20/April/21

 

On August 18, 2020, the US Dept of Agriculture (USDA) published a petition by researchers at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) seeking federal approval to release their genetically engineered (GE) Darling 58 (D58) American chestnut tree into US forests. Researchers claim the transgenic D58 tree will resist the fungal blight that, coupled with rampant overlogging, decimated the American chestnut population in the early 20th century. In fact, the GE American chestnut is a Trojan horse meant to open the doors to commercial GE trees designed for industrial plantations. Truthout

 

 

Pressure on Mexico to reverse its intended ban on glyphosate and phaseout of genetically engineered (GE) corn has been coming from its neighbour to the north… the USA. Emails obtained via the Freedom of Information Act by the Center for Biological Diversity showed communications throughout 2020 between pesticide industry lobbyist CropLife America, the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR), and other US agencies. The emails indicated, unsurprisingly, that the pesticide industry asked US government officials to interfere with Mexico’s planned glyphosate ban — and US officials said yes. PANNA

 

 

Effects of a glyphosate-based herbicide on the earthworm gut microbiome were studied. Glyphosate effects were consistent between three earthworm species. A decreased microbial diversity was noted among the exposed earthworms. A profound shift in bacterial populations was found in all exposed earthworms, with Proteobacteria becoming the dominant type. It is possible that the higher abundance of this bacteria type was a response to herbicide residues, promoting their survival. The environmental implications are unknown. Toxicology Reports