Why Are Heart Attacks Happening to Fit People?

 

Biotech Bananas That Don’t Rot: Can Science Really Stop Food Waste?

Have you ever bought bananas that turned brown just two days later? Or watched them go mushy before you could eat them all? Bananas are one of the most wasted fruits around the globe, and therefore scientists are now using biotechnology to solve this problem.

Let’s learn how biotech bananas are being developed to stay fresh for longer duration and how it helps farmers and the planet.

Firstly, why Do Bananas Rot So Quickly?

Before we talk about how science is solving the problem, let’s first understand how bananas spoil fast:

1. Natural Ripening Gas – Ethylene

Bananas are capable of releasing a gas called ethylene that helps I its ripening however once it starts, the process speeds up very quickly. It’s more like a chain reaction where one ripe banana can cause others nearby to ripen faster.

2. Soft Skin and Bruising

Bananas have thin, soft skin which makes it prone to bruises during transport. Bruised areas spoil faster as they end up attracting microbes and also releases more ethylene.

3. Heat and Humidity

Bananas are known to grow in tropical climates but after harvesting, heat and humidity lead to it quicker rotting. That’s why bananas gets spoiled faster in summer or in warm kitchens.

What Are Biotech Bananas?

Biotech bananas are bananas that have been genetically engineered to slow down the ripening and rotting process. These bananas are extremely fresh and natural. Scientists modify certain genes within the banana to change it’s behaviour after harvest.

 

How Do Scientists Make Bananas Stay Fresh Longer?

1. Targeting the Ripening Genes

There are certain genes inside the bananas that control ripening and also responds extensively to ethylene. Hence, scientist modifies these genes either bye:

• Silencing these genes, or
• Editing them using CRISPR,

This helps to slow down the banana’s response to ethylene gas.

2. Reducing Enzymes That Cause Browning

Bananas turn brown after a certain time, this is due to an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase. With the help of biotechnology, scientists can reduce the activity and efficacy of these enzymes which helps the banana maintain its yellow color for a longer time, even after ripening.

 

3. Post-Harvest Biotechnology

Scientists are also using coatings or treatments (like edible sprays made from natural polymers) that act like a protective shield. These shield slows down oxygen exposure and ethylene absorption.

 

Why Is it necessary?

1. Reduces Food Waste

In developing countries, 50% of bananas are wasted due to its spoilage. Therefore, biotech bananas can survive longer, reducing waste significantly.

2. Saves Farmers’ Hard Work

Bananas turn soft and pulpy during transportation and starts to rot even before reaching the market, due to which farmers loose a lot of money. With biotech bananas, they can earn more because more of their product will actually reach the consumers.

3. Lowers Pressure on Cold Storage

Bananas need to be stored in cold temperature during transport. Longer-lasting bananas may reduce this need, helping those regions which lacks strong cold-chain systems.

4. Good for the Environment

Less food waste means less methane gas will be released from rotting fruits. It's a environment-friendly solution.

 

Are Biotech Bananas Safe?

Yes, they are. Biotech bananas are carefully tested for it’s safety, nutrition, and environmental impact before they’re allowed in the market.
They do not contain harmful chemicals or cause any known health problems.

Just like insulin (used by millions of diabetics), papaya (which was saved from a virus through biotech), or vitamin-rich rice (Golden Rice), similarly , bananas can also be enhanced using biotech.

What’s Happening Around the World?

• India and Australia have been working on banana biotech projects inorder to prevent a deadly banana disease known as  Panama disease and increase shelf life.
• Scientists in the Philippines are also working on editing bananas to prevent its spoilage.

 

CONCLUSION: A Simple Fruit, A Smart Solution

Biotech bananas might look just like regular ones superficially however they could have a great impact on the environment. This can save money, reduce hunger, and protect the planet too.