production of therapeutic phytochemicals: Opportunities and prospects

Plants produce a large number of secondary metabolites, known as phytometabolites that may be employed as medicines, dyes, poisons, and insecticides in the field of medicine, agriculture, and industrial use, respectively. The rise of genome management approaches has promised a factual revolution in genetic engineering. Targeted genome editing in living entities permits the understanding of the biological systems very clearly, and also sanctions to address a wide-ranging objective in the direction of improving features of plant and their yields. The last few years have introduced a number of unique genome editing systems, including transcription activator-like effector nucleases, zinc finger nucleases, and miRNA-regulated clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9 (CRISPR/Cas9). Genome editing systems have helped in the transformation of metabolic engineering, allowing researchers to modify biosynthetic pathways of different secondary metabolites. Given the growing relevance of editing genomes in plant research, the exciting novel methods are briefly reviewed in this chapter. Also, this chapter highlights recent discoveries on the CRISPR-based modification of natural products in different medicinal plants.

Public perception of plant gene technologies worldwide in the light of food security

Achieving global food security is becoming increasingly challenging and many stakeholders around the world are searching for new ways to reach this demanding goal. Here we demonstrate examples of genetically modified and genome edited plants introduced to the market in different world regions. Transgenic crops are regulated based on the characteristics of the product in many countries including the United States and Canada, while the European Union, India, China and others regulate process-based i.e. on how the product was made. We also present the public perception of state-of-the-art plant gene technologies in different regions of the world in the past 20 years. The results of literature analysis show that the public in Europe and North America is more familiar with the notion of genome editing and genetically modified organisms than the public in other world regions.

Genetically modified foods: bibliometric analysis on consumer perception and preference

In this study, we present the bibliometric trends emerging from research outputs on consumer perception and preference for genetically modified (GM) foods and policy prescriptions for enabling the consumption using VOSviewer visualization software. Consumers' positive response is largely influenced by the decision of the governments to ban or approve the GM crops cultivation. Similarly, the public support increases when the potential benefits of the technology are well articulated, consumption increases with a price discount, people's trust on the government and belief in science increases with a positive influence by the media. Europe and the USA are the first region and country, respectively, in terms of the number of active institutions per research output, per-capita GDP publication and citations. We suggest research-, agri-food industries-, and society-oriented policies to be implemented by the stakeholders to ensure the safety of GM foods, encourage consumer-based studies, and increase public awareness toward these food products.

The state of the 'GMO' debate - toward an increasingly favorable and less polarized media conversation on ag-biotech?

Although nearly three decades have passed since genetically modified crops (so-called ‘GMOs’) were widely commercialized, vociferous debate remains about the use of biotechnology in agriculture, despite a worldwide scientific consensus on their safety and utility. This study analyzes the volume and tenor of the GMO conversation as it played out on social and traditional media between 2018 and 2020, looking at 103,084 online and print articles published in English-language media around the world as well as 1,716,071 social media posts. To our knowledge, our analysis is the first comprehensive survey of the shifting traditional and online media discourse on this issue during this time period. While the volume of traditional media coverage of GMOs increased significantly during the period, this was combined with a dramatic drop in the volume of social media posts of over 80%. Traditional media tended to be somewhat more positive in their coverage than social media in 2018 and 2019, but that gap disappeared in 2020. Both traditional and social media saw trends toward increasing favorability, with the positive trend especially robust in social media. The large decline in volume of social media posts, combined with a strong trend toward greater favorability, may indicate a drop in the salience of the GMO debate among the wider population even while the volume of coverage in traditional media increased. Overall, our results suggest that both social and traditional media may be moving toward a more favorable and less polarized conversation on ag-biotech overall.

From Mind to Mouth: Understanding Active Publics in China and Their Communicative Behaviors on GM Foods

Using an online survey conducted in China (N = 1089), this study aims to understand the characteristics of active publics on the issue of genetically modified (GM) foods and provide effective communication strategies with active publics in China. In doing so, this study segments active publics regarding GM foods and predicts their communicative behaviors on GM foods by using the theoretical framework of situational theory of problem solving (STOPS). The results of the study revealed the demographic characteristics of active publics, situational, and media factors to predict information seeking, forefending, and forwarding about GM foods. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.

The implicit and explicit attitudes of Chinese university students towards genetic modification

Genetic modification (GM) technology is a technology that changes the characteristics of species through changing the genes of species. Public attitudes toward GM technology have an important impact on the technology's development. Previous surveys conducted in China used to assess public attitudes toward GM have mostly focused on the explicit level, which is recognized and acknowledged through the self-report method. However, the corresponding research on the implicit level is still lacking, which is unconscious and automated. The public attitudes toward the complete concept of GM are still unclear. In order to fill this gap, this study uses a questionnaire survey (Study 1), and interaction verification of the SC-IAT paradigm and the GNAT paradigm (Study 2) to investigate the explicit and implicit attitudes of Chinese university students towards GM. The role of education level is also examined in this study. The results show that the explicit attitudes of Chinese university students towards GM are generally positive, and the main effect of education level is significant. Finally, the mediating effect of the cognitive level between education level and explicit GM attitude is significant. However, the implicit GM attitudes of university students are generally negative, and neither the main effect of education level nor the mediating effect of cognition level is significant. University students as the future consumers and an important part of public opinion, their attitude to GM will affect the development of GM technology to a large extent. This study provides a theoretical basis for improving Chinese university students' attitudes toward GM, and also provides new research ideas for the public view of GM.

How does Information Exposure Affect Public Attitudes Toward GMO in China? The mediating and moderating roles of Conspiracy Belief and Knowledge

Background

In China, controversy about genetically modified organisms (GMO) is ongoing and some regard GMO as a “product of a conspiracy,” which affects people’s attitudes (PAs) toward GMO. Beliefs in conspiracy theories (BCT) are formed from the information that people are exposed to. Information exposure not only constructs a pseudo-environment for individuals to perceive the world, but also generates external stimuli for their mental states and attitudes. People’s objective knowledge and self-assessed knowledge play an important moderating role in this process.

Method

The study adopted the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) model, with conspiracy beliefs as mediating variables, to test the mechanism of the independent variable of information exposure on the dependent variable of PAs toward GMO. Objective knowledge and self-assessed knowledge were introduced as moderator variables to explore the different roles of knowledge. A survey of Chinese adults was conducted in February 2022, and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to estimate the multi-construct relationships.

Results

Information exposure was significantly and directly connected with PAs toward GMO. BCT also played a significant mediating role. Unofficial information exposure reinforced beliefs in conspiracy theories. Stronger beliefs in conspiracy theories reduced people’s willingness to consume GMO foods and made them pessimistic about the development prospects of GMO foods. In contrast, exposure to official information weakened people’s beliefs in conspiracy theories and increased their willingness to consume GMO foods. In addition, the level of knowledge had a moderating role. Individual’s objective knowledge can effectively reduce the negative relationship of conspiracy beliefs on attitudes toward GMO development. Conversely, individual’s self-assessed knowledge can enhance the negative relationship of conspiracy beliefs on attitudes toward GMO development.

Conclusion

Based on psychological and cognitive dimensions, this study provides a new perspective on how information exposure and people’s attitudes toward GMO are related to each other and enriches the variable measurement dimension of knowledge. Simultaneously, it provides a localized explanation of the factors affecting people’s attitudes toward GMO in China, providing a new theoretical basis for the subsequent development strategy of GMO foods.

Effect of Consumption Value on Consumer Willingness to Consume GM Food: A Post-COVID-19 Analysis

In this research, we debate the critical challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic such as food scarcity, by examining the influence of consumption values on consumers’ willingness to consume genetically modified (GM) food in the presence of consumer food attitudes, animosity, and ethnocentrism, which could be the one possible option to deal with the food scarcity problem. The proposed relationship could help to understand the complex societal problem of food scarcity and import dependency in the food sector before and after the crisis. Therefore, based on the theory of consumption values, we investigated government actions, consumer attitudes, and their willingness to consume GM food through 1340 valid USA responses and 1065 Chinese responses. We observed that COVID-19 doubled the number of malnourished people in 2020 relative to 2019, while consumption values, to some extent, changed consumer food attitudes and were inclined toward other food alternatives such as GM food regardless of governmental support for GM food in both USA and China. Moreover, this research enables governments, policymakers, market practitioners, and other stakeholders to use the COVID-19 crisis as an opportunity to negotiate with other countries to share their food technology along with imports.

Cottonseed Meal Protein Isolate as a New Source of Alternative Proteins: A Proteomics Perspective

Cottonseed meal (CSM) is a good source of dietary proteins but is unsuitable for human consumption due to its gossypol content. To unlock its potential, we developed a protein extraction process with a gossypol removal treatment to generate CSM protein isolate (CSMPI) with ultra-low gossypol content. This process successfully reduced the free and total gossypol content to 4.8 ppm and 147.2 ppm, respectively, far below the US FDA limit. In addition, the functional characterisation of CSMPI revealed a better oil absorption capacity and water solubility than pea protein isolate. Proteome profiling showed that the treatment improved protein identification, while SDS-PAGE analysis indicated that the treatment did not induce protein degradation. Amino acid analysis revealed that post-treated CSMPI was rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). Mass spectrometry analysis of various protein fractions obtained from an in vitro digestibility assay helped to establish the digestibility profile of CSM proteins. Several potential allergens in CSMPI were also found using allergenic prediction software, but further evaluation based on their digestibility profiles and literature reviews suggests that the likelihood of CSMPI allergenicity remains low. Overall, our results help to navigate and direct the application of CSMPIs as alternative proteins toward nutritive human food application.

Optimized Deep Neural Network and Its Application in Fine Sowing of Crops

Winter wheat is one of the most important food products. Increasing food demand and limited land resources have forced the development of agricultural production to be more refined and efficient. The most important part of agricultural production is sowing. With the promotion of precision agriculture, precision seeding has become the main component of modern agricultural seeding technology system, and the adoption of precision seeding technology is an important means of large-scale production and cost saving and efficiency enhancement. However, the current sowing technology and sowing equipment cannot meet the requirements of wheat sowing accuracy. In this context, a differential perturbation particle swarm optimization (DPPSO) algorithm is proposed by embedding differential perturbation into particle swarm optimization, which shows fast convergence speed and good global performance. After that the DPPSO is used to optimize the convolutional neural network (CNN) to build an optimized CNN (DPPSO-CNN) model and applied to the field of crops fine sowing. Finally, the experimental results show that the proposed method not only has a faster convergence rate but also achieves better wheat seeding performance. The research of this paper an effectively improves the accuracy and uniformity of wheat seeding and lay a foundation for improving wheat yield per unit area and promotes the intelligent development of agriculture in the future.

Does China have a public debate on genetically modified organisms? A discourse network analysis of public debate on Weibo

We examine stakeholder participation in the online debate on genetically modified organisms in China and assess how the debate has changed over time. Therefore, we compare messages posted between 2013 and 2020 on the Chinese microblog website Weibo by using discourse network analysis. Our findings reveal strong opposition to genetically modified crops, along with the existence of two competing coalitions of supporters and opponents. We further observe an increasing number of posts supporting genetically modified organisms by the public in recent years. Consequently, there is an indication that the positions of stakeholders have changed over time. We discuss the policy implications for China and draw conclusions for other countries.

A nationwide Chinese consumer study of public interest on agriculture

A nationwide study was undertaken in China to understand why public interest has shifted away from agriculture and to discuss approaches that may help restore interest and support for agriculture. The study collected 2586 questionnaires from 242 cities in 31 provinces in mainland China. The results suggest that agriculture is still of public interest, but interest has shifted from traditional farming to the consumer perspective in food safety, nutrition and health, food security and agricultural history. Two groups in this study, the younger generation and those with college degrees, show less interest in production agriculture. The accelerating shift in population from rural China to urban areas explains why these two groups are less connected with agricultural issues. The authors contend that it is critically important to keep the urban population knowledgeable of the importance of agriculture and suggest ways to improve communication and support from this educated, city-dweller point of view in order to ensure a stable and secure future. The approach of science appreciation (ways to effectively communicate science to general publics) is proposed to effectively gain renewed interest and engagement with the public in the science of agriculture in order to optimize the needs and benefits from agriculture to society.

No Control, No Consumption: Association of Low Perceived Control and Intention to Accept Genetically Modified Food

Based on compensatory control theory, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of perceived control on people’s acceptance of genetically modified (GM) foods by using both correlational and experimental methods. Compensatory control theory proposes that the lower an individual’s perceived control, the higher their need for structure, order, and certainty. Therefore, based on beliefs about GM foods that make some people less certain that those foods are as safe as traditional foods, we hypothesized that individuals with lower levels of perceived control are more inclined to reject GM foods. The analysis of questionnaire responses in Study 1 revealed that individuals’ sense of control negatively predicted their risk perception of GM foods, while the need for structure played a mediating role. In Study 2, using a between-subject design, we manipulated participants’ perceived control (higher vs. lower) and subsequently measured their risk perception and purchasing preferences for GM foods. The results in Study 2 show that under lower control conditions, individuals recognize higher risks related to GM foods, which, in turn, decreases their willingness to purchase GM foods. These results not only suggest that perceived control is a potential influential personal factor of the acceptance of GM foods but also extend the scope of the application of compensatory control theory.

Molecular and Computational Strategies to Increase the Efficiency of CRISPR-Based Techniques

The prokaryote-derived Clustered Regularly Interspaced Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas mediated gene editing tools have revolutionized our ability to precisely manipulate specific genome sequences in plants and animals. The simplicity, precision, affordability, and robustness of this technology have allowed a myriad of genomes from a diverse group of plant species to be successfully edited. Even though CRISPR/Cas, base editing, and prime editing technologies have been rapidly adopted and implemented in plants, their editing efficiency rate and specificity varies greatly. In this review, we provide a critical overview of the recent advances in CRISPR/Cas9-derived technologies and their implications on enhancing editing efficiency. We highlight the major efforts of engineering Cas9, Cas12a, Cas12b, and Cas12f proteins aiming to improve their efficiencies. We also provide a perspective on the global future of agriculturally based products using DNA-free CRISPR/Cas techniques. The improvement of CRISPR-based technologies efficiency will enable the implementation of genome editing tools in a variety of crop plants, as well as accelerate progress in basic research and molecular breeding.

Negligible Impact of Drought-Resistant Genetically Modified Maize on Arthropod Community Structure Observed in a 2-Year Field Investigation

Dehydration-responsive element-binding (DREB) transcription factors regulate diverse processes during plant development. Here, a 2-year field study was conducted to assess the potential effects of DREB-genetically modified maize (GM1) on arthropod species and ecological communities. Arthropod abundance, diversity, and community composition in GM1 and its non-transformed counterpart maize variety, Chang 7-2, were compared using whole plant inspection, pitfall trap, and suction sampler methods. Based on Shannon–Wiener diversity, Simpson’s diversity, Pielou’s indexes, number of species, and total number of individuals, GM1 had a negligible effect on arthropod abundance and diversity. Redundancy analysis indicated that the composition of arthropod community was not associated with maize type in the three investigation methods, while it exhibited significant correlation with year and sampling time in whole plant inspection and suction sample methods, and distinctly correlated with sampling time in the pitfall trap method. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis of variable factors in the three investigation methods showed that sampling time, rather than maize type or year, was closely related to the composition of arthropod community in the field. Our results provide direct evidence to support that DREB-GM maize had negligible effects on arthropods in the Jilin Province under natural conditions.

More engagement but less participation: China's alternative approach to public communication of science and technology

This essay critically traces the development of public engagement with science in China in the past decade and relevant scholarly studies. While confirming the country's tremendous progress in the field achieved either by official efforts or by social media empowerment, it argues that science communication advances have not realized the public engagement with science ideal of enabling the public to participate in constructive dialogue for policymaking. However, citing recent studies on the specifics of China's science communication, ranging from scientists' reliance on their organization, to the consequences of attitudinal polarization, this article appeals to an alternative research agenda to broaden our understanding of the dynamic science communication process in the world's most populous nation.

Looking at young millennials' risk perception and purchase intention toward GM foods: Exploring the role of source credibility and risk attitude

This study investigated young millennials' risk perception, benefit perception, and purchase intention toward GM foods by testing the effects of source credibility and risk attitude. By comparing two samples collected in the U.S. (N = 207) and China (N = 242), we found that source credibility positively influenced benefit perceptions of GM foods among Chinese millennial consumers. Results also revealed risk attitude significantly influenced both American and Chinese millennial consumers' intention to purchase GM foods. Furthermore, a significant interaction effect between source credibility and risk attitude was found on Chinese millennial consumers' risk perception of GM foods.

Attitudes of the Ecuadorian University Community Toward Genetically Modified Organisms

Introduction: The acceptance of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) by the civilian population in Ecuador is a controversial issue, where beliefs and practices are determinant. In Ecuador, the use of GMOs for research or productive purposes has been banned since 2008; however, the current position of the population toward this technology is unknown.

Objective: The aim of the study was to explain the attitude toward GMOs in the Ecuadorian university population based on sociodemographic variables, knowledge, beliefs, practices, and bioethical approach.

Methods: A validated survey was applied to 719 students and teachers of the Catholic University of Cuenca through Google Forms. The collected data were processed using SPSS 23.0 software. Multivariate and linear regression analyses were used to explain the attitude toward GMOs based on the variables studied.

Results: Partial approval of GMO use is research-oriented, with a rejection toward food. The linear regression model explained 65% of the variance of attitude toward GMOs from the beliefs, practices, knowledge, and bioethical approach variables. The sociodemographic variables were completely excluded from the model due to the absence of statistical significance.

Conclusions: The incipient acceptance of GMOs in the academic sector corroborates a transformation in the thinking of Ecuadorian civil society. Considerations on the use of GMOs are supported by a bioethical approach that leans toward a pragmatic utilitarianism based on the immediate or mediate benefits of the technology.

Visualizing science: The impact of infographics on free recall, elaboration, and attitude change for genetically modified foods news

Within the theoretical frameworks of the dual coding theory, this study examined how the implementation of infographics would influence audiences' cognitive responses to science news reporting topics of genetically modified food and bioengineering. A total of 280 participants were randomly assigned to view news articles that report genetically modified food information presented via infographics or text. Findings showed that the participants recalled more information, elaborated more message-relevant thoughts, and had more favorable attitude changes toward the genetically modified foods when science news content is presented in infographics compared with text. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed herein.

Are Chinese Netizens Willing to Speak Out? The Spiral of Silence in Public Reactions to Controversial Food Safety Issues on Social Media

This study examines the influential factors posited by the Spiral of Silence Theory (SoS) in shaping people's perceptions of the overall public opinion towards food safety issues in China and their willingness to speak out. Two highly controversial issues, including genetically modified (GM) food and food additives, are examined. Using an online opt-in panel in China, we collected survey responses from a total of 1089 respondents, with a comparable age distribution to that of Chinese netizens, as indicated in the most recent census. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regressions were conducted to make statistical inferences about the proposed research questions and hypotheses. Findings suggest that perceived opinion incongruence, self-relevance, and self-influence significantly affected the extent to which people were willing to express their opinions on social media for the genetically modified food issue, but not the use of food additive issue. The study provides evidence of the silencing effect on publicly expressing opinions about the food safety related issues in China and clarifies the potential boundary conditions of the SoS mechanism in the context of Chinese social media where the majority of public opinions come into formation.

The history, state of the art and future prospects for oleaginous yeast research

Lipid-based biofuels, such as biodiesel and hydroprocessed esters, are a central part of the global initiative to reduce the environmental impact of the transport sector. The vast majority of production is currently from first-generation feedstocks, such as rapeseed oil, and waste cooking oils. However, the increased exploitation of soybean oil and palm oil has led to vast deforestation, smog emissions and heavily impacted on biodiversity in tropical regions. One promising alternative, potentially capable of meeting future demand sustainably, are oleaginous yeasts. Despite being known about for 143 years, there has been an increasing effort in the last decade to develop a viable industrial system, with currently around 100 research papers published annually. In the academic literature, approximately 160 native yeasts have been reported to produce over 20% of their dry weight in a glyceride-rich oil. The most intensively studied oleaginous yeast have been Cutaneotrichosporon oleaginosus (20% of publications), Rhodotorula toruloides (19%) and Yarrowia lipolytica (19%). Oleaginous yeasts have been primarily grown on single saccharides (60%), hydrolysates (26%) or glycerol (19%), and mainly on the mL scale (66%). Process development and genetic modification (7%) have been applied to alter yeast performance and the lipids, towards the production of biofuels (77%), food/supplements (24%), oleochemicals (19%) or animal feed (3%). Despite over a century of research and the recent application of advanced genetic engineering techniques, the industrial production of an economically viable commodity oil substitute remains elusive. This is mainly due to the estimated high production cost, however, over the course of the twenty-first century where climate change will drastically change global food supply networks and direct governmental action will likely be levied at more destructive crops, yeast lipids offer a flexible platform for localised, sustainable lipid production. Based on data from the large majority of oleaginous yeast academic publications, this review is a guide through the history of oleaginous yeast research, an assessment of the best growth and lipid production achieved to date, the various strategies employed towards industrial production and importantly, a critical discussion about what needs to be built on this huge body of work to make producing a yeast-derived, more sustainable, glyceride oil a commercial reality.