Attack of the killer tomatoes...fact or fiction?

By J.E. Warren
Contributing Writer

Imagine a world without starvation. Is it possible? Some think it may be with the help of biology and technology. It's called biotechnology and it's stirring up controversy.

Biotechnology, the science of manipulating organisms on a molecular level, is so controversial because many believe it's more than just invention. Many think it's the science of actual intervention into Nature's processes.

The term biotechnology was coined in 1919 by Karl Ereky to apply to the interaction of biology with human technology. In a way, people have been practicing it for thousands of years. Ever since human communities began to settle in one place for extended periods of time, they have found ways to manipulate crops and cattle through various breeding methods.

However, the new ability to work on a molecular level is the most advanced form of biotechnology yet. This has long been the stuff of science-fiction: using gene splicing techniques, also commonly referred to as genetic engineering, scientists have found ways to mix and combine genes from different organisms, with the result being new forms of plant and animal life.

Biotechnology has already begun to change our world. Of course, the goal is that the change be for the better, but some are still worried.

Dr. Tim Gottleber, computer information systems instructor at North Lake College, doubts that humans can really do something better than Nature intended.

"I have a problem with people thinking we can do better," said Gottleber. "I believe we can do things differently, sure, but the word 'better' carries too heavy a judgement. The jury is still out on that. Is it better for us to make corn that's more able to survive, but kills butterflies that encounter its pollen?"

Gottleber was referring to recent evidence that corn, engineered with a gene that makes it toxic to one species of problem caterpillar, is killing Monarch butterflies that eat near by milkweed plants. The evidence suggests that pollen migrates from altered corn crops into other areas, such as the milkweed plants, where it may have unforeseen side effects on the environment.

Protesters all over the world are making this into a serious issue. The milkweed plants are the Monarch butterflies' only food source, in some regions.

Such unintended side effects could cause serious damage to the ecosystem, according to some researchers.

Butterflies aren't the only potential victims. Another worldwide debate concerns StarLink gene-spliced corn, made by European biopharmaceutical giant Aventis SA. StarLink has not gained approval for human consumption because of U.S. scientists' concern that it might cause allergic reactions, shock or even death. Japan won't even approve its use for livestock feed, although the U.S. does.

Traces of StarLink corn were discovered in taco shells in September, sparking a series of recalls and widespread testing by U.S. food makers. Over 300 kinds of taco shells, tostados and chips made from corn flour have been recalled by many American companies, including Food Lion, Kroger Co. and Wendy's fast-food restaurants.

Apparently, StarLink found its way into supplies of corn that weren't intended to carry the genetically modified product. This has significantly fueled an already heated debate on the pitfalls of gene-altered foods.

"Biotechnology companies have clearly demonstrated that scientists can not control where genes are inserted and can not guarantee the resulting outcomes," concluded a study co-written by U.S. Public Interest Research Groups, a nonprofit environmental organization, and the Pesticide Action Network North America, which is against the use of dangerous pesticides and genetically engineered crops.

The majority of biotech opposition reside in well-fed countries. Some people in the U.S. are angry at the Food and Drug Administration for not requiring the labeling of bioengineered foods.

But elsewhere in the world, people are having bigger problems than labels. Although the development and use of biotechnology sounds ethically wrong to some people, many others think it's the only answer for hundreds of millions of starving people.

"just like with any new scientific advance, there are pros and cons to genetic engineering of foods," explained Henry Su, biology instructor at NLC. "We definitely need to produce higher yielding, more nutritious foods to feed the world.

"The public needs to be educated so there will be less ignorant fanaticism, just because of negative press reports about the few problems with engineered products," said Su. "When done responsibly, genetically engineered foods can alleviate some of the world's food problems."

The U.N. estimates that nearly 800 million people are starving. Hundreds of millions of these are suffering from illnesses related to malnurishment. These illnesses include vitamin deficiencies that lead to birth defects, blindness, weak immunity and death. The list of problems due to lack of food goes on and on, as does the number of sufferers.

According to the U.N., things are going to get worse at an exponential rate. Last year, Earth's human population reached 6 billion. By 2050, the U.N. estimates it will probably be near 9 billion, and almost all that growth will take place in developing countries.

A large part of the problem is that foods growing in these regions don't have all the nutrients needed for healthy living — something which biotechnology offers to change. Gene-altered crops could carry extra vitamins and minerals, or be made to live longer and produce more seeds.

Dr. Bob Agnew is dean of NLC's math, natural science, sport sciences division.

"Biotech," said Agnew, "may provide the genetic means to 'kick start' plants into producing more consumable material per acre. Where tillable land is restricted due to local geography, growing seasons are short. Modified crops could meet local needs better by increasing efficiency and productivity.

"Should this plant be rice, potato, corn, wheat; whatever local appetites desire and depend upon, the opportunity to feed more people exists," said Agnew.