Pandora's Picnic Basket: The Potential and Hazards of Genetically Modified Foods
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • In a future not so far!
  • A Science based approach to a scientific issue
  • PROPOGANDA!!!
  • Scientific answers to World hunger?
Pandora's Picnic Basket: The Potential and Hazards of Genetically Modified Foods
Alan McHughen
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0198506740

Amazon.com

Throughout the developed world, debate is raging over the use of genetically modified (GM) food and food additives. This debate, Canadian agricultural scientist McHughen holds, is not well-informed. "Everyone, it seems, is concerned about GM food," he writes, "but most admit they don't really know much about it." This is especially true in North America, where millions of acres of GM crops are now produced and GM foods are widely consumed, although it is no less true of Europe, where production and consumption alike are comparatively low.

McHughen recognizes that some of these concerns are well-founded, even if the discussion is not, and his book is a thoughtful examination of some of the basic scientific issues involved in whether genetic modification may turn out to yield harmful (or, conversely, beneficial) results. These issues, he goes on to say, are of two broad kinds: first, whether a GM product is safe for the environment, and whether it can be prevented from "escaping" into nature; and second, whether a GM product is safe for the animal or human consumer. His answers may not always please activists on either side of the issue, for he suggests that while in the main GM production is likely to be a good thing, particularly in areas of the world where agricultural yields are low, there may yet be unanticipated risks involved--especially because "nature has no plan for agricultural systems based on high chemical inputs and low biodiversity." --Gregory McNamee

Book Description

Are you concerned about fish genes in tomatoes? Worried that brazil nut genes in soybeans can result in potentially lethal allergic reactions? That rapeseed plants bred to be resistant to herbicides could become uncontrollable superweeds? You are not alone. The issue of genetically modified foods has fast become one of the most debated of recent years, with scientists and companies seeking to develop the technology on one side, and consumer groups and environmentalists on the other. However, in spite of the great heat generated by the debate, there is very little real information on the subject, either about the technologies in use or about the regulatory processes established to approve the processes and the products. This book sets out to explain, in clear and direct language, the technologies underlying so-called genetically modified food, and compares them with other "natural" methods of plant breeding and production. The author then looks at the safeguards in place from regulators around the world and asks whether these are sufficient. The question of labelling, held by some to be an obvious way out for concerned consumers, is examined, and the honesty and usefulness of some of these labels addressed. The book then looks at issues of real concern, particularly environmental issues, and ways in which a consumer can seek to avoid GMOs if they so choose. In each chapter, key topics are addressed through question and answer boxes. Real case histories illustrate the development and regulation of GMOs, and by the end of the book the reader will be able to make an informed choice about whether to support or challenge this technology, the products of which are increasingly pervasive.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars In a future not so far!.......2004-12-29

It easier to destroy an atom instead a prejudice , stated in certain opportunity Albert Einstein.
Are you anxious for knowing the advances about the genetically designed food? The public education will turn off the opposed voices and peregrine interpretations about the superstitions weaved around this new subject.
Hughes affirms that sixty per cent of the processed aliments contain some trans genetic product and we have been consuming them without ulterior consequences .
He points out two positive aspects behind this newness technique : Those improvements will help to mitigate the hunger in the world and reduce also, the ecological impact in the intensive agriculture .
A reference reading which undoubtedly forms part of one additional consequence of the Third Wave existence .



5 out of 5 stars A Science based approach to a scientific issue.......2004-08-20

When I wanted to learn more about GM, I looked for a book to read that was based on science, not on rhetoric from activists that have only preconceptions and no real understanding of science. That is why I chose this book. Alan McHughen is not only a scientist, but he has done research on GM plants. This gives him a unique perspective into the pros and cons of GM plants and the GM process. He does a good job of describing the science behind GM, which is essential to understand for anyone interested in GM. Then he goes on to describe the application of GM technology and current issues. He emphasizes that one should separate the process of GM from the products of GM; something that the media and activist groups rarely do, further clouding the issue. If you would like to learn facts about GM so that you can decide for yourself, then this book is for you.

3 out of 5 stars PROPOGANDA!!!.......2003-05-25

The author Allen McHughen promises the reader an unbiased view on GM, especially the potential and hazards or risks associated with it. In the end however, he clearly explains the benefits, but belittles the REAL problems of GM which he avoids. It is a gross manipulation of the truth. He is funded by MONSANTO, a totally pro GM company whose products have ruined farmers in India. He calls all the hazards of GM mere myths - invented by the media. He fails to address any hazards and tells only half the truth. How can he provide an unbiased viewpoint when he has genetically modified food himself? If you read VERY carefully between the lines you will realize he contradicts himself several times. The uncareful reader is easily swayed by his complex yet empty arguments into thinking that GM is only good and has no risks. It is just a book of lies!!

3 out of 5 stars Scientific answers to World hunger?.......2000-08-19

My thoughts have been centered on Geneticaly Modified food for some time, so was delighted to discover Allan McHughen's book "The Potential and Hazards of Genetic Modified Foods' on Amazon.com. Living in S. Africa, we are very much aware of the shortage of food for large numbers of people on the African continent as well as in many other areas of the world. The need is not just bulk to ease the pangs of hunger, but food with high nutritional value. There is also a need for the scientific knowledge of how to grow proper food in carefuly nourished ground. I do hope that the scientific value to the human race can outweigh the risk of any commercial gain, and that the people who's needs are the greatest, can benefit from the work being done.
Seeds for the Future: The Impact of Genetically Modified Crops on the Environment
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    Seeds for the Future: The Impact of Genetically Modified Crops on the Environment
    Jennifer A. Thomson
    Manufacturer: Cornell University Press
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    ASIN: 0801473683

    Book Description

    Plants have long been genetically modified through crossbreeding and other basic agricultural techniques to make crops more resilient, nutritious, and profitable. In recent decades, however, advances in genetic engineering--including the ability to blend genetic material from animals with that of plants--have allowed farmers to grow crops that resist insect pests, weeds, viruses, and drought; provide increased iron or beta carotene; deliver vaccines and antibodies; reduce common allergens and pollutants; and augment marketable qualities such as delayed ripening. The complicated scientific, environmental, legal, cultural, and ethical issues surrounding these crops are being hotly debated all over the world. In Seeds for the Future, an internationally respected molecular geneticist and food researcher, Jennifer A. Thomson, describes how these crops are developed, distributed, and regulated.
    Landscapes, Genomics and Transgenic Conifers (Managing Forest Ecosystems)
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      Landscapes, Genomics and Transgenic Conifers (Managing Forest Ecosystems)

      Manufacturer: Springer
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Hardcover

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      ASIN: 1402038682

      Book Description

      What is the future of genetically modified (or transgenic) conifer plantations? The content of this edited volume Landscapes, Genomics and Transgenic Conifers addresses this question directly - and indirectly - using language drawn from policy, forest history, genomics, metabolism, pollen dispersal and gene flow, landscape ecology, evolution, economics, technology transfer and regulatory oversight. Although the book takes its title from a Nicholas School Leadership forum held November 17-19, 2004 at Duke University, its de novo contents move past the forum’s deliberations. The result is a trans-disciplinary book composed of 14 chapters written by a total of 31 authors working in North America, South America, Europe and Africa.

      The book is written for policy experts, life scientists, government and business leaders, biotechnology writers and activists. Few decision-makers realize the unprecedented degree to which transgenic technology is now possible for forests on a commercial scale. Only a handful of the 550 living conifer species is used for commodity value and even fewer species are being developed for transgenic plantations. Transgenic field trials started within the last decade but no transgenic pine plantations exist in 2005. But emergence of transgenic forest trees is still so recent that dialogue about the pros and cons is confined to the scientific community. And dialogue must move out into the public domain.

      So little opportunity remains for opening public dialogue. The pursuit of transgenic research for forest trees is principally corporate so novel forest tree phenotypes are created as a means to increase shareholder value for investor companies. And while potential benefits will accrue to shareholders, ecological risks for certain transgenic traits are likely to be shared due to long-distance gene flow and inadequate bioconfinement measures. So this is a question riddled with tension. Without public deliberation, we should expect alienation of several interest groups. Alienation will lead to heightened clashes in the public policy arena or even radical environmental action. But how to move dialogue on transgenic forests forward? One must re-frame the issues behind transgenic conifer plantations.

      The goal of this volume is to provide content for public deliberations about the genetic composition of future forests. Its Section I is composed of provocative and opposing views on the question of transgenic conifer plantations. Sections II and III follow with research advances on relevant conifer genomics and ecology research, respectively. Section IV forecasts rates of technology adoption for different case studies. Finally, Section V compares the status of regulatory oversight of transgenic forest trees between Canada and the United States. But will the book fulfil its goal? The burden of the answer lies with its readers. Will readers act – or will transgenic forests be seen as too remote or simply too rural to bother with the angst of public deliberation?

      Transgenic Plants: Methods and Protocols (Methods in Molecular Biology)
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        Transgenic Plants: Methods and Protocols (Methods in Molecular Biology)

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        ASIN: 1588292630

        Book Description

        A collection of readily reproducible techniques for the genetic transformation and regeneration of plants. The authors cover the most commonly used transformation systems for the regeneration of whole transgenic plants. Among the techniques discussed for the detection of transgenes are quantitative real-time PCR, RT-PCR, in situ hybridization, FISH, and TAIL-PCR. Risk assessment methods offer the opportunity to study Agrobacterium persistence in plant tissues and to investigate the possibility of transgene dispersal. The protocols follow the successful Methods in Molecular Biology™ series format, each one offering step-by-step laboratory instructions, an introduction outlining the principle behind the technique, lists of the necessary equipment and reagents, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.
        Let Them Eat Precaution: How Politics is Undermining the Genetic Revolution in Agriculture
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          Let Them Eat Precaution: How Politics is Undermining the Genetic Revolution in Agriculture
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          Manufacturer: AEI Press
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          Dangerous Liaisons?: When Cultivated Plants Mate with Their Wild Relatives (Syntheses in Ecology and Evolution)
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            Dangerous Liaisons?: When Cultivated Plants Mate with Their Wild Relatives (Syntheses in Ecology and Evolution)
            Norman C. Ellstrand
            Manufacturer: The Johns Hopkins University Press
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            With the advent of genetic engineering, "designer" crops might interbreed with natural populations. Could such romances lead to the evolution of "superweeds", as some have suggested? But haven't crops had sex with wild plants in the past? Has such gene swapping occurred without consequences? And if consequences have indeed occurred, what lessons can be gleaned for engineered crops?

            In Dangerous Liaisons? Norman Ellstrand examines these and other questions. He begins with basic information about the natural hybridization process. He then describes what we now know about hybridization between the world's most important crops -- such as wheat, rice, maize, and soybeans -- and their wild relatives. Such hybridization, Ellstrand explains, is not rare, and has occasionally had a substantial impact. In some cases, the result was problematic weeds. In others, crop genes have diluted natural diversity to the point that wild populations of certain rare species were absorbed into the gene pool of the more common crop, essentially bringing the wild species to the brink of extinction.

            Ellstrand concludes with a look to the future. Will engineered crops pose a greater threat than traditional crops? If so, can gene flow and hybridization be managed to control the escape of engineered genes? This book will appeal to academics, policy makers, students, and all with an interest in environmental issues.

            First Fruit: The Creation of the Flavr Savr Tomato and the Birth of Biotech Foods
            Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
            • Managerial strategies and research projects in action
            • Direction for Sound Decision-making about Biotech Food
            • Highly readable account of thought provoking subject matter
            • Insider's view: How The First Biotech Tomato Flopped
            First Fruit: The Creation of the Flavr Savr Tomato and the Birth of Biotech Foods
            Belinda Martineau
            Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Companies
            ProductGroup: Book
            Binding: Hardcover

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            Amazon.com

            Engaging both sides of the agricultural biotech controversy and hoping to initiate a reasoned dialogue, geneticist Belinda Martineau explores the development and eventual failure of the Flavr Savr tomato in First Fruit. One of the Calgene scientists who worked on the tomato (the first genetically modified food on the market), she offers great insight into the scientific and business factors that drive the research and marketing of biotech products. Concerned about the eager and simplistic denial of most of her colleagues when faced with protests from consumer advocates, she wants to see more direct communication between the two sides.

            Using the story of Flavr Savr's development, Martineau shows the reader both the quality of biotech research and the power of management to obfuscate or otherwise affect that work. Though straying into dead-end stories of her colleagues' interactions a little too often, for the most part the narrative flows smoothly and draws the reader along swiftly to the tomato's eventual, inevitable demise in the market. Ironically, the Flavr Savr failed more because it couldn't live up to Calgene's nearly messianic marketing than from any protester's work, even if it did launch a few activists' careers. Telling industry to pay more heed to honesty and research while suggesting that the public pursue better scientific education shouldn't be asking too much--perhaps First Fruit will help de-escalate the debate. --Rob Lightner

            Book Description

            In 1994 a little California biotech startup called Calgene introduced the Flavr SavrTMtomato, the first genetically engineered whole food ever brought to market, and laid the groundwork for the entire agricultural biotechnology industry.

            In a fast-paced narrative full of colorful characters, surprising twists and turns, and several eye-opening revelations, Belinda Martineau chronicles the story behind the making of the Flavr SavrTM, from its conception, through its much-heralded introduction to market, and its ignominious disappearance. As a member of the Calgene team that developed the Flavr SavrTM and secured its regulatory approval, Martineau underwent a transformation from an enthusiastic believer in biotechnology's promise to a battle-weary skeptic. Her account serves as a cautionary tale for the biotech age, offering a revealing look at how the science of genetic engineering is actually done, how corporate decisions are really made in biotech startups, and how the regulatory system in the U.S. does and doesn't work.

            Most importantly, First Fruit goes beyond the polarized debate currently surrounding genetically modified foods to illustrate both the benefits and the risks of this new technology.

            Download Description

            In a fast-paced narrative full of colorful characters, surprising twists and turns, and several eye-opening revelations, Belinda Martineau chronicles the story behind the making of the Flavr Savr, from its conception, through its much-heralded introduction to market, and its ignominious disappearance.

            Customer Reviews:

            5 out of 5 stars Managerial strategies and research projects in action.......2002-01-11

            This book have some very interesting perspectives:

            1) The book is an insiders view on the development of the biotechnologies presented in a non-glamourous style

            2) The book is a witness that standard strategic thinking has it limits when it come to explain the nature of biotechnology development. Also the book's description of how the development of the Flavr Savr tomato was approved and how this became a FDA standard is very interesting reading to people who think of public regulatory work as totally independent of corporate interests.

            The book is much more intense than Kidder's book: The Soul of the New Machine and that says something of the quality of Martineau's book.

            5 out of 5 stars Direction for Sound Decision-making about Biotech Food.......2001-09-16

            As the mother of three young children, I found First Fruit accessible, reassuring and empowering. I'm concerned about the food that my family eats. Is it healthy, pure and wholesome? How do I make good decisions about food for my family? Enter First Fruit. It reads like a novel, fast-paced and enthralling. In the midst of this most important and well-written story, Belinda Martineau delivers information that helps me to break out of my confusion, fears and ignorance about biotech food. She thoroughly and respectfully covers the science and history of this monumental venture. She humanizes it by bringing the players involved to life - warts and all. As the book draws to its conclusion, after many hilarious, infuriating, egomaniac, frustrating, cruel, brilliant, and optimistic moments told, my concerns for my family come full circle. What is healthy, pure and wholesome for our world? How do we, or should we, as industries, governments, academics, NGO's and the general public make good decisions about food for our world? With a fabulous birth metaphor and without an alarmist tone, Belinda Martineau points us all in the right direction.

            5 out of 5 stars Highly readable account of thought provoking subject matter.......2001-09-05

            First Fruit presents the story of Calgene's development of the Flavr Savr tomato, the world's first bioengineered food. The book provides interesting insights on many aspects of the project. Calgene and its investors poured more than $200 million into what turned out to be a flawed hypothesis - that Calgene's scientists could produce a firm, great tasting tomato capable of withstanding the rigors of transportation from the fields to supermarkets at a commercially viable price. First Fruit is very well written and conveys its subject matter in a reader-friendly conversational style that those of us without Ph.D.'s can understand.

            The book recounts the emotional roller coaster ride inside Calgene as project scientists encountered a seemingly endless string of scientific, regulatory, and legal obstacles. The strain brought out admirable qualities in some people and questionable conduct in others. One highlight is Dr. Martineau's description of her own "inquisition," where she unsuspectingly walked into what had been billed as a staff meeting only to be confronted by seven "true believers" who proceeded to berate her for what they perceived to be her lack of loyalty to the cause. Then there is the story of the arrival of the first truckload of Flavr Savr tomatoes. Numerous Calgene officers and directors traveled to Chicago, hoping to see proof that their miracle fruit had solved the transportation problems that had plagued the industry. Instead, they were greeted by the spectacle of tomato puree leaking from the truck. Not one tomato had survived the trip. One employee repeatedly intoned, presciently, "It's over, it's all over."

            First Fruit concludes with a thought provoking discussion of Flavr Savr's impact on the Food and Drug Administration's scrutiny of genetically engineered plant applications. Dr. Martineau relates how the relatively minor genetic engineering involved, together with the apparent absence of any negative side effects, may have lulled the FDA into a false sense of security. Given recent news accounts, such as those of the widespread contamination of numerous corn products with StarLink genetically engineered corn not approved for human consumption, this discussion may be the most important in the book.

            5 out of 5 stars Insider's view: How The First Biotech Tomato Flopped.......2001-08-10

            First Fruit provides an interesting, quick read of a Califonia company's effort to develop and sell the Flavr Savr tomato - the first gentically engineered, but not the last, whole food. Written by a Flavr Savr researcher, the book highlights the internal clash between business executives seeking immediate financial returns and scientists charged with coming up with a high-tech tomato that genetic science had not yet produced for general salad consumption. The book's middle-third is a little too technical if you never managed better than a C+ in chemisty or biology, but the insider's view of the struggle to get the new tomato to market and her responsible conclusions make this book a must read for anyone interested in the emerging global role of biotechnology.
            Values and Objectivity in Science: The Current Controversy about Transgenic Crops
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              Values and Objectivity in Science: The Current Controversy about Transgenic Crops
              Hugh Lacey
              Manufacturer: Lexington Books
              ProductGroup: Book
              Binding: Paperback

              GeneralGeneral | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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              ASIN: 0739111418

              Book Description

              This book offers an account of how values play an important role within scientific practices, and how this account illuminates many ethical issues that arise concerning scientific practices and applications.
              Genetically Modified Language: The Discourse of the GM Debate
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                Genetically Modified Language: The Discourse of the GM Debate
                Guy Cook
                Manufacturer: Routledge
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Paperback

                LinguisticsLinguistics | Words & Language | Reference | Subjects | Books
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                ASIN: 0415314682

                Book Description

                The GM debate is a war of words, which will be won as much by persuasive argument, as by action in the lab, field or supermarket. As the argument intensifies and the voices on all sides get louder, Genetically Modified Language cuts through the confusion and controversy to unpick the issues and ideology at the heart of the debate.

                Examining the particular discourses of the key players in the arena, from the media to politicians, NGOs to Biotech corporations and research scientists to farmers, Guy Cook presents a critical analysis of the language of the GM debate, and how it influences policy and opinion. Each perspective has its own discourse and this can lead to misunderstanding and disagreement. Participants whose opinions are based around scientific, commercial, ethical or political concerns adopt differing styles of argument, metaphors and analogies, phrases and single words, and these can have quite different effects when they cross discoursal boundaries.

                Written in a clear,

                Transgenic Plants and Crops
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                  Transgenic Plants and Crops

                  Manufacturer: CRC
                  ProductGroup: Book
                  Binding: Hardcover

                  FlowersFlowers | Plants | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
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                  ASIN: 0824705459

                  Book Description

                  With contributions from nearly 130 internationally renowned experts in the field, this reference details advances in transgenic plant construction and explores the social, political, and legal aspects of genetic plant manipulation. It provides analyzes of the history, genetics, physiology, and cultivation of over 30 species of transgenic seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Stressing the impact of genetic engineering strategies on the nutritional and functional benefit of foods as well as on consumer health and the global market economy, the book covers methods of gene marking, transferring, and tagging public perceptions to the selective breeding, hybridization, and recombinant DNA manipulation of food.

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                  2. Paris in a Basket: Markets : The Food and the People (Cookery/Food and Drink)
                  3. Plows, Plagues, and Petroleum: How Humans Took Control of Climate
                  4. Profit for Life: How Capitalism Excels
                  5. Rain Village
                  6. Resources of the Earth: Origin, Use, and Environmental Impact (3rd Edition)
                  7. Sal Si Puedes (Escape If You Can): Cesar Chavez and the New American Revolution
                  8. Soil Science & Management
                  9. Soils: Genesis and Geomorphology
                  10. System-on-a-Chip Verification - Methodology and Techniques

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