8/13/00 Greg Burch wrote:
>The following critique of the current Ag/Bio GM technology and its
>implementation was forwarded to me on an "anti-GM" mailing list:
>
> http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~dcandmkw/ge/gebrown.htm
>
>I'd be very curious to see what sort of reaction it sparks from folks here
>who are more knowledgeable about molecular biology.
>
Prof. Brown's article makes a number of good points about the premature
release of any GMO into the natural environment. Our level of understanding
concerning chromosome structure and gene regulation is detailed but far from
complete. Our depth of knowledge cannot encompass every possible risk that
there is. One example is the failed attempt to modify tryptophan to speed up
it's production. That resulted in a number of deaths and 1,500 people being
paralyzed. That was after USFDA approval of the product. Although I firmly
believe in the genetic modification of life I also see that if there are
initial failed attempts that result in fatalities then the general public is
going to be vehement towards any further pursuit of that research. Stricter
guidelines should be enacted so that we can see the benefit of more important
research later. Trees that take in more CO2 and clean up pollutants. Grains
that contain a more complete array of proteins and vitamins. The last thing
genetic research needs is more enemies.
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