Genetically Engineered Corn May Harm Stream Ecosystems

A new study indicates that a popular type of genetically engineered corn, called Bt corn, may damage the ecology of streams draining Bt corn fields in ways that have not been previously considered by regulators. 

The study, which was funded by the National Science Foundation, appears in the October 8 edition of The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. This study provides the first evidence that toxins from Bt corn may travel long distances in streams and may harm stream insects that serve as food for fish. The research team's results demonstrate that Bt plant parts--including pollen, leaves and cobs-- are washing into local steams. During storms, these plant parts are carried long distances and therefore could have unintended ecological impacts on downstream water bodies, such as lakes and large rivers. http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=110265&org=NSF&from=news

Rachel's Democracy & Health News #928, October 11, 2007