According to a report today in the journal Axiom, researches at the University of Warburg have reported a major breakthrough in genetic engineering of farmers and farm workers. A five member team led by Dr. Fritz Gottlieb have successfully modified human genes by implanting them with genes taken from Agrobacterium Sp. CP4. This gene conveys resistance to the herbicide glyphosate (Roundup).
"This is the most important discovery of the last ten years," said Dr. Gottlieb, "factory farms will now be able to spray fields with Roundup without requiring that workers wear protective clothing or leave the fields during sparying." According to the study, humans modified with the gene can now be drenched with glyphosate without incurring noticeable side effects. This is seen as a major step forward in farm productivity because weeds can be eliminated without the suspension of other farm activities.
Trials on farms where the humans have been so modified have shown a 15% increase in corn production. Detailed test results are not expected to be released due to confidentiality agreements barring Dr. Gottlieb's team from sharing information with the broader scientific community.
While its too early to come to any conclusions, there appear to be other beneficial effects of genetic engineering of humans. "Roundup Ready" people are also showing promising signs of resistance to European corn borers, cutworms and flea beetles.
Reported April 1st 2012.
Comments