cochise
November 24th, 2005, 04:10 PM
Australian researchers scrap GM peas after mice fall ill
SYDNEY (AFP) - Australian researchers have confirmed they have scrapped 10 years of research into genetically modified peas because the altered version caused lung inflammation in mice.
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) had been attempting to modify peas so they could resist insect attacks without the use of chemical sprays.
It said in a statement that the study was discontinued "because the GM peas did not satisfy all categories of a stringent risk assessment process."
The peas, which were almost 100 percent resistant against pea weevil attacks, caused inflammation of lung tissue in mice and other adverse affects, researchers said.
"The reaction of the mice to the protein (involved) might reflect something that would happen to humans," deputy chief of CSIRO plant industry T. J. Higgins told ABC radio.
"There isn't any evidence that would happen but there is a chance that it could happen."
The pea weevil -- known to science as Bruchus pisorum -- can cause yield losses of up to 30 percent a year if left untreated and posed a risk to Australia's 100 million dollar (73 million US) pea industry.
Higgins said the work supported the need for a case-by-case examination of plants developed using genetic modification.
"Even though this GM field pea research will not be progressed further, the technology is very valuable and we're considering applying it to other research," he said.
SYDNEY (AFP) - Australian researchers have confirmed they have scrapped 10 years of research into genetically modified peas because the altered version caused lung inflammation in mice.
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) had been attempting to modify peas so they could resist insect attacks without the use of chemical sprays.
It said in a statement that the study was discontinued "because the GM peas did not satisfy all categories of a stringent risk assessment process."
The peas, which were almost 100 percent resistant against pea weevil attacks, caused inflammation of lung tissue in mice and other adverse affects, researchers said.
"The reaction of the mice to the protein (involved) might reflect something that would happen to humans," deputy chief of CSIRO plant industry T. J. Higgins told ABC radio.
"There isn't any evidence that would happen but there is a chance that it could happen."
The pea weevil -- known to science as Bruchus pisorum -- can cause yield losses of up to 30 percent a year if left untreated and posed a risk to Australia's 100 million dollar (73 million US) pea industry.
Higgins said the work supported the need for a case-by-case examination of plants developed using genetic modification.
"Even though this GM field pea research will not be progressed further, the technology is very valuable and we're considering applying it to other research," he said.