Assessment & Impacts

Principles and Approaches Genetic interactions in ecosystems are more dynamic and complex than acknowledged so far. Genetic change and genetic exchange phenomena seem to occur more frequently in nature than in laboratories, and may be regulated by unknown environmental factors. Local environmental conditions and chemical contaminants (pesticides and other xenobiotics), that will undoubtedly vary in concentrations and combinations between different locations are examples of such environmental factors. These may have impacts on the extent of horizontal gene transfer, and on how modified genes are expressed and affect the recipient organisms. Consequently, it is important to establish model systems in the laboratory, which mimic the ecological interactions and complexity of the real world.

Basis for risk assessment and management:
Risk and probability are not the same. Risk can be defined as the probability of an occurrence of an incident or phenomenon, multiplied by the consequences arising therefrom, if it occurs. At this moment we know little about both probability and consequences in relation to putative health and environmental effects of many genetic engineering applications.

Horizontal gene transfer: Horizontal gene transfer signifies a non-sexual transmission of genetic information within or between species. The phenomenon is common in nature, but our knowledge concerning ecological processes promoting such events and barriers prohibiting them is scanty.

Socio-economic considerations: The impact of genetically modified organisms goes beyond ecological and health dimensions. They have profound impact on society, including livelihoods, production systems, trade, culture and ethics.

Glyphosate Formulations Induce Apoptosis and Necrosis in Human Umbilical, Embryonic, and Placental Cells

Roundup Ready residues in GM food can cause cell damage and even lead to death. […]

Effects of Low Levels of Roundup Herbicides on Cell Structure and Function

Roundup Ready residues could interfere with multiple metabolic pathways. […]

Argentina: Countryside No Longer Synonymous with Healthy Living

Once a serene refuge from urban pollution and chaos, the Argentine countryside has now become a place fraught with risks. The massive use of pesticides on fields of GE soy is creating a “health catastrophe” in the rural sector. […]

Report: Failure to Yield

For years the biotechnology industry has trumpeted that it will feed the world, promising that its genetically engineered crops will produce higher yields. That promise has proven to be empty, says UCS. […]

Transgenic crops: a questionable option?

The article provides an overview of the GM scene in India, while placing GM crops in a global context. […]

Schadensbericht Gentechnik

Report finds that GE crops do not bring any macro-economic benefits while incurring high costs and pose risks. […]

Ecotoxicological Assessment of the Effects of Glyphosate and Chlorpyrifos in an Argentine Soya Field

The study investigated the potential effects of two Bt corn lines and their plant residues on a group of beneficial plant symbionts fundamental for soil fertility. […]

Experimental Systems to Monitor the Impact of Transgenic Corn on Keystone Soil Microorganisms

The study investigated the potential effects of two Bt corn lines and their plant residues on a group of beneficial plant symbionts fundamental for soil fertility. […]

Do GM Crops Increase Yield?

Monsanto says yes but food and agriculture analyst Devinder Sharma begs to differ. […]

Fighting GMO Contamination Around the World

This article looks at how communities in different parts of the world that have experienced GM contamination are developing strategies to deal with it. […]