Databases on biotechnology and biosafety of GMOs

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology and Biosafety
• Information Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• The safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) involves multiple sectors, necessitating comprehensive information dissemination.
• Advancements in biotechnology and concerns about GMOs have spurred the creation of numerous information-sharing tools.
• A growing number of databases now collect and store data on GMOs, including environmental releases, field trials, and regulations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and analyze existing web-based databases concerning genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
• To comment on the diverse information content and site structures of these GMO databases.
• To provide an overview of the development of GMO information sites over the past decade.

Main Methods:

• Web-based search and analysis of GMO-related databases.
• Evaluation of database content, including information types and target audiences.
• Comparative assessment of database structures and accessibility.
• Historical overview of database development.

Main Results:

• A wide array of GMO databases exists, covering environmental releases, field trials, genetic sequences, regulations, risk assessments, and literature.
• Databases are managed by scientific, national, and international authorities, catering to diverse users like scientists, policymakers, and the public.
• Information overlap among databases is a notable issue.
• Significant development in GMO information sites has occurred at national and international levels over the last decade.

Conclusions:

• The proliferation of GMO databases addresses the need for information but can lead to redundancy.
• Understanding the structure and content of these databases is crucial for effective information retrieval by various stakeholders.
• Continued analysis and potential harmonization of GMO information resources are warranted.