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Genetically Modified Foods: Are They Safe

Number 18027
Subject Biotechnology
Source Scientific American
State None
Year 2001
Publication Date April
Summary The story analyses whether genetically modified crops are an "environmental dream come true" or "disaster in the making." The author looks at the cost to wildlife, in particular the possible hazards that pollen from insect-resistant corn plants poses to the larvae of monarch butterflies. The reporter examines the worries that genes from GM crops may contaminate the surrounding plants. The investigation finds that "U.S. landscape logistics make it unlikely that herbicide-tolerant or Bt crops will spread their biotech genes," but "it might be harder to avoid creating superweeds elsewhere."
Category General
Pages 7
Keywords pollen;transgenic crops;Environmental Protection Agency;agriculture;environment;viruses;species
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