ICSU Announces Release of New Genetics, Food and Agriculture: Genetic Discoveries - Societal Dilemmas.Business Editors/Science Writers/Health/Medical Writers PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 10, 2003 The International Council for Science (ICSU ICSU International Council for Science ICSU International Council of Scientific Unions ICSU Integrated Channel Service Unit ICSU Internal Channel Service Unit ICSU Interactive Compilation System Upgrade ) today announced the release of a new report entitled New Genetics, Food and Agriculture: Genetic Discoveries - Societal Dilemmas. A synthesis of more than 50 science-based reviews, the report assesses the risks and benefits of applying new genetic discoveries to food and agriculture. "This report is based on thorough examination of reviews prepared by national academies of sciences, international organizations, and private agencies over the past three years (2000 - 2002)", says author Dr. Gabrielle Persley of the Doyle Foundation. "We've analysed key issues, identified areas of scientific convergence and divergence divergence In mathematics, a differential operator applied to a three-dimensional vector-valued function. The result is a function that describes a rate of change. The divergence of a vector v is given by , and highlighted gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed through further research." In relation to societal concerns about genetically modified genetically modified Adjective (of an organism) having DNA which has been altered for the purpose of improvement or correction of defects genetically modified genetic adj [food etc] → foods and other genetically modified organisms ge·net·i·cal·ly modified organism n. Abbr. GMO An organism whose genetic characteristics have been altered by the insertion of a modified gene or a gene from another organism using the techniques of genetic engineering. , the report addresses five key questions: -- Who needs GM foods? -- Are GM foods safe to eat? -- Will GMOs affect the environment? -- Are the regulations adequate? -- Will GMOs affect trade? The report was simultaneously launched today in print and on the Internet (www.icsu.org/events), making it a readily available resource tool for scientists, policy makers, and other stakeholders Stakeholders All parties that have an interest, financial or otherwise, in a firm-stockholders, creditors, bondholders, employees, customers, management, the community, and the government. . It is supported by an extensive annotated bibliography An annotated bibliography is a bibliography that gives a summary of the research that has been done. It is still an alphabetical list of research sources. In addition to bibliographic data, an annotated bibliography provides a brief summary or annotation. , with the electronic version providing direct links to original reviews. ICSU will update the website every six months to ensure that users can easily find and utilize the latest data and information. CD-ROM CD-ROM: see compact disc. CD-ROM in full compact disc read-only memory Type of computer storage medium that is read optically (e.g., by a laser). copies will be available shortly for individuals who do not have easy access to the Internet. Dr. Carthage Smith, Deputy Executive Director of ICSU says "Putting this material into the hands of people around the globe will help them to understand the issues and inform policy development and future research." To view the report online, visit www.icsu.org/events Founded in 1931, the International Council for Science (ICSU) is a non-governmental organization “NGO” redirects here. For other uses, see NGO (disambiguation). A non-governmental organization (NGO) is a legally constituted organization created by private persons or organizations with no participation or representation of any government. representing a global membership that includes both national scientific bodies (101 members) and international scientific unions (27 members). Through this international network, ICSU coordinates interdisciplinary research to address major issues of relevance to both science and society. In addition, the Council actively advocates for freedom in the conduct of science, promotes equitable access to scientific data and information, and facilitates science education and capacity building. |
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