Biotech

As Asian consumers demand safe, high-quality food products, producers and exporters must trace, test and eliminate the risks from “farm to fork.” I still remember nine years ago, the infamous infant milk scandal that triggered alarm among consumers, policymakers and food producers across Asia. It highlighted the ease with which melamine could contaminate a basic…

Chromogenic culture media are culture medium used to isolate, identify and differentiate specific microorganisms from a heterogeneous population. The medium utilizes synthetic chromogenic enzyme substrates to specifically target pathogenic species or groups of species based on their enzyme activity. Most chromogenic media are therefore both selective and differential, accommodating the inhibition of non-target organisms such…

Electric vehicles (EV) adoption is increasing with each passing day. These are electrically powered vehicles that use traction motor or electric motor for propulsion. The International Energy Agency projected that by 2030, around 30 percent of all cars on the road are expected to be battery-powered electric vehicles. While North America and Europe remain significant…

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignancies in the world, accounting for more than 1.6 million cases annually or twelve percent of all newly diagnosed cancers. It is also the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Although in the West, lung cancer rates have declined over the years in line with declining tobacco…

Pesticide misuse is a common problem in agriculture production in Southeast Asia as unsafe amounts of pesticide residues on vegetables are a growing concern for consumers. Improper mixing, spraying and storing of pesticides on farms is also dangerous to farmers and their families. Over time, the incorrect use and use of obsolete products can also…

The growing interest in plant-based food is not just a passing fad as consumers continue to seek out beneficial health food like meat-free diets and plant protein sources. While reducing the consumption of animal products, they are also looking at how they can help reduce their impact on the planet. Here are some key trends…

In several markets around the world, the use of hemp in food-related products has grown rapidly. As more consumers are exposed to these products, food safety has become a key concern for producers and regulators. Hemp, or more specifically for this article, industrial hemp, is grown specifically for industrial use in a wide range of…

Mycotoxins are toxic chemicals produced by molds and fungi that especially threaten food crops and grain. They appear in field crops from toxigenic and plant pathogenic fungi during the growing season. Researchers believe that their emergence is mainly the result of poor environmental controls and other crop susceptibility factors. They also account for considerable economic…