Cultivated rice, wheat, soybeans, and corn are genetically altered by mutation of their wild counterparts far more than any existing GM plants. Yet the public fears GM plants and there seem to be valid arguments on both sides. Like most issues the reality is mostly not black and white but the public distrusts complexity. If we decided to go back to wild and unmodified plants, we would not be able to sustain the current world population so many would starve. Interestingly there is higher genetic diversity in some wild plants than cultivated ones, as seen for soybeans (Nature Genetics 42, 1053–1059 , 2010, doi:10.1038/ng.715 ) so wild plants seem less defined than GM ones which may have elements of risk. A more informed and balanced view of GM plants by providing more knowledge to the public would be highly desirable. What should we do doing to help?
I would suggest this debate (even if it takes place in a culturally-oriented magazine) that contains reviews of great intellectual honesty.
http://www.independentsciencenews.org/health/seralini-and-science-nk603-rat-study-roundup/
Dear J. Tainer,
Please do not compare the mutations occurring in wild growing species with the GM crops. The mutations are occurring in the same genetic constitution of the species. However, if the wild species are also exchanging some gene(s), it is natural and depends upon the compatibility of the species and gene pool. In case of GM crops, gene can even be transferred from the distantly related species.
Further detailed studies are required to answer the questions related to toxicity and bio-safety concerns of GM crops.
To my mind, majority people are not aware of the GM crops. By publishing papers or by holding conferences/seminars only at few, selected places, it seems difficult to spread the message of GM crops at large.
On the first place researchers might conquer for their rights for unlimited multidisciplinary scientific examinations and publishing results of GM crops. Limitations were primarily established by companies owners og GM varieties. Also, there is need for development of precise, functional and secure national and international legislative in this field.
Science doesn`t tolerate limitations for research of any kind!
If some GM variety is safe for health of people and animals in adequate many years period as well as in relation to biodiversity and environment, than why owners of these GM varieties ban theirs free investigations?
I guess one challenge is to find support to do objective analysis that might not support a company product . Perhaps the right to produce such products should be taxed and the taxes go to objective studies or risk and benefit that are not controlled by any company.
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