Impact of elevated temperatures on greenhouse gas emissions in rice systems: interaction with straw incorporation studies in a growth chamber experiment

Two pot experiments in a “walk-in” growth chamber with controlled day and night temperatures were conducted to investigate the influence of elevated temperatures along with rice straw incorporation on methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions as well as rice yield. Elevated temperature increased GWP while decreased rice yield. This suggests that global warming may result in a double negative effect: higher emissions and lower yields

Effects of two oil dispersants on phototaxis and swimming behaviour of barnacle larvae

The effects of two oil dispersants (Vecom B-1425 GL and Norchem OSD-570) mixed with diesel oil on the survival and behaviour of the stage II nauplii of the barnacle Balanus amphitrite were investigated. The 24 and 48-hour LC50 values for Vecom B-1425 GL:diesel mixture were 514 and 48 mg 1-1 respectively, while respective values for Norchem OSD-570:diesel mixture were 505 and 71 mg 1-1. Under sublethal concentrations, increased levels of the dispersant:diesel mixtures caused a reduction in phototactic responses. Balanus amphitrite nauplii failed to exhibit phototactic responses when exposed to Vecom B-1425 GL:diesel mixtures of 400 mg 1-1 and higher for 24 hours. A longer exposure time of 48 hours further reduced the Lowest Observable Effect Concentrations (LOECs) to 60 mg 1-1. The LOECs for Norchem OSD-570:diesel mixtures under exposure periods of 24 and 48 hours were 400 and 80 mg 1-1 respectively. The curvilinear velocities (VCL) and straight-line velocities (VSL) of the stage II nauplii ranged from 0.7-1.1 and 0.2-0.4 mm s-1 respectively. Increased concentrations of dispersant:diesel mixtures caused a significant change in the curvilinear and straight-line velocities. Both oil dispersants, dispersant:diesel mixtures of 20 to 40 mg 1-1 caused significant increases in VCL, but no significant change in VSL. Dispersant:diesel mixtures of 100 mg 1-1 and higher resulted in a reduction in VSL for both dispersants. ©1997 Kluwer Academic Publishers.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

One small edit for humans, one giant edit for humankind? Points and questions to consider for a responsible way forward for gene editing in humans

Gene editing, which allows for specific location(s) in the genome to be targeted and altered by deleting, adding or substituting nucleotides, is currently the subject of important academic and policy discussions. With the advent of efficient tools, such as CRISPR-Cas9, the plausibility of using gene editing safely in humans for either somatic or germ line gene editing is being considered seriously. Beyond safety issues, somatic gene editing in humans does raise ethical, legal and social issues (ELSI), however, it is suggested to be less challenging to existing ethical and legal frameworks; indeed somatic gene editing is already applied in (pre-) clinical trials. In contrast, the notion of altering the germ line or embryo such that alterations could be heritable in humans raises a large number of ELSI; it is currently debated whether it should even be allowed in the context of basic research. Even greater ELSI debates address the potential use of germ line or embryo gene editing for clinical purposes, which, at the moment is not being conducted and is prohibited in several jurisdictions. In the context of these ongoing debates surrounding gene editing, we present herein guidance to further discussion and investigation by highlighting three crucial areas that merit the most attention, time and resources at this stage in the responsible development and use of gene editing technologies: (1) conducting careful scientific research and disseminating results to build a solid evidence base; (2) conducting ethical, legal and social issues research; and (3) conducting meaningful stakeholder engagement, education and dialogue.On behalf of the Public and Professional Policy Committee of the European Society of Human Genetics</p