GMO: Are we playing God? The goats with spider genes and silk in their milk. Genetically modified rice testing divides opinion in Ghana. Genetically-modified purple tomatoes heading for shops. 24 January 2014Last updated at 17:00 ET By David Shukman Science editor, BBC News The new tomatoes could improve the nutritional value of everyday foods The prospect of genetically modified purple tomatoes reaching the shelves has come a step closer. Their dark pigment is intended to give tomatoes the same potential health benefits as fruit such as blueberries. Developed in Britain, large-scale production is now under way in Canada with the first 1,200 litres of purple tomato juice ready for shipping.
The pigment, known as anthocyanin, is an antioxidant which studies on animals show could help fight cancer. Scientists say the new tomatoes could improve the nutritional value of everything from ketchup to pizza topping. The tomatoes were developed at the John Innes Centre in Norwich where Prof Cathie Martin hopes the first delivery of large quantities of juice will allow researchers to investigate its potential. Continue reading the main story “Start Quote Legacy of distrust. Stem cell 'major discovery' claimed. Cells from eyes of dead 'may give sight to blind' 31 January 2014Last updated at 22:36 ET By James Gallagher Health and science reporter, BBC News The necessary cells can be found in the back of everyone's eyes Cells taken from the donated eyes of dead people may be able to give sight to the blind, researchers suggest.
Tests in rats, reported in Stem Cells Translational Medicine, showed the human cells could restore some vision to completely blind rats. The team at University College London said similar results in humans would improve quality of life, but would not give enough vision to read. Human trials should begin within three years. Donated corneas are already used to improve some people's sight, but the team at the Institute for Ophthalmology, at UCL, extracted a special kind of cell from the back of the eye. These Muller glia cells are a type of adult stem cell capable of transforming into the specialised cells in the back of the eye and may be useful for treating a wide range of sight disorders.
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