Scientific basis for GMO crops is falseJon Rappoport These arent phrases biotech giants like to hear. They prefer: One gene produces one protein. Each gene has a specific function. This is the basis for the modern biotech industry, and it applies most definitely to GMO crops. And it is false. So for example, when Monsanto says the genes they insert in plants only serve to protect the plants from the herbicide Roundup and have no other function, theyre making it up. For a brief summary of the situation, see Denise Carusos NY Times piece, A Challenge to Gene Theory, a Tougher Look at Biotech, July 1, 2007. Caruso reports on the findings of an exhaustive four-year effortorganized by the United States National Human Genome Research Institute and carried out by 35 groups from 80 organizations around the world. genes appear to operate in a complex network, and interact and overlap with one another and with other components in ways not yet fully understood. Evidence of a networked [interacting] genome shatters the scientific basis for virtually every official risk [safety] assessment of todays commercial biotech products, from genetically engineered crops to pharmaceuticals. In other words, each gene inserted in GMO food crops cannot be said to have only one function. There is reason to believe the inserted genes interact with genes already in the plants, and produce unknown effects. Therefore, bland assurances of safety are smoke blowing in the wind. Jack Heinemann, a professor of molecular biology in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand and director of its Center for Integrated Research in Biosafety: The real worry for us has always been that the commercial agenda for biotech may be premature, based on what we have long known was an incomplete understanding of genetics Heinemann: Because gene patents and the genetic engineering process itself are both defined in terms of genes acting independently, [government] regulators may be unaware of the potential impacts arising from these network [interacting] effects. Biotech companies like Monsanto are, to be sure, aware of this gaping hole in their science of gene-function. In fact, according to Heinemann, Many biotech companies already conduct detailed genetic studies of their products that profile the expression of proteins and other elements. But they are not required to report most of this data to regulators, so they do not. Thus vast stores of important research information sit idle. This means that Monsanto or Dow can conceal what theyve discovered about GMO hazards. They can hide findings that show unpredicted effects, when inserted genes meet and network with natural genes in the food crops. If we were merely talking about studies done in labs and abstract articles in journals, that would be one thing. But of course, we are talking about millions of acres planted with GMO cropsand vast populations eating GMO food. Its all based on a simplistic and false notion about how genes function. The biotech giants know this, government regulators know this, and many scientists know this. But they hide what they know. And all this dangerous fakery doesnt even touch on the highly toxic effects of Roundup and other herbicides necessary to manage GMO crops. The author of three explosive collections, THE MATRIX REVEALED, EXIT FROM THE MATRIX, and POWER OUTSIDE THE MATRIX, Jon was a candidate for a US Congressional seat in the 29th District of California. He maintains a consulting practice for private clients, the purpose of which is the expansion of personal creative power. Nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, he has worked as an investigative reporter for 30 years, writing articles on politics, medicine, and health for CBS Healthwatch, LA Weekly, Spin Magazine, Stern, and other newspapers and magazines in the US and Europe. Jon has delivered lectures and seminars on global politics, health, logic, and creative power to audiences around the world. You can sign up for his free emails at www.nomorefakenews.com 