In December last year I wrote here indignantly about the hypocritical biotechnology firms and their preposterous claim on being able to conjure drought-resistant crops. Updating on some scientific evidence on "safety" issues: Dr. Irina Ermakova of the Russian Academy of Sciences recently released a study reporting higher mortality rates and lower body weight among young rats whose mothers were fed a diet of herbicide resistant, genetically modified soybeans. (See more) Note that the morphology and biochemical structure of rats is very similar to the human.
Image from www.saynotogmos.org
The research results contradict previous recognised and published research report conducted in the USA by Brake and Evenson. Well, whom to trust? It would be difficult without repeating independently Ermakova's research and confirming her results. As often the practice in murder cases is however, there must be a motive to commit the crime .... (lie, or distort scientific evidence?). Interestingly enough, Dr. Donald Evenson works for the South Dakota State University. Last year Monsanto committed 1.000.000 USD to sponsor plant research in the South Dakota State University. Where the line between big business and academia lies is an open question.
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I don't want to be snobbish but:
ReplyDelete"The study has not yet been published in a recognised scientific journal and has therefore not been subjected to review from other scientists. The peer-reviewing process is considered essential for ensuring that published scientific findings are based on sound methodology and reliable experimental design."
A possible confirmation bias? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confirmation_bias
Indeed,
ReplyDeleteLet Dr. Evenson review it, or some other corrupt Monsanto scientist.