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Anastasia on 3 February 2008
As explained in the press release “Gene guards grain-producing grasses so people and animals can eat“, USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) researchers at Purdue (pictured at left) have isolated the gene that confers fungus resistance to grasses. The gene produces an “enzyme that disarmed the fungus’ disease-causing toxin. The detoxification isolated the infection at the site where the fungus invaded.” Previously known pathogen defense systems in plants depend on recognition of the pathogen, followed
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Anastasia on 9 January 2008
In a study conducted by the University of Granada and Andalusian School of Public Health in Spain, 100% of people (387 volunteers) had at least one kind of pesticide in their adipose tissue. The researchers tested for “persistent organic compounds” (POCs), chemicals that can enter the body through food, water, or air. The chemicals accumulate in adipose tissue (fat). They tested for 6 different POCs, with the following results: 100% of the subjects tested
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Anastasia on 21 October 2007
“Genetically engineered corn could harm aquatic ecosystems.” Catchy title, right? In summary, the scientists found that caddisflies, a common prey of freshwater fish, can be killed when they eat parts of transgenic corn plants that are expressing the BT toxin. This is certainly a problem, but one that has solutions. First of all, the actual BT protein comes in many varieties, as described in this article by Virginia Cooperative Extension. Changes in the protein
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Anastasia on 3 May 2007
We’ve all tried those chocolate covered espresso beans, and were left spitting out bitter bits of bean. A new product provides that boost without the yuck factor. ‘Sumseeds’ will be coming soon to a truck stop near you. They are in-shell sunflower seeds infused with caffeine, taurine, lysine, and ginseng. They will be the official seed of the Sioux Falls Canaries, reports Discovery News. The company has patents pending for their new way of
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GM: Alternative to pesticides
Some pesticides are, frankly, frightening. As a DoD certified Pest Controller, I was taught the history, usage, and dangers of herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, etc. so I say this with some authority. Our instructors would joke about “methyl-ethyl-death”, referring especially to fumigants that had been widely used on food crops in decades past.
Pesticides frequent news headlines, including the recent “Handling Pesticides Associated With Greater Asthma Risk In Farm Women“. Research shows time and again
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