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"Owen Paterson, the environment minister, says the UK should lead the way in Europe by growing genetically-modified crops that reduce the use of fertilisers and chemicals and are more efficient. But anti-GM campaigners say there is not enough evidence that GM techniques are not harmful on food and farming"

The EU's de facto ban on genetically modified (GM) crops may have caused more harm than good, according to the UK's chief scientist. Sir Mark Walport told MPs on the Science and Technology committee on Wednesday: "The consequence of inactions are that we are potentially, particularly in Europe, denying access to technologies that actually will potentially help feed people in ways that damage the environment less."

An experimental solar-powered airplane took off from Switzerland on its first transcontinental flight on Thursday, aiming to reach North Africa next week. Pilot Andre Borschberg will fly the jumbo jet-size Solar Impulse plane on its first leg to Madrid, Spain, by Friday.

A UK biotechnology company has applied for permission to carry out the first field trial in Europe of a genetically modified insect.