Recent Biotechnology Developments: GM Mustard Policy, DNA Data Storage, Biomarkers, Digital Biopiracy, Algae-Based Footwear, Artificial Womb Research
Science & Technology › Biotechnology – Applications · Topic 11.13
Recent developments in biotechnology that are linked to exams include the debate on genetically modified mustard and the call for a national policy on GM crops, DNA data storage, biomarkers for early disease detection, digital biopiracy, algae-based footwear and research on artificial wombs. DNA data storage encodes digital files in the sequence of synthetic DNA, which can hold huge amounts of data in tiny space for thousands of years. Digital biopiracy means the use of digital sequence information of genes without sharing benefits with the countries that provided the material. An artificial womb is a fluid-filled device in which a very premature baby or animal could develop, and in 2017 researchers at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia kept premature lambs alive in a device called a biobag.
5 min read · UPSC Prelims · Science & Technology · Biotechnology – Applications
At a Glance
- GM mustard DMH-11, policy awaited
- DNA storage Data in synthetic DNA
- Digital biopiracy Use of gene data without sharing
- Artificial womb Biobag, 2017
- Biomarkers Early disease signals
- Exam link UPSC Prelims, Science & Technology: Biotechnology – Applications
Where Does It Fit?
This topic follows the national strategy. It collects several newer developments that often appear in current affairs and shows how the policy and techniques of the macro apply to them. Previous topic: National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2015–2020. Next topic: Biotech-KISAN Scheme.
What Are the Recent Developments?
| Development | Key points |
|---|---|
| GM mustard policy | Genetically modified mustard DMH-11 was recommended for release by the regulator in 2022. In July 2024 the Supreme Court gave a split verdict and asked the Centre to frame a national policy on GM crops after consulting states and experts |
| DNA data storage | Digital data is converted into the four DNA bases A, C, G and T, written as synthetic DNA and read by sequencing. One gram can store hundreds of petabytes in theory |
| Biomarkers | Measurable signs of disease, such as proteins, genes or metabolites in blood. They support early diagnosis and personalised therapy |
| Digital biopiracy | Gene sequences are shared online as digital sequence information, which can be used by companies without benefit sharing |
| Algae-based footwear | Foam made from algae biomass replaces petroleum based foam in shoe soles and cuts carbon footprint |
| Artificial womb research | Devices that support a very premature fetus in fluid with an artificial placenta, tested in lambs |
| Others | New gene therapies, mRNA vaccines and genome edited crops are also frequent in news |
Why Do These Developments Matter and What Issues Do They Raise?
- GM mustard: could raise oil yield in an edible oil importing country, but raises questions on herbicide tolerance, bees and cross pollination
- DNA storage: very dense and long lasting, but writing and reading are slow and costly today
- Biomarker use: helps to detect cancer and other disease earlier, but needs validation to avoid false alarms
- Digital sequence information: the 2024 Convention on Biological Diversity meeting at Cali, Colombia agreed a fund, the Cali Fund, to which companies using such data are asked to contribute
- Biopiracy law in India: the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 was amended in 2023 to ease some rules but retain benefit sharing
- Biomaterials: algae, fungi and bacteria can supply foam, leather like material and packaging
- Artificial womb ethics: questions arise on the limit of viability, consent and equal access
- Data privacy: genomic and biomarker data need protection and informed consent
What Else Should You Remember?
- GM mustard background: DMH-11 uses the barnase and barstar system for hybrid seed and a bar gene for herbicide tolerance, developed at Delhi University, as in Genetically Modified Plants and Pest-Resistant Crop Technologies
- Edible oil import: India imports a large share of its edible oil, which is one reason for interest in higher yielding mustard
- DNA storage milestones: George Church stored a book in DNA in 2012, and later work stored images, video and music. Companies and universities continue to work on cost reduction
- Why DNA: it is compact, lasts for thousands of years under good conditions and needs little energy to keep
- Biomarker classes: diagnostic, prognostic, predictive and monitoring biomarkers
- Liquid biopsy: a blood test that looks for tumour DNA or cells as a cancer biomarker
- Nagoya Protocol: an international agreement of 2010 on access to genetic resources and fair sharing of benefits, which India has ratified
- Cali Fund: a global fund set up in 2024 to share benefits from digital sequence information, with contribution still voluntary in many ways
- Biobag: the 2017 study kept fetal lambs alive for weeks, and research on human use needs regulatory approval
- Premature births: India has one of the highest numbers of preterm births in the world, which is why neonatal care innovation is relevant
- Bio-based materials: mycelium and algae products fall in the new sector of bio-manufacturing, as in National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2015-2020
- Caution on claims: many new technologies are at early stages, so exam answers should say potential rather than certainty
Why Does It Matter for the Exam?
- Concepts: DNA storage, DSI, biomarker, artificial womb
- Policy links: Supreme Court direction on GM crops and the Biological Diversity Act
- International: Nagoya Protocol and Cali Fund
- Current affairs link: new approvals and policy decisions
- Common errors: confusing the Nagoya Protocol with the Cartagena Protocol
As an analytical point, each of these developments has a technical side and a governance side. Clear rules on benefit sharing, consent and safety allow India to adopt new tools while protecting farmers, patients and biodiversity.
Why Is This Topic Important?
- Policy GM mustard and DSI
- Technology DNA storage, womb
- Ethics Benefit sharing
What Came Next?
The next topic covers the Biotech-KISAN scheme for farmers. Next topic: Biotech-KISAN Scheme.
Key People and Terms
- DSI Digital sequence information
- Biomarker Measurable disease sign
- Biobag Artificial womb device
- Petabyte Large data unit
- Liquid biopsy Blood based cancer test
- Nagoya Protocol Access and benefit sharing treaty
Exam Corner
Points to Remember
- GM mustard hybrid: DMH-11.
- Supreme Court split verdict: July 2024.
- DNA bases: A, C, G, T.
- Nagoya Protocol: 2010.
- Biobag study: 2017.
Do Not Confuse With
- Nagoya and Cartagena Protocols Benefit sharing versus biosafety
- Biopiracy and bioprospecting Unfair taking versus legitimate search
- DNA storage and DNA fingerprinting Data in DNA versus identity from DNA
Memory Hook
Mustard in the court, data in the DNA, shoes from algae, babies in a bag.
Mains Angle
Questions ask for the idea and the issue behind each item. These points help.
- Opportunity New products and markets
- Governance Policy and benefit sharing
- Ethics Consent and access
A Question You May Face
An original practice question, not a past paper question.
“Discuss recent developments in biotechnology such as GM crops, DNA data storage and digital sequence information and the governance challenges they raise.”
How to Answer
- Developments Name and explain.
- Benefits Yield, storage, health.
- Issues Safety, benefit sharing.
- Way Clear rules.
GS Relevance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DNA data storage?
DNA data storage is a method of keeping digital information by converting files into the four bases of DNA, writing them as synthetic DNA and reading them back by sequencing. DNA is extremely compact and can last thousands of years, but writing and reading remain slow and costly, so it is mainly useful for long term archives.
What is digital biopiracy?
Digital biopiracy refers to the use of digital sequence information, which is genetic data stored in online databases, by researchers or companies without sharing benefits with the countries or communities from which the biological material came. International talks under the Convention on Biological Diversity created the Cali Fund in 2024 to address this concern.
What did the Supreme Court say on GM mustard?
In July 2024 a two judge bench of the Supreme Court gave a split verdict on challenges to the environmental release of genetically modified mustard DMH-11. The judges referred the matter for a larger bench but directed the Centre to frame a national policy on genetically modified crops after consultation with states and experts.
What is a biomarker?
A biomarker is a measurable indicator of a normal or disease process, such as a protein, gene change or metabolite in blood or tissue. Biomarkers help to detect disease early, predict who will respond to a drug and monitor treatment. Liquid biopsy tests that find tumour DNA in blood are one example.
What is an artificial womb?
An artificial womb is a fluid-filled device that aims to support the development of a very premature baby outside the mother's body, with an artificial placenta supplying oxygen. In 2017, researchers in Philadelphia kept premature lambs alive for weeks in such a device called a biobag. Human use has not yet been approved.
PYQ Practice — Statement Analysis
1 DNA data storage encodes digital files into the sequence of DNA bases.
Using A, C, G and T.
2 The Nagoya Protocol deals with access to genetic resources and benefit sharing.
Adopted in 2010.
3 The Cartagena Protocol deals with benefit sharing from digital sequence information.
That relates to the Nagoya Protocol and Cali Fund.
4 In July 2024 the Supreme Court directed the Centre to frame a national policy on GM crops.
After a split verdict.
Past Mains Questions on This Topic
This topic comes under Biotechnology – Applications. UPSC Mains questions asked on the matching syllabus topic, year-wise with marks:
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