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A New Zealand scientist who works on gene therapies to treat human diseases - is sounding a warning over the loosening of our laws on genetic modification.
The government's Gene Technology Bill before parliament, overhauls the regulatory regime governing the use of gene technology and genetically modified organisms, with the aim to enable their safe use. If passed, it will end New Zealand's nearly 30-year ban on gene technology outside the lab, with the government citing `health, productivity and climate gains. ' The bill has received around 15,000 submissions.
New Zealander David Williams is a Professor of Ophthalmology and Neurobiology at the University of California in Los Angeles, where he's working on gene therapies to treat inherited human diseases. He grew up on the sheep and beef farm in Canterbury, and says easing GMO regulations will not necessarily deliver any sustainable net benefit to kiwi farmers.
