Mary-Dell Chilton, pioneer of genetically modified plants, dies aged 87

Mary-Dell Chilton, the biotechnologist who in 1982 led the research team that first succeeded in genetically modifying a plant, has died at the age of 87. Her breakthrough eventually transformed global agriculture, paving the way for disease-resistant and herbicide-tolerant GM crops. Chilton is regarded as one of the founding figures of modern agricultural biotechnology.