Dolly, Polly and more...

THE CHALLENGE before the two foreign scientists on Wednesday was to explain genetic technology to school students, who are not normally encouraged to ask questions.

Dr. Nancy Lane and Prof. Janet Bainbridge, both scientists from the U.K., spoke of genetically modified (GM) foods and gene manipulation, with a stress on the ethical issues involved.

A heavy assignment. But, the lectures were simple, the terms easy. For instance, the double helical structure of the DNA became a twisted ladder.

The British Council, The Tamil Nadu Science and Technology Centre, and The Science City together organised the `Meet the Scientists' programme for the students as part of the `Bright Sparks' Indo-British science festival. The lecture was followed by a discussion with the scientists.

Prof. Bainbridge, Director of School of Science and Technology, University of Teeside, U.K., explained the process involved and the necessity for Genetically Modified foods.

Today's concerns, she said, were primarily to meet the food needs of the population. But agricultural lands are decreasing. And a solution is needed, fast.

GM foods, she suggested, might be the answer. The harvesting of fruits and vegetables could be hastened, their life extended, and their sizes increased.

The plants would be less susceptible to pests and harsh weather.

But there is considerable concern the world over about the feared impact of GM foods. Some Western countries have even banned their sales. But, the professor insists these foods might be less dangerous than most of what we already eat or drink, like coffee. GM foods would do us less harm, her argument goes.

The students were, of course, familiar with Dolly and Polly. So Dr. Nancy Lane did not have much trouble explaining the concept of gene manipulation in animals. She started with the first cloning experiment done on frogs, and went on to explain Chimaera, a cross between a sheep and a goat.

Animal cells could be used to develop human organs. Besides genetic cloning, such experiments prove very useful in therapeutic cloning, she said.

But then, does the genetic Noah hold any surprises in his growing Ark? Has sufficient research been done to prove GM foods safe?

The debate goes on, and some of the young aspiring scientists would have an opportunity to find out in the future.

By Feroze Ahmed

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