Brussels, 16/11/2010 (Agence Europe) - According to the results of a survey, a majority of European citizens, i.e. 53%, are optimistic about biotechnology and consider it will have a positive impact on the future, while only 20% believe biotechnology will have an adverse effect. The survey reveals, however, that there are considerable gaps in knowledge, which underlines the need to strengthen communication, the European Commission states. Most respondents had in fact never heard of a number of areas tackled in the survey, for example nanotechnology (55%), biobanks (67%) and synthetic biology (83%). Finally, scepticism and concern continue to be expressed regarding a number of areas such as GMO foods. There is also strong opposition to animal cloning for food purposes, with only 18% in favour. Biofuels, on the other hand, receive broad support throughout the EU. Of all respondents, 72% were in favour of biofuels of agricultural origin and 83% were in favour of biofuels obtained from non-edible matter. Biotechnology for medical applications - providing these are subject to strict legal provisions - are massively approved, and 63% of respondents agree for research to be carried out on embryonic cell stems. (B.C./transl.jl)