Don't destroy research

[simonwheeler]

An interesting site: called "Sense about Science" (link broken)

“On 27th May 2012 protesters are planning to destroy our Chemical Ecology group’s scientific research because it uses genetically modified wheat. Growing wheat has an environmental toll of extensive insecticide use to control aphid pests. The research, which is non-commercial, is investigating how to reduce that by getting the plants to repel aphids with a natural pheromone. We are appealing for protesters to call off the destruction and discuss the work.”
John Pickett, Scientific Leader of Chemical Ecology, Rothamsted Research

[Ian Pegler]

Hi Simon

Yes, I'm familiar with the name Sense About Science, not least because Randi et al are always refering to them.

When the British Chiropratic Association sued skeptic Simon Singh, Sense Against Science sided with the skeptics.

More on Sense about Science HERE.

I'm of course familiar with the name of Rothamsted which was a similar organisation to IGER (formerly WPBS, near Aberystwyth) where my dad worked for many years.

Ian

[Ian Pegler]

There more on Sense About Science HERE

Whilst we're on the subject of environmental activism take a look at this:

from itv.com...

Nick Herbert: "It's important police are allowed to have sex with activists."

Undercover police officers can start sexual relationships with suspected criminals if it means they are more plausible, Home Office Minister and Sussex MP Nick Herbert said today.

He said that under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA), officers were permitted to have sex as part of their job but the legislation meant the operations were strictly managed.

CLICK HERE for the report.

Ian

[Helen-Healing]

Strictly managed sex??!!
This has to be a leg-pull, surely?!

[simonwheeler]

Strictly managed sex??!!
This has to be a leg-pull, surely?!

Too much information, Helen. "Strictly"...."leg pull"..... And exactly where do you get your leather from?!!!

[ledgehammer]

Strictly managed sex??!!
This has to be a leg-pull, surely?!

Too much information, Helen. "Strictly"...."leg pull"..... And exactly where do you get your leather from?!!!

Simon

lets keep it clean, I'm under 30.....

well just ;-)

Tom

[Ian Pegler]

lets keep it clean, I'm under 30...

Yes, let's. These are serious issues, which should be treated in a serious manner.

Ian

[Ian Pegler]

from the BBC...

British GM crop scientists win $10m grant from Gates

A team of British plant scientists has won a $10m (£6.4m) grant from the Gates Foundation to develop GM cereal crops.

It is one of the largest single investments into GM in the UK and will be used to cultivate corn, wheat and rice that need little or no fertiliser.

The BBC's Tom Heap reports.

CLICK HERE for the video report.

Ian

[Ian Pegler]

more research we shouldn't be destroying - apparently...

Anger over university's kitten "sewn eyelid" experiments

Animal rights campaigners have condemned a Welsh university for conducting “cruel” experiments in which kittens’ eyes were sewn up and newborn litters raised in total darkness.

CLICK HERE to read the article.

Ian

[Ian Pegler]

for the sake of balance...

Cardiff University hits back at "animal cruelty" claims

Cardiff University has “completely rejected” accusations of cruelty in the face of growing condemnation of its testing on live kittens.

CLICK HERE to read the article.

Ian

[Ian Pegler]

latest on this...

Ricky Gervais weighs in as Cardiff University defends sewing kittens' eyelids

...comedian Ricky Gervais said he was "appalled" at the research, taking to Twitter to question: "Honestly, how does this happen in so-called civilised society?"

CLICK HERE to read the article.

One wonder what sort of outcry there would be if Rothamstead were creating genetically mutated kittens instead of plants?

Ian

[Ian Pegler]

from the BBC...

GM potato trial 'threatens Ireland's image'

Ireland's environmental protection agency has approved the first trial of a genetically modified potato crop.

CLICK HERE to read the article.

Ian

[Ian Pegler]

from WalesOnline...

Kitten experiment petition attracts more than 22,000 signatures

Experiments on kittens at a Welsh university condemned around the world have attracted more than 22,000 signatures for a petition to end such practices.

CLICK HERE to read the article.

Ian

[Ian Pegler]

More research we shouldn't be destroying...

Agent Orange chemical in GM war on resistant weeds

A US pharmaceutical company is set to introduce a controversial new genetically modified corn to help farmers fight resistant weeds.

Dow Agrosciences says their new GM product will use a chemical that was once a component of the Vietnam war defoliant, Agent Orange.

CLICK HERE to read the article.

Ian

[Ian Pegler]

The benefits of GM...

GM mice bred to detect landmines

Scientists have genetically modified mice to enable them to sniff out landmines. They hope the GM mouse, known as MouSensor, could become a useful tool to help deal with the dangerous legacies of past wars.

CLICK HERE to read the article.

Ian