Addressing the issue of horizontal gene transfer from a diet containing genetically modified components into rat tissues

Staff Writer, J.J. West
GMOs / Scientific Study
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Addressing the issue of horizontal gene transfer from 

a diet containing genetically modified components into rat tissues

Genetically modified (GM) food crops are considered to have the potential of providing food security especially in developing countries. Scientists have raised concern over the hazards associated with the consumption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). One of these hazards, which have great controversy reports, is the possible horizontal gene transfer from GM-food or feed to human or animal tissues. Many researches were conducted to investigate the presence of some transgenic sequences in animal tissues fed on GM- crops. Many of the inserted genes in the GM-crops are under the control of the promoter of the Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMVP35S) and produce insecticidal proteins. Health hazards are suggested to accompany the ingestion of this promoter. CaMVP35S can function in a wide range of organisms (plants and animals). It has also been demonstrated that the CaMV-P35S promoter sequence can convert an adjacent tissue- and organ-specific gene promoter into a globally active promoter. The present work was conducted to evaluate the possibility of horizontal gene transfer from a diet containing DNA segments from Cauliflower mosaic virus -35S promoter (CaMVP-35S) to the cells of different organs of rats fed for three months on diets containing genetically modified components. Analysis of the results revealed that: 1) ingested fragments from the CaMV-35S promoter incorporated into blood, liver, and brain tissues of experimental rats, 2) The total mean of transfer of GM target sequences increased significantly by increasing the feeding durations, and 3) The affinity of different transgenic fragments from the ingested GM-diet, to be incorporated into the different tissues of rats varied from one target sequence to the other.

To read the study, click here: Article Number - BE5331948800.

Source: academicJournals

Black Thursday, Friday Group Think

Staff Writer, DL Mullan

Current Events

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Group Think: "a pattern of thought characterized by self-deception, forced manufacture of consent, and conformity to group values and ethics."

Could very well be what Black shopping days are really about. Deceive yourself that going shopping on or the day after a holiday to get the best prices is a great idea. Follow advertisements and other propaganda on the television or radio that other people will be enjoying themselves, why not you? Then you find yourself in a violent mob.

On these flash mob buyers' free-for-all days, you truly see what the values and ethics of a community really are: consume, conform, obey, buy, watch tv, submit... Sounds more like the movie, They Live, then actual reality.

In the clutches of Group Think, people do not realize how they are being used, abused, and thrown away. It is all about being apart of the collective. Well, the human race does have its interdependence but it also has independence of thought and action. 

That is why one person goes to jail for a crime and not his/her entire family, but slowly America has become a Group Think society to those people who are uninformed about the psychology of behavior. We see collective thinking and group relations on TV news: one person does a horrible crime now everyone has to give up their [insert whatever it is this week in here].

You get the idea. 

So you have to start asking yourself: is it really worth it? Is it really that important to be a follower? Or is it an American culture that values critical thinking and leadership instead of zombiesque consumerism? 

No one can answer that for you, but if you keep following the herd, then what do you have to complain about? The bail-outs, economic depression, and free trade agreements that cause you to be on unemployment, welfare, or lose your home? Move along... nothing to see here.

What? It's what the leaders of the herd want: for no one to ask questions or want a better life.

If you are dissatisfied with the destruction of your country so someone else can get rich off the booms and busts and bubbles, then you might be an independent American after all. So turn off your TV, stop consuming until your are in debt, and start calling Congress and the White House.

When enough people stand up for real value, value will return. Don't you think it is about time?

Source: M-W,