According to a report in News and Observers, North Carolina State University researchers reported that genetically modified burley can reduce the amount of carcinogens in processed tobacco by 60%.
The scientists said in a news commentary that their findings, sponsored by Philip Morris USA, could lead to a reduction in the amount of carcinogenic substances contained in tobacco products, especially smokeless tobacco products.
Transgenics is said to reduce the overall content of a mixture called tobacco-specific nitrosamines by approximately 50%.
The results of this study have been published in the online version of the Journal of Plant Biotechnology.