The need for science editors: The case of GM potatoes that translates cysts into cancers
5 March 2007
The Guardian has "Suppressed report shows cancer link to GM potatoes" by the deputy political editor of the Independent, about cancers and tumours in rats fed a genetically modified potato in Russia. A critical look at the report revealed many scientific flaws in the trial design, reporting and translation.
In 1998 researcher Arpad Pusztai claimed on television and in the media that GM potatoes stunted rats’ growth and damaged their immune system. When the research was published, over a year later, it turned out to be significantly flawed. But during the two days after the GM "Frankenstein foods" story broke, on the back of an article in this newspaper, not one of the news articles, opinion pieces or editorials on the subject - in any British newspaper - was written by a science journalist, and because the work was unpublished, no one could comment on the science anyway. It was the turning point in public opinion against GM crops.
See the Guardian for details of the report
For the original report, see the Independent
