Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - Euros have simple lost it: Plant ethics...Hug a plant near you

HOZ · 10-10-2008, 09:59 PM

First we get tree and animal hugging ways. Now scientists must consider plant ethics. Are they emotionally secure? Has harvesting truly devastated their unique cultural ways?

Euro-weinies

ZURICH -- For years, Swiss scientists have blithely created genetically modified rice, corn and apples. But did they ever stop to consider just how humiliating such experiments may be to plants?
That's a question they must now ask. Last spring, this small Alpine nation began mandating that geneticists conduct their research without trampling on a plant's dignity.
Beat Keller

"Unfortunately, we have to take it seriously," Beat Keller, a molecular biologist at the University of Zurich. "It's one more constraint on doing genetic research."
Dr. Keller recently sought government permission to do a field trial of genetically modified wheat that has been bred to resist a fungus. He first had to debate the finer points of plant dignity with university ethicists. Then, in a written application to the government, he tried to explain why the planned trial wouldn't "disturb the vital functions or lifestyle" of the plants. He eventually got the green light.

10-10-2008, 09:59 PM	#1
HOZ Lifetime Suspension Join Date: Oct 2001 Exp:	Euros have simple lost it: Plant ethics...Hug a plant near you First we get tree and animal hugging ways. Now scientists must consider plant ethics. Are they emotionally secure? Has harvesting truly devastated their unique cultural ways? Euro-weinies ZURICH -- For years, Swiss scientists have blithely created genetically modified rice, corn and apples. But did they ever stop to consider just how humiliating such experiments may be to plants? That's a question they must now ask. Last spring, this small Alpine nation began mandating that geneticists conduct their research without trampling on a plant's dignity. Beat Keller "Unfortunately, we have to take it seriously," Beat Keller, a molecular biologist at the University of Zurich. "It's one more constraint on doing genetic research." Dr. Keller recently sought government permission to do a field trial of genetically modified wheat that has been bred to resist a fungus. He first had to debate the finer points of plant dignity with university ethicists. Then, in a written application to the government, he tried to explain why the planned trial wouldn't "disturb the vital functions or lifestyle" of the plants. He eventually got the green light.