Information on genetically modified organisms


Gene and NanoTechnology Information Service
The Gene and NanoTechnology Information Service provides balanced and factual information on gene and nanotechnology to help the public make informed choices. The service is funded by the Australian government agency, the Australian Office of Nanotechnology and other research/government partners.

The service provides online resources, participates in outreach events, answers questions from the public and keeps you up-to-date with the latest news in gene and nanotechnology.
Free call: 1800 631 276
www.gtis.edu.au

Agrifood Awareness Australia
An industry initiative established to increase public awareness of, and encourage informed debate about, gene technology in agriculture. As well as a number of links to Agricultural Biotechnology resources, this website has an up to date news summary which can be useful for classroom activities such as discussions and debates.
http://www.afaa.com.au/

NOVA
Science in the news - published by the Australian Academy of Science
www.science.org.au/nova

SciDev.Net
A network aiming to provide reliable and authoritative information on science- and technology-related issues that impact on developing countries. Features a comprehensive GM crop dossier.
http://www.scidev.net/

GMO-compass
GMO-compass informs about the benefits and risks of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The site aims to make an essential contribution to the general GMO debate.
http://www.gmo-compass.org 

GMO safety
The GMO safety website provides up-to-date clear and intelligible information about current and past biosafety research into genetically modified plants in Germany.
http://www.gmo-safety.eu 

Co-Extra
Co-Extra is an EU research programme on co-existence and traceability. The website goal is to support the implementation of coexistence and traceability and to foster a science-based debate among stakeholders.
http://www.coextra.au  

Regulatory bodies

Office of the Gene Technology Regulator
The Australian government body responsible for the regulation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
http://www.ogtr.gov.au/

Food Standards Australia and New Zealand
The independent statutory authority responsible for developing food standards for composition. labelling and contaminants for all foods grown or imported for sale in Australia. Features information on the regulation of genetically modified foods.
www.foodstandards.gov.au/

Interest groups

AG Care
Agricultural Groups Concerned about Resources and the Environment.
http://www.agcare.org/

AusBiotech
Industry body representing the Australian biotechnology sector.
http://www.ausbiotech.org/

For students

Get into Genes
Get into Genes is an interactive education program for secondary school students that highlights the application of biotechnology to crop improvement. It provides students with an insight into the relationship between molecular biology, genetics and plant breeding.
http://www.getintogenes.com.au/

DNA interactive
This very comprehensive website contains everything from the history of genetics through to some great 3D animations of techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction digests. It includes lots of interviews with important scientists and links to other resources developed by the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. A recent addition is the MyDNAi area where teachers can construct their own on-line lessons.
www.dnai.org/index.html

Genetic Science Learning Centre
This website focuses on medical applications of biotechnology, but has some great resources including an animation of gel electrophoresis. Within the 'DO try this at home' section is a very simple DNA extraction that you can do with household chemicals.
gslc.genetics.utah.edu/

GeneEd Web
This site on the application of gene technology to the Australian dairy industry is designed for secondary school students. It includes a glossary and information on career paths. Follow the links from the home page.
www.dairycrc.com/

Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics
This website contains information on the cutting-edge research and technologies associated with functional genomics. Background information on abiotic stress in crops is also included.
http://www.acpfg.com.au/