Genetically modified plants are a hot topic in biology. Genes are being developed to aid growth or to protect against insects and disease, then they're inserted in plants such as corn to help them thrive. But researchers at Ohio State found that genetically modified sunflowers have the potential to spread their genes to related plant species growing nearby. This has raised fears that all genetically altered plants could crossbreed with related plants and wipe out bugs we do want, such as butterflies, along with the pests. Or they could create superweeds we can't destroy. The Department of Agriculture and the EPA are developing new guidelines for genetically modified crops, because scientists are sure of one thing: Once man-made genes start spreading through the natural plant population, they can't be contained or reversed.
mindfully.org note:
Parade is an insert that most of US households get in their Sunday newspaper. This short paragraph was last in the column, behind a paragraph hawking a book about the defunct I Love Lucy TV show. The interesting point is that it isn't just a fear that has been raised in the minds of scientists who actually understand what's going on, it's a reality that is hard to deny. The only ones denying what's called Horizontal Gene Transfer at this time are industry scientists and PR people. It is sad that the likes of Monsanto have been able to pull the lie, cheat, steal, and bully their way into such a broad market with nearly no regulatory oversight.
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