By Lubko Berezowsky

Modern science is at a critical juncture when it comes to genetics.
The relatively new study holds the promise of defeating disease and
improving understanding of biological function.

But we must proceed carefully with the study of genetics because it is
such a fundamental area of research with far-reaching and poorly
understood consequences.

For example, much of the processed food that we eat in the United States
contains some form of genetically modified grain. High fructose corn
syrup, derived from GM corn, is so ubiquitous as to no longer raise
anyone's concern. Yet the effects of long-term consumption of corn syrup
have not been adequately researched. Perhaps this helps to explain the
explosion of obesity among Americans since corn syrup has been
introduced.

(A view not supported by the Corn Refiners Association, which claims
that corn syrup is just as harmless in moderation as sugar).

While GM grain and foodstuffs are widely grown in the United States,
Europe and much of the rest of the world do not allow the import or
cultivation of GM crops. They claim that there is too little data to
establish the safety of such crops, and they rely on traditional farm
mechanization to raise yields and productivity.

On the other hand, the Federal Food and Drug Administration has given
the green light to GM products entering the food chain which results in
new genetic variations of meats, grains and fruits being commercialized
everyday.

Researchers claim that they can improve the taste, color, of foodstuffs
through genetic modification, but this manipulation may also result in
decreased nutritional value. Random mutations also add a level of
uncertainty to the consumption of GM foods, especially in the long-term.
It makes sense to put in place regulatory safeguards prevent a rush to
commercialize such unproven technologies.

Another consequence of genetic research may be the discrimination and
marginalization of "inferior" stock groups. If genes associated with
heart disease or breast cancer are isolated, it will be possible to test
individuals to see if they have the proclivity for these diseases. They
could be denied medical insurance based on this information and
experience a decreased level of care.

Current laws do not protect against workplace discrimination based on
genetic makeup, and it is not beyond reason to see a future world in the
mold of

GATTACA, the movie in which everyone's role in life is predetermined at
birth based on genetic makeup.

At the same time, isolating such genes may be very profitable for
research companies by offering cosmetic services to the wealthy.
"Designer babies" are one example of how gene therapy can be used to
cater to non-essential tastes, like picking hair color or specifying
height and body type, or perhaps a genetic variant marketed as a
replacement for Botox for thousands of dollars a dose.

Of course, the scientific research of genes and commercialization of the
results are two separate questions to address. Research into genetics is
the next frontier of science and will inevitably advance, likely
producing medical and biological breakthroughs.

However, we must be cautious when seeking the benefits of genetic
modification. We must be especially cautious about commercializing this
research and understanding its enormous implications.
www.checkbiotech.org