Genetic Engineering

Cloning Story Was Offspring of Hype

by Sheldon Rampton — November 30, 2001 - 1:00am

The bold announcement from Advanced Cell Technology (ACT) that it had taken steps to create human embryos through cloning was more hype than reality. The methods used had already been done in animals, and some scientists insisted it wasn't cloning at all. Also, the few embryonic cells it had created had died. "This was a public relations campaign," said Arthur Caplan, director of the Center for Bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

Main Source: 
Buffalo News, November 30, 2001

Pitching Pharma

by Sheldon Rampton — November 23, 2001 - 1:00am

According to Clive Cookson, science editor for the Financial Times, news coverage of biotechnology "often appears in a form that anyone who really knows about the subject recognizes as grossly exaggerated, either as positive stories in the time-honoured 'miracle cure' genre or as negative scare stories." Cookson offers tips to help companies make sure the spin goes their way: "The most important thing is to build up a good long-term relationship with journalists. Make friends with them ... Help journalists write stories about your company or research field.

Main Source: 
HMS Beagle, November 23, 2001

PR for the "Book of Life"

by Sheldon Rampton — November 21, 2001 - 1:00am

Scientists as well as financial analysts caution that gene therapies may never come to fruition. If they do, they will be probably useful only for a handful of rare diseases. A Motley Fool financial columnist tells millions of readers, "There's no reason why the average investor should be invested in biotechnology companies.

Main Source: 
The Nation, November 21, 2001

Sunshine Needed on Bioweapons Research

by Sheldon Rampton — October 30, 2001 - 1:00am

Congress is on the verge of passing a new law (H.R. 3160) that would block public access to information about the US biological defense program under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Secrecy will do little to protect public safety, since extensive information has already been widely published about bioweapons agents, most of which are naturally-occurring. The Sunshine Project explains the public relations agenda behind the drive for secrecy, which may have more to do with protecting corporate reputations than public safety.

Main Source: 
Sunshine Project news release, October 30, 2001

Improper Lab Partners

by Sheldon Rampton — October 3, 2001 - 12:04pm

In the last 20 years, corporate funding in the fields of information technology and biotechnology has grown faster than support from any other source, and there is growing concern over possible corporate interference and industrial pressures that could inappropriately influence the direction, interpretation, and outcome of research. This past summer, several organizations took measures to examine and address this situation.

Main Source: 
http://news.bmn.com/hmsbeagle/111/notes/feature2

"The Food Police?" CSPI Got Big Bucks to Flack for GE Foods

by John Stauber — August 17, 2001 - 1:16pm

Last year Michael Jacobson's Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI, also known as "the food police") received $200,000 from the pro-biotechnology Rockefeller Foundation to be a moderate voice in the raging debate over genetically engineered (GE) foods. CSPI has since made many statements very favorable to GE foods and recently called for government action against companies marketing non-GE foods. Ironically, CSPI's Integrity in Science Project criticizes and reveals the special interest funding and agendas of other nonprofit organizations.

Mystery DNA Found in Monsanto's Soybeans

by Sheldon Rampton — August 16, 2001 - 12:00am

In yet another blow to the biotech food industry's pretense of papal infallibility, scientists have found some unexpected DNA next to the inserted gene in the Monsanto Company's Roundup Ready soybeans, casting doubts on the biotechnology industry's assertions that its technology is precise and predictable.

Main Source: 
New York Times, August 16, 2001

McDonald's Practices Hypocrisy, Deserves No Break Today

by John Stauber — August 14, 2001 - 1:43pm

Yesterday McDonald's announced it would be "providing more information about the specific source of the natural flavoring" it uses. However, today McDonald's refused to provide a spokesperson to CNN for an interview. Yesterday's announcement came after vegetarians filed lawsuits and some Hindus smashed windows upon discovering that McDonald's french fries cooked in oil were also cooked in meat flavorings.

Superweeds

by Sheldon Rampton — August 12, 2001 - 12:00am

Contrary to the claims of the biotech lobby, Canadian researchers have found strong evidence that genetically modified (GM) crops can spread long distances from where they have been planted and spawn "superweeds."

Main Source: 
Sunday Times (UK), August 12, 2001

BIO-Justice or BIO-Devastation

by Sheldon Rampton — August 10, 2001 - 12:24pm

Recent anti-globalisation protests have been met by an increasingly militarised state response aimed at deflecting attention from the issues. Corporate Watch's Lucy Michaels reports back from the BIOjustice protests against the US biotech industry in San Diego.

Main Source: 
http://www.corporatewatch.org.uk/newsletter/issue4/nl4ed.html
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