Half-baked

Article Abstract:

The Lancet has published research on genetically modified potatoes which claims that they can damage the internal organs of rats. The research involves potatoes engineered to produce GNA, an insecticide, and was carried out by Arpad Pusztai and Stanley Ewen, Critics argue that there were a number of flaws in the research, for example that the rats were fed potatoes for too short a time, there was no indication of links between doage and damage to organs, and in any case potatoes vary too much in terms of natural poisons. The Lancet decided to publish since it could otherwise be criticized of seeking to cover up research.

Potatoes, Potato Farming, Irish potatoes, Health aspects, Genetic engineering, Media coverage

---

Seeds of discontent

Article Abstract:

A debate on food safety and genetically modified crops has been sparked off in the United Kingdom after reports that genetically engineered potatoes could affect the health of laboratory animals. The research was carried out by Arpad Pusztai at the Rowett Institute for Agriculture, Aberdeen, Scotland. Critics argue that there are too many variable to be sure of the results, for example, potatoes themselves contan toxins. Consumers are wary of new developments in food production which may not appear to offer them advantages and appear to represent risk.

Social aspects, United Kingdom, Genetic research, Food research

---

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Dept. of connections. Shades of discontent. Plumbing the depths
• Abstracts: New balls please. Silicon Waves. Crossed lines: microprocessors
• Abstracts: The challenge of the past. The politics of Pinochet. Chile buries its political ghosts - some of them, anyway
• Abstracts: Belaboured. Europe's opportunity. Everyone cross
• Abstracts: Unchecked, unbalanced. Be my number two

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.