Genetic engineering differs from the ancient technique of artificial selection in that the manipulation of genetic material occurs in a manner that is totally unnatural.While stem cell research and many applications of GE appear benevolent and useful, the rapid pace of development coupled with the lure of untold profit have interfered with proper attention to the attendant hazards of tampering with nature.
In what is perhaps a chilling preview of our bio-engineered future, Gulf Coast residents are complaining of mysterious rashes and other ailments that are collectively referred to as the the Gulf Blue Plague: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/riki-ott/bio-remediation-or-bio-ha_b_720461.html
The issues with genetically modified organisms that are being avoided by the major media are that not only are these microbes spreading beyond their points of application, but they are capable of cross-breeding, creating a genetic witch's brew. It is a biological catastrophe in the making, with implications that stagger the imagination: http://worldvisionportal.org/wordpress/index.php/2011/02/gulf-synthetic-genes-crossing-species-barriers/
Most disturbing is the fact that independent analysis of GE foods is stifled by restrictive end-user agreements, effectively forbidding researchers from publishing their findings without approval from agritech companies.
In a statement to the EPA, Elson Shields of Cornell University noted that "As a result of restrictive access, no truly independent research can be legally conducted on many critical questions regarding the technology", and the Scientific American noted that several studies that were initially approved by seed companies were later blocked from publication when they returned "unflattering" results.
Professor Bela Darvas of Debrecen University found that Monsanto engineered corn was lethal to two protected Hungarian insect species, and another rare species of insect.
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