[Seminars] PSB event reminder

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Calendar Name: seminars
Scheduled for: Wednesday, September 11 2013, 11:00 - 12:30
Event text:    Em. Prof Marc Van Montagu
	       
	       VIB
	       Ghent University
	       IPBO
	       
	       Gent
	       BELGIUM
Details:       “Science & Technology and the Social and Economic
	       Importance of GM-Crops”
	       
	       ABSTRACT
	       The discovery and use of Agrobacterium mediated gene
	       transfer to plants brought the tools for studying the
	       molecular basis of plant basic physiology,  growth and
	       development, stress response and information on the
	       establishment of ecological niches of plant species.
	       Genomic studies taught us that the plant genome, unlike
	       the Mendelian concept of mid 20th century, is a quite
	       dynamic structure full of rearrangements and
	       translocations. The fast adaptation of phenotypes is a
	       very complex process controlled by a diversity of
	       regulatory RNA's and peptides.
	       
	       There was immediately great interest in using this new
	       transgene technology for the production of improved and
	       high yielding crops, better adapted to different
	       agro-ecological environments. This is indeed an urgent
	       need because the unprecedented population growth and the
	       inequity in resource availability generated huge
	       famines, massive deforestation and intensive industrial
	       pollution in the last century. Despite the Green
	       Revolution, more than a billion people today are still
	       undernourished and half of the world population lives in
	       deep poverty.  
	       
	       Unfortunately, political movements started spreading
	       disinformation on plant biotechnology, and over the
	       years opposition against GM-crops grew in many European
	       countries, blocking further applications of the
	       technology in Europe and by extension in many developing
	       countries. This moratorium was established without proof
	       of any danger for the health of humans or other
	       vertebrates, or detriment to the environment. The 170
	       million ha GM-crops now cultivated yearly in a limited
	       number of countries, comprise only corn, soy, cotton and
	       some canola. Only six multinational companies provide
	       the seeds and extension services.
	       
	       How could such an anti-science situation arise? Can a
	       better understanding of the fears and beliefs that guide
	       our decision-making help to engage in a better dialogue
	       with society?  How can we turn a fear aversion into a
	       positive action for science and technology?
	       
	       This year the World Food Prize, which recognizes
	       achievements extremely precious for society, was given
	       to the scientists who develop transgenic plants.
	       I hope this recognition will help to convey this
	       important message to society:  GM agriculture is our
	       biggest opportunity for having a less environmentally
	       damaging agriculture, while still meeting the food needs
	       of an ever-growing population. Only through cooperation
	       and mutual understanding will it be possible to capture
	       and develop the true potential of this exciting
	       technology, to create a more livable and environmentally
	       stable society.
	       
	       ¬¬¬______________________________________________________________________________________________
	       Van Montagu M.  (2011) It is a Long Way to GM
	       Agriculture. Annual Review of Plant Biology  62: 1-23

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