In early 2014, Yuan Longping, a renowned expert in hybrid rice, was invited as a representative of the People's Republic of China to advocate for genetic modification, calling it "the future direction." Since 2000, he had already established the Genetically Modified Application Research Laboratory and the Molecular Breeding Research Laboratory, bringing together dozens of top professionals from across the country. In addition, he sent his son, Yuan Dingyang, to the Chinese University of Hong Kong to specialize in genetic modification research.
Chen Xiaohua, vice minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, recently emphasized that the government is taking a positive yet cautious approach toward genetically modified products. The "positive" aspect involves strengthening scientific research, developing new varieties with independent intellectual property, and securing a leading position in this field to avoid dependency on foreign technologies. The "cautious" part focuses on ensuring safety during the promotion and application of these products.
However, there has been ongoing debate over genetically modified technology, especially between Fang Zhouzi and Cui Yongyuan since last September. The controversy continues to spark public interest, raising questions about whether genetically modified foods are harmful to health.
Recently, the term "transgenic" has become a hot topic. Even grandparents and uncles at the supermarket are discussing it. Why is GM technology so controversial? Some people even fear that consuming genetically modified foods could alter human genes.
Can you become cabbage by eating GM cabbage? This idea lacks any scientific foundation. Genetically modified (GM) technology involves introducing artificially isolated and modified genes into an organism’s genome to achieve specific traits. While this process can change an organism’s characteristics, it does not mean that humans will transform into the food they eat.
In simple terms, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) refer to foods directly derived from such organisms, or those processed from them, including animal feed. Despite their benefits, GM technology remains a subject of intense debate globally.
In 2009, Yuan Longping expressed concerns about the commercialization of genetically modified plants. He warned that scientists cannot fully predict the long-term effects of genetic modifications, which might lead to unforeseen environmental or health risks. Although experiments may be well-established, the potential impact on humans might only become apparent after several generations—similar to how smoking’s dangers were not widely recognized until much later.
Some experts question the safety of Bt protein, used in genetically modified crops for insect resistance. However, Bt protein is harmless to humans because it targets specific proteins in the digestive system of insects, causing them to die, but not affecting humans or animals in normal doses.
Yan Yan, a biology professor at South Dakota State University, stated that Bt protein produced in U.S.-grown transgenic corn is generally safe for most people when consumed in reasonable amounts. It has undergone rigorous testing and is non-toxic to humans and animals within acceptable limits. Of course, overconsumption of anything, even beneficial substances like ginseng or bird’s nest, can be harmful.
Yuan Longping emphasized the importance of thorough trials before any genetically modified product reaches the market. As a prominent figure in the public eye due to his support for GM technology, he said, “Transgenic technology should not be generalized, but molecular development in this field will shape the future of agriculture.†He is currently researching the transfer of maize genes into rice, aiming to increase photosynthetic efficiency by 30% to 50%, which could significantly boost crop yields.
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