News of Interest 3/25/07

The planet continues to be the subject in a vast experiment to which it has not consented: genetic modification of plants and animals has already begun to have far-reaching and potentially catastrophic effects. Capital, ever seeking new markets, regardless of the consequences, and an eagerly compliant (an dependent) scientific class that largely views anything resembling public input or oversight as tantamount to censorship have combined to set about re-ordering the natural world to reflect their elitist and profit-driven priorities.

Here's some recent news on the topic:

Are GM Crops Killing Bees?
'The problem, says Haefeker, has a number of causes, one being the varroa mite, introduced from Asia, and another is the widespread practice in agriculture of spraying wildflowers with herbicides and practicing monoculture. Another possible cause, according to Haefeker, is the controversial and growing use of genetic engineering in agriculture.'
Now scientists create a sheep that's 15% human
'But the development is likely to revive criticisms about scientists playing God, with the possibility of silent viruses, which are harmless in animals, being introduced into the human race. Dr Patrick Dixon, an international lecturer on biological trends, warned: "Many silent viruses could create a biological nightmare in humans. Mutant animal viruses are a real threat, as we have seen with HIV."'
South Africa: Modified Maize 'Found to Harm Rats'
'Lobby group Biowatch has launched a new attack on genetically modified maize after a study published in Europe last week showed that a variety developed by U.S. seed giant Monsanto was harmful to rats - raising concerns about the safety of the grain for human consumption.'
Judge Halts Planting of Genetically Modified Alfalfa
'Breyer ruled last month that federal authorities had failed to fully consider the public health, economic and environmental consequences before allowing the sale of Roundup Ready alfalfa. The Center for Food Safety had sued on behalf of farmers who complained the genetically engineered seed could contaminate organic and conventional alfalfa.'
Genetically altered rice in Kansas sown soon
'Some farmers aren't as keen on the idea... “It has to do with the process involved. Organic is about getting back to doing things in the natural way. When you are taking a gene out of a fish and putting it in a tomato that is not natural,” says Edgerton farmer Lee Quintance.'
French Scientists Express Doubt About Genetically Modified Corn
'Professor Gilles-Eric Seralini of the University of Caen said that according to studies by his group, CRIIGEN, Monsanto's maize type MON863 caused symptoms of poisoning and liver and kidney damage in rats that were fed the product during experiments.'