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| .......Media: Press Releases |
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New
Web Site Offers Information on Biotech Crops "There is much confusion about biotechnology," said Leon Higley, NU professor of entomology. "Our goal is to help people learn how to assess these new technologies. How do they know what is safe? What should their standards be? We want to help people sort through all of this information." The site, at http://www.agbiosafety.unl.edu/, contains lesson plans for teachers, basic biotechnology information for consumers, a frequently asked questions section, and a database of research information on all genetically engineered crops in North America. "There
is plenty of information available, but this database is unique
in that the research and safety information for all of these crops
has never been available in one place before," Higley said.
"Any research that companies have done for the EPA or Canadian
government, any transformation of any crop, it's all in this database.
It is the most comprehensive of its A Canadian company, AgBios, was instrumental in putting the database together, Higley said. AgBios is a consulting firm that specializes in biotechnology regulation and is collaborating with the university in development of the site. The education portion of the site features lesson plans that will be used in NU's distance education programs. It also contains lessons for high school students, and eventually, plans will be developed for younger students, said Doug Golick, web coordinator and educational director for the site. "We
are also working to develop a gene builder program that will teach
students the process of gene insertion. The program will let students
choose which genes to insert and help them evaluate the consequences
of their choices," Golick said. "A crop-building program
will help students see the need for a balance between pest-resistant
crops and traditional crops. The NU biotechnology experts will answer questions in the frequently asked questions area of the new site. This area also contains in-depth reviews and summaries of major biotechnology issues such as allergic reactions, safety, monarch butterflies and Bt corn and resistance management, Higley said. The site is funded by a grant from the Council for Biotechnology Information. "Though the site was funded by an industry group, it is important to note that the only editorial control over the site is ours," Higley said. "We have our own internal review process. It would be a disservice not to maintain that." Although the site should be of international interest, it is significant to Nebraska, too. "With Nebraska's strong ties to agriculture and the profound impact of biotechnology on the future, these resources are essential to public understanding of the issues," the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources professor said. "We also have a strong interest in helping the state's teachers include biotechnology in their lessons. We will continue to expand the areas that the site covers and address issues as they arise to help people in Nebraska and all over the world better understand biotechnology." #
# # Leon
Higley, Ph.D, professor, entomology, biotechweb.25
Doug Golick, web coordinator and educational director, entomology, Heather
Corley, IANR News and Publishing, *********************************** |
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