Cheaper blue jeans that are better for the environment? Genetic engineering can make it happen – Genetic Literacy Project

Editors note: This piece is written byDr. Miller, a physician and molecular biologist, who was the founding director of the FDAs Office of Biotechnology.

Genetic engineers have developed a way to produce the two principal components [of blue jeans], cotton fabric and indigo dye, for less money and soon will make commercial blue jean production cheaper than ever.

Bt cotton helps farmers to control major peststhe cotton and pink bollworm and the tobacco budwormwhich account for a quarter of all crop destruction due to insects. From 1996 through 2014, this technology increased cotton yields by an average of 17.3%

Bt cotton is also environmentally friendly. With conventional cotton, farmers control insects by applying huge amounts of chemical pesticides known to harm birds, fish and other aquatic organisms. Lessening the need for pesticides also reduces farm workers exposure to those chemicals.

The other main ingredient in bluejeans, indigo dye, is usually produced synthetically through a complex, multistep process performed with highly toxic chemicals. It requires special facilities and precautions to protect workers and the environment. But indigo dye can also be made using genetically engineered bacteria. This process has fewer steps, uses water instead of toxic organic solvents, incorporates corn syrup as the primary starting material, and yields nontoxic waste products. While it is not yet efficient enough for commercial use, stay tuned.

Instead of accepting critics unsubstantiated claims, consumers should be demanding [genetic engineerings] wider application in agriculture and other industries.

The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion, and analysis. Read full, original post:Youd Look Good in Designer Genes

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Cheaper blue jeans that are better for the environment? Genetic engineering can make it happen - Genetic Literacy Project