In early 2014, Yuan Longping, a renowned expert in hybrid rice, visited the People's Republic of China as a guest and publicly supported genetic modification, calling it "the future direction." Long before that, in 2000, he established the Genetically Modified Application Research Laboratory and the Molecular Breeding Research Laboratory, gathering dozens of top professionals from across the country. He even sent his son, Yuan Dingyang, to the Chinese University of Hong Kong to specialize in genetic modification.
Chen Xiaohua, vice minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, recently stated that the ministry is taking a proactive yet cautious approach toward genetically modified products. The "proactive" part involves strengthening scientific research, developing new varieties with independent intellectual property, and aiming to lead in this field to avoid dependency on foreign technology. The "cautious" approach focuses on ensuring safety during promotion and application.
However, for some time now, differing opinions on genetically modified technology have sparked intense debates. The ongoing clash between Fang Zhouzi and Cui Yongyuan has continued since last September.
What exactly is going on with GM technology? Are genetically modified foods harmful to human health?
Recently, the term "transgenic" has become extremely popular. Even grandparents and aunts at the supermarket are discussing it. Why is GM technology so controversial? Some people even worry that eating genetically modified foods could alter their genes.
Can you become cabbage after eating GM cabbage?
There is no scientific basis for such concerns. Genetically modified (GM) technology involves introducing artificially isolated and modified genes into an organism’s genome to achieve specific traits. This process, known as artificial transgenic technology, alters the characteristics and hereditary material of organisms by introducing foreign genes.
Using molecular biology techniques, scientists transfer certain genes into crops to modify their genetic makeup, improving traits like nutrition, quality, and yield. This leads to the development of genetically modified crops.
So, how can eating GM cabbage turn you into cabbage? In simple terms, genetically modified organisms are considered genetically modified foods in a broad sense, including direct food products, processed ingredients, and feed for livestock.
Why is GM technology controversial?
It goes without saying that the safety of genetically modified technology remains widely questioned, with international debate still ongoing.
In 2009, Yuan Longping, a leading hybrid rice expert, told the media that the government should carefully consider the commercialization of genetically modified plants. He argued that scientists cannot fully predict the long-term effects of genetic modifications, which could lead to mutations and potential harm to the environment or human health. Although experiments may be well-developed, the impact on humans might not be visible for several generations.
What did Yuan mean by this? That the risks of genetically modified products may not be evident in the short term. For example, smoking was once seen as harmless, but later studies showed its severe health consequences. Many historical figures, like Churchill and Stalin, were heavy smokers. According to the World Health Organization, 90% of lung cancer patients in developed countries are smokers. Therefore, the safety of genetically modified foods needs time—possibly decades—to be fully understood.
Some experts also question whether it is safe to consume Bt protein found in genetically modified crops. Bt protein provides insect resistance by targeting specific pests. However, it is non-toxic to humans because it only affects the digestive system of insects. The protein binds to a unique receptor in the gut of Lepidoptera larvae, causing them to die. Humans lack this receptor, making it safe for us.
Yan Yan, a professor of biology and microbiology at South Dakota State University, noted that Bt protein produced in U.S. transgenic corn is currently considered safe for most people when consumed in reasonable amounts. It has undergone rigorous testing and is generally non-toxic to humans and animals. Of course, overconsumption of any substance, even beneficial ones like ginseng or bird's nest, can be harmful.
Yuan Longping emphasized that public concerns about transgenes must be taken seriously. He urged thorough testing before any genetically modified product reaches the market.
As a prominent figure in the debate over genetically modified technology, Yuan Longping said, “Transgenic technology cannot be generalized, and the molecular development of GM technology 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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