Australian scientists create iron-rich 'super rice'

Sep 12 2011

Scientists from three universities in South Australia and the University of Melbourne have created genetically modified rice that "has up to four times more iron than conventional rice and twice as much zinc" in an effort to "provide a solution to the iron and zinc deficiency disorders that affect billions of people throughout the world," News Corp Australian Papers/Fox News reports. "Rice is the main food source for roughly half the world's population, including billions of people in developing countries across Asia, but the polished grain is too low in iron, zinc and Vitamin A to meet dietary needs," the news agency notes.

Scientists began field trials in the Phillippines, but it will take several seasons "to determine if the rice is growing properly and consistently taking up sufficient iron and zinc" before it becomes available for human consumption, according to the the news agency (9/8).