Genetically modified organisms will benefit the world's poorest people

Many people harbor negative feelings regarding genetically modified (GM) foods. Much of this can be credited to disinformation circulating through the public consciousness, although some apprehension has its root in valid concerns of the technology. One current debate revolves around if GM foods will help or harm farmers and others in some of the poorest regions of the world. Although some immediately take a position based on their initial reaction to the thought of GM foods, it is important to look at the studies regarding GM foods and the results of their introduction into resource-poor countries to form a true, unbiased opinion.

Full Story

Nano News is Good News

The research of Arpad Putzai about a decade ago in which he fed genetically modified potatoes to rats and purportedly observed deleterious effects, kicked off the whole anti-GM movement in the UK. In a recent Guardian interview with Pusztai, his current position on the subject is probably best summed up by an early quote from the interview:

“We’re eating things that we haven’t eaten before, and I challenge anyone to be able to predict what will be the consequences of this, particularly the consequences for our immune system.”

Full story

Arpad Pusztai: Biological divide

Contrary to the belief of some in the scientific community, Dr Arpad Pusztai does not have horns or a malevolent cackle. Nor does he inhabit an imposing gothic mansion bought with the proceeds of guest appearances as an eco-hero. In fact, he lives in a modest semi in Aberdeen.

Full story

Frankenstein foods are not monsters

All hail Doctor Frankenstein, maker of monsters. God is in retreat, skulking outside the laboratory while modern imitators of Mary Shelley’s mad boffin brew potions, splice genes and bring more new life forms into profitable being.

Ten years after the Prince of Wales accused genetic engineers of taking us into “realms that belong to God and God alone”, those who trespassed into the Kingdom of Heaven have emerged triumphant with a bag full of swag. Monsanto, the American corporation that brought us maize that makes its own pesticide, is thriving, rolling in cash, its stock price ascendant.

Full story

La CE pide a los Veintisiete la autorización de tres maíces y una patata transgénicos

La Comisión Europea transmitió hoy una petición de autorización al Consejo de la UE a los Estados miembros para que dé su visto bueno al utilización en la UE de tres variantes de maíz transgénico para alimentación, importación y transformación industrial y de una patata transgénica, en este caso para su procesamiento industrial, aunque con un límite permitido de contaminación del 0,9% en los alimentos.

Ampliación de la noticia

EU Commission sends proposals to ministers for authorisation of GM potato, maize

The European Commission said it has transmitted proposals to ministers for the authorisation of four genetically modified (GM) maize and potato products.

Full story

Frankenstein food beats starvation

AS we eat our chips, hamburgers and milkshakes for lunch today, let's put the debate about genetically modified food into perspective. We eat food laden in fats and preservatives largely without debate or complaint. Yet the prospect of producing GM foods that could be drought resistant, grown without being heavily treated with pesticide and made more nutritious has caused a huge outcry.

Full story