Regulatory reform on new genetic engineering techniques will allow Australian scientists to speed up research on health and agriculture.
Raj Bhula, Australia’s gene technology regulator hoped the newer and more efficient forms of gene editing will no longer be considered ‘genetic modification’, as gene editing manipulates existing material, unlike genetic modification which uses foreign genetic material.
Mr Bhula said proposed changes would include reducing regulations around gene editing techniques such as CRISPR, which would allow researchers to breed drought and disease resistant crops.