A genetically modified organism, otherwise known as a GMO, is an organism that has had their genetic material modified by genetic engineering. The genes from various sources are combined to create a new gene and these genes are then transferred into an organism.

The American-based Digital Journal website recently published an article on the “rootworm resistant” corn losing its resistance. This genetically modified corn, produced by the Monsanto Company, is said to be toxic to plant-damaging pests, such as the rootworm, thus reducing the use of insecticide on soil. However, scientists have reported that these corns are losing their effectiveness and may be making the corn more susceptible to the pests. In response, Monsanto has proposed farmers to rotate their crops with one of their other biotech products, like soybeans, or use a different genetically modified corn together with insecticide. To which scientists have rebutted by stating that continuing a failing technology will only increase the potential of resistance and that due to Monsanto taking over the “seed” business there are less options on the market for those opting for non-GMO. The scientists also state that using insecticide on genetically modified corn only increases production costs and would only increase the risk of resistance. They also argue that the use of insecticide on genetically modified corn demonstrates that the genetically modified corn is no longer effective.

On March 21st, the North Shore News website reported that Greenpeace has officially ended its campaign against China’s proposal of commercializing GMO rice. Greenpeace was concerned that genetically modified rice would disrupt China’s traditional farming techniques for farming rice. Although the victory was in part due to pressure within the country, China has suspended its GMO project. The article reports that GMO food is monitored by government agencies (Health Canada for our country) for toxicity, potential of provoke allergic reactions, nutritional effects, and other factors. According to Greenpeace up to 70% of processed foods found in our grocery store are genetically engineered.

Articles can be found here:

http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/321416

http://www.nsnews.com/life/Victory+Greenpeace+anti+campaign/6334919/story.html

The London Metropolitan area has 76 air quality monitoring sites. The London Air Quality Network (LAQN) provides hourly updates of all their monitoring stations on their website. The LAQN classifies their pollution concentrations according to Defra’s Air Pollution Index system which ranges from 1 to 10 with 1 being low and 10 being very high. For the day of March 15 from 12:00am to 1:00am GMT most of the stations have an index level of around 1 or 2, some 4 and 5, and 6s and 7s. LAQN classifys an index of 1-3 as low, 4-6 as moderate, 7-9 as high and 10 as very high. The two stations that have a level 7 index are the Kensington and Chelsea – North Ken location and the Greenwich and Bexley – Falconwood FDMS location. In the Kensington and Chelsea – North Ken site they have a nitrogen dioxide air pollution index of 2, ozone index of 1, PM10 particulate of 4, PM2.5 particulate of 7 and a sulphur index of 1. PM2.5 and PM10 have potentially adverse health effects. They are small enough that they can get into the lungs. The other monitoring sites that have relatively high overall indexes, mainly have high particulate indexes with some having low indexes of other pollutants. From the monitoring sites that I had viewed, it seems like London’s biggest air pollutant is particulates. On their website they also post health warnings when the index is moderate to high, the LAQN advises those at risk, such as people with lung or heart problems, to refrain from or reduce any strenous activity, especially outdoors. For the general public at high levels, they recommend those who are experiencing sore eyes, cough or sore throat to avoid physical activity, especially outdoors.

London air quality website: http://londonair.org.uk/LondonAir/Default.aspx