Pandora's Picnic Basket : The Potential and Hazards of Genetically Modified Foods

Rating:
Summary: Read this book, then...
Review: FIGHT FOR ACADEMIC FREEDOM

Professor Ignacio Chapela courageously spoke out
against the UC $25 million research agreement with
the biotechnology giant Novartis. He published an
article demonstrating that native corn in Mexico had
been contaminated by genetically engineered corn.
Being a prominent critic of the university's ties to
the biotech industry, Dr. Chapela had his tenure
denied despite overwhelming support by his peers at UC
Berkeley and experts around the world.

The implications that these actions have on academic
freedom are frightening. They threaten scientists in
the future from working to seek truth in different
forums without undue influence. Scientists will no
longer be able to ask questions that might seem
uncomfortable even for the university to pose, such as
those in pursuit of precautionary science or in
opposition to corporate control over the university
research agenda.

You can get involved:
1. Call, email or write the UC Berkeley Chancellor
Birgeneau and the Academic Senate.
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Snail Mail: Office of the Chancellor, 200 California
Hall # 1500, Berkeley, California, 94720-1500
(Academic Senate = PHONE: [phone]; FAX:
510-642-8920; E-MAIL: [e-mail]

2. Visit www.tenurejustice.org or write
[e-mail]




Rating:
Summary: In a future not so far!
Review: 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 .





Rating:
Summary: Scientific answers to World hunger?
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: PROPOGANDA!!!
Review: 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!!

Rating:
Summary: A Science based approach to a scientific issue
Review: 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.