Several years after most developed countries legislated on the issue,
Australia is to formalise its rules on releasing genetically modified organisms
into the environment. At present, researchers and companies are expected to
abide by guidelines laid down by a scientific advisory committee. But this
voluntary system is to be replaced by statutory regulations, policed by a new
Gene Technology Office, the government announced last week.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
The world's fastest spider tops 3.5 metres per second
2
Babies are born with the neural foundations for maths
3
A type of fibre that stimulates GLP-1 release approved for use in food
4
The weirdness of neutrinos could completely rewrite particle physics
5
Slowdown of AMOC ocean current may be gradual and reversible
6
We’ve uncovered a master gene that switches on human development
7
Where, when and how to watch the 2026 solar eclipse
8
The best new science-fiction novels published in July 2026
9
This physicist is hunting for the biggest black hole in the universe
10
We’re not the most successful human species
