Re: Basic GMO explanation

**t*@earthlink.net**

I like the comments from James Allison...well thought out. I would also add that GMO's are being created for medicine, to not just treat, but to cure diseases such as AIDS, hemophilia, Huntington's Disease, heart disease, and quite a few others, especially the monogenic diseases. Small biotech companies (with big backing) such as Sangamo, (SGMO) in Richmond, California, are actively seeking these cures, and with considerable promise. At the same time they are also working on crops such as corn, soybeans, etc.
  I used to be opposed to all GMO work, but have largely changed my mind. My biggest objection to it is that the very processes used have all been patented. This would be much like if someone had been able to take out a patent on budding, or grafting, or air layering. This part bothers me a great deal, as a few huge companies (Monsanto in particular) have locked up so much of this.
  Nonetheless, as James Allison says, genetic engineering is here to stay...it should be carefully regulated as much as possible, and yet we need to keep in mind the huge potential it holds for good things. 

Tom Ogren
San Luis Obispo, CA
Hard at work on new book, The Allergy Fighting Garden, Random House, spring of 2015 

-----Original Message-----
>From: James Allison <jallison@aquapic.com>
>Sent: Apr 17, 2013 9:55 AM
>To: gardenwriters@lists.ibiblio.org
>Subject: Re: [GWL] Basic GMO explanation
>
>Teri asked about GMOs
>
>Genetically Modified Organisms include a very wide range of crops and 
>animals, with very wide range of modifications (some small, some very 
>significant), done for a very wide range of reasons (some done for 
>the public benefit, others to raise money for large corporations).
>
>There was expectedly some reticence to take such new technology on 
>board, as it could achieve larger changes in a shorter time span than 
>existing methods of cross-breeding or forced mutations. Once created 
>and released into the wild, the genes are out there and can't be put 
>back in the bottle. In some cases sterile organisms have been 
>developed with the aim of reducing this risk, though some risk may 
>remain.
>
>Some GMOs have enormous potential benefit e.g. Golden Rice which 
>seeks to overcome Vitamin A deficiencies. This one is still 
>undergoing regulatory trials for safety.
>
>Other GMOs have been developed to make crops resistant to specific 
>herbicides - this will obviously increase sales of such herbicide, 
>which (understandably) not everyone thinks a good thing.
>
>In horticultural circles, we might be able to create entirely novel 
>colour variations. This might be considered of low ecological 
>significance. However, an ability to create varieties able to survive 
>in different climates from the original species might have 
>considerable consequences if the plant proves invasive.
>
>Some groups wish to continue to fight to prevent any GMOs, including 
>stopping research. Some scientists want to see GMOs rigorously 
>tested, so that the best and safest can be put to good use. One 
>current battle along these lines (in the UK) is discussed in this 
>article: 
>
>http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn21768-respect-the-need-to-experi
>ment-with-gm-crops.html
>
>The simple fact is that while some countries have heavily regulated 
>or restricted GMOs and GMO research, other countries have gone full 
>ahead with the technology, some with very limited regulation. GMOs 
>are now in the world whether we like them or not.
>
>I think schoolchildren need to be made aware of the complexities in 
>the issue, and both the potential advantages and disadvantages.
>
>James Allison
>Cheltenham UK
>
>> From: Teri Chace <terichace@aol.com>
>> Subject: [GWL] basic GMO explanation?
>> 
>>  Hello, all:
>> 
>> Can anyone recommend, or has anyone written, a short summary
>> explanation of what GMOs are--and why many think they are "bad"? I am
>> seeking this info in preparation for a brief presentation to a tough
>> audience of approx. 21--my 10th-grade son's Biology class at the local
>> public high school. 
>> 
>> With permission, I would send them home with a printout/xerox of an
>> article to read and share with their families.
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Teri Dunn Chace
>
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