Researchers given access to rice genome sequence
Researchers all over the world have been given access to biotechnology firm Monsanto's database of its rice genome sequence. The move, which comes following a commitment by the company to provide royalty-free patents to help the development of 'golden rice' (rice with enhanced vitamin A content), is for the 'common good', according to Monsanto. Vitamin A deficiency causes around one million child deaths each year and 300,000 cases of blindness. Researchers can access the database at the web address given below.