Moderna's mRNA shot developers rumored to plan aerial distribution of RNA onto food.
In the realm of agricultural biotechnology, a new technology is making waves. Terrana Biosciences, a company backed by the same venture capital group that supported Moderna, is currently developing and deploying a synthetic RNA spraying technology for crops [1][3]. This innovative approach delivers engineered RNA molecules into plants, enabling them to produce protective proteins like insecticidal toxins or viral antigens, acting as programmable "plant vaccines" to increase crop resilience and reduce pesticide use [1][3].
The technology, however, is not without controversy. As the company receives government approvals for experimental uses and secures about $50 million in initial funding, critics and some physicians voice concerns about unknown long-term environmental and human health risks [1][2]. The synthetic viral-derived RNA, which replicates inside the plants, has yet to undergo comprehensive safety and impact assessments [1][2].
Concerns centre around potential unintended effects on ecosystems, food safety, and unclear implications for human health when consuming treated crops [1][2]. The technology's persistence, potential for altering biology across generations, and misuse are also cause for worry [4]. Some commentators raise broader ethical and societal issues, fearing this technology could expand corporate and governmental control over biological life and the food supply [1][4].
The similarity to mRNA vaccine platforms and AI-designed RNA libraries triggers concerns about the technology’s unpredictable behaviour and potential impacts on the natural order of life [4]. If these synthetic RNAs infiltrate the food supply, humans ingesting them daily could potentially trigger unforeseen immune responses or cellular dysfunction [4].
Once released, synthetic RNA cannot be recalled and could replicate, spread, and alter ecosystems in ways we cannot predict. The technology represents a promising yet uncertain frontier in agricultural biotechnology with significant potential benefits and risks that remain to be fully understood through rigorous scientific assessment and transparent regulatory evaluation [1][2][3][4].
As the technology continues to evolve, it is crucial to address these concerns and ensure a balanced approach that considers both the potential benefits and the risks associated with synthetic RNA agriculture.
- The solutions Terrana Biosciences proposes for agricultural biotechnology, using synthetic RNA spraying technology, could revolutionize crop resilience and decrease pesticide use.
- Health and wellness could see a shift with the implementation of this technology, as it delivers protective proteins, acting as plant vaccines, to improve crop health.
- In the realm of science, this technology stands at the forefront of agricultural biotechnology, but faces controversy over unknown long-term environmental and human health risks.
- Fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, and general-news may be impacted if the synthetic RNAs infiltrate the food supply, potentially causing unforeseen immune responses or cellular dysfunction in humans.
- Technology's development should be guided by a balanced approach that addresses concerns about the potential risks associated with synthetic RNA agriculture and its significant potential benefits.
- Lifestyle changes and therapies-and-treatments may be impacted by the unintended effects on ecosystems and food safety, raising ethical and societal issues concerning corporate and governmental control over biological life and the food supply.
