Nytech International

Scientists in Japan scientists have created the world's first decaffeinated coffee plant, using genetic modification (GM) technology. The now one year old plants are said to contain approximately a third of the caffeine content of natural plants.

The current method of making decaffeinated coffee involves growing normal coffee beans and then extracting the caffeine. Some people believe this process removes some of the coffee's taste.

The GM coffee is created using a technique called RNA interference. This process effectively reduces the activity of certain genes within the plant.

According to the International Coffee Organisation, the global market for coffee is about $70 billion per year, of which decaffeinated coffee makes up about 10%. Experts believe there

is a potential market for the new GM coffee but the plant is still in its early stages of development.

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