View allAll Photos Tagged GeneticEngineering
False Shiva (aka “Monsanto Man” ) appears benevolent, hiding behind a beloved Shiva mask, his stance and multiple arms a poor imitation of the real Shiva. He is surrounded by dead and dying leaves, and a gold lasso to “Round Up” his victims, which include GM Corn, Soy, Rice and Beets. He holds in his hands a poison apple, a leafy noose with the bodies of hanging Indian suicide farmers, and a Wall Street Journal, which is also his dhoti. He stands victorious in his “merciless” Nike golf shoes, on the body of Mother Earth, whose basket of fresh fruit is scattered.
Yeah yeah, I know it’s bleak, but a lot of religious kitsch is pretty bleak too!
This is the second in a series of “Corporate Icons” I am working on – icons for a new and dismal age of rule by Corporate Demons. So far I have used Byzantine and Hindu religious kitsch as inspiration – look for Western medieval and Persian illuminated manuscripts for the next ones.
Mixed media - acrylic on wood panel, leaves are made out of shrinky dinks. Large - 24" x 30"
Mr. Sohel Ahmad from the entomology unit at seibersdorf checking olive fruit fly larvae for quality control. (Entomology Unit, Seibersdorf, Austria, 2 June 2006)
Photo Credit: Dean Calma / IAEA
Badges from various Greenpeace campaigns over the years .
Humanity has left its scars upon the earth. Pollution, animal extinction, and resource depletion are only some of our distinguishing marks . The extinction of the dodo within less than a century of its discovery called attention to the previously unrecognised problem of human involvement in the disappearance of entire species.
An associate scientist performs a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) procedure to determine the presence of alleles or genes with known function or importance.
Part of the image collection of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
Dwarkabai Mohud is yet to come out of the shock of her husband Sarangdar Tulshiram Mohud's death a few months earlier. Saragdar, a cotton farmer of Maharashtra's Ramapur Dharod village, committed suicide beacuse he was unable to repay back an agricultural loan of a mere Rs.8000 (200USD) taken from Indian Bank's Akot branch in 2007.
Dwarkabai has inherited the unpaid loan along with the two acres of land her husband owned. "We manage to grow five quintals of cotton a year, bringing home Rs 10,000 (250USD)," she says. Her son has taken over the responsitbiity of looking after her and clearing the debt. "He tills our land and then works on other's land as labourer," says a tearful Dwarkabai. She and her son will remain debt ridden for sometime, as they are not eligible for Government's farm-loan waiver. Moreover the unpaid loan makes them ineligible for a fresh loan. With Dwarkabai's son earning a meagre Rs 40 (One USD) a day, after a hard days labour, the future of the family doesn't look bright.
Over hundreds of farmers in the Vidharbaha region of Maharashtra, in Central India has committed suicide in the last few years over to loan dafault, due to bad crop and untimely rainfall.
Background info:
Monsanto Company is a publicly traded American multinational agricultural biotechnology corporation headquartered in Creve Coeur, Missouri. It is a leading producer of genetically engineered (GE) seed and of the herbicide glyphosate, which it markets under the Roundup brand. Founded in 1901 by John Francis Queeny, by the 1940s it was a major producer of plastics, including polystyrene and synthetic fibers. Notable achievements by Monsanto and its scientists as a chemical company included breakthrough research on catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation and being the first company to mass-produce light emitting diodes (LEDs). The company also formerly manufactured controversial products such as the insecticide DDT, PCBs, Agent Orange, and recombinant bovine somatotropin.
Monsanto was among the first to genetically modify a plant cell, along with three academic teams, which was announced in 1983, and was among the first to conduct field trials of genetically modified crops, which it did in 1987. It remained one of the top 10 U.S. chemical companies until it divested most of its chemical businesses between 1997 and 2002, through a process of mergers and spin-offs that focused the company on biotechnology.
Monsanto was a pioneer in applying the biotechnology industry business model to agriculture, using techniques developed by Genentech and other biotech drug companies in the late 1970s in California. In this business model, companies invest heavily in research and development, and recoup the expenses through the use and enforcement of biological patents. Monsanto's application of this model to agriculture, along with a growing movement to create a global, uniform system of plant breeders' rights in the 1980s, came into direct conflict with customary practices of farmers to save, reuse, share and develop plant varieties. Its seed patenting model has also been criticized as biopiracy and a threat to biodiversity. Monsanto's role in these changes in agriculture (which include its litigation and its seed commercialization practices, its current and former agbiotech products, its lobbying of government agencies, and its history as a chemical company, have made Monsanto controversial.
An agricultural research technician performs a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) procedure to determine the presence of alleles or genes with known function or importance.
Part of the image collection of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
Ringiers farbige Kinderbücher / Kinderbuchserie
> Ringgi + Zofi / Spannende Abenteuer in Genikon
von Robi Reinfrank und Röbu Schnieper
Ringier & Co AG / Zürich 1988
ex libris MTP
Originally shared by +National Geographic
Will it one day be possible to bring a wooly mammoth or a Neanderthal back to life? If so, should we?
Can Genetic Engineering Bring Back Extinct Animals?
Check this out on Google+https://plus.google.com/u/0/+JohnCurrinFamily/
currinfamily.alljc.co/2015/09/22/will-it-one-day-be-possi...
Bean breeding at CIAT in Kawanda, Uganda.
Credit: ©2009CIAT/NeilPalmer
Please credit accordingly and leave a comment when you use a CIAT photo.
For more info: ciat-comunicaciones@cgiar.org
Ringiers farbige Kinderbücher / Kinderbuchserie
> Ringgi + Zofi / Spannende Abenteuer in Genikon
von Robi Reinfrank und Röbu Schnieper
Ringier & Co AG / Zürich 1988
ex libris MTP
Rice seedlings in test tubes generated from protoplast culture. Part of the image collection of the International Rice Research Institute.
Ringiers farbige Kinderbücher / Kinderbuchserie
> Ringgi + Zofi / Spannende Abenteuer in Genikon
von Robi Reinfrank und Röbu Schnieper
Ringier & Co AG / Zürich 1988
ex libris MTP
False Shiva (aka “Monsanto Man” ) appears benevolent, hiding behind a beloved Shiva mask, his stance and multiple arms a poor imitation of the real Shiva. He is surrounded by dead and dying leaves, and a gold lasso to “Round Up” his victims, which include GM Corn, Soy, Rice and Beets. He holds in his hands a poison apple, a leafy noose with the bodies of hanging Indian suicide farmers, and a Wall Street Journal, which is also his dhoti. He stands victorious in his “merciless” Nike golf shoes, on the body of Mother Earth, whose basket of fresh fruit is scattered.
Yeah yeah, I know it’s bleak, but a lot of religious kitsch is pretty bleak too!
This is the second in a series of “Corporate Icons” I am working on – icons for a new and dismal age of rule by Corporate Demons. So far I have used Byzantine and Hindu religious kitsch as inspiration – look for Western medieval and Persian illuminated manuscripts for the next ones.
Mixed media - acrylic on wood panel, leaves are made out of shrinky dinks. Large - 24" x 30"
Research technicians at IRRI perform the measurement of BB lesion length in the pilot plot of the transgenic and nontransgenic entries.
Part of the image collection of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
Ringiers farbige Kinderbücher / Kinderbuchserie
> Ringgi + Zofi / Spannende Abenteuer in Genikon
von Robi Reinfrank und Röbu Schnieper
Ringier & Co AG / Zürich 1988
ex libris MTP
Research Technicians at IRRI performs the measurement of BB lesion length in the pilot plot of the transgenic and non transgenic entries.
Part of the image collection of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
Research Technicians at IRRI performs the measurement of BB lesion length in the pilot plot of the transgenic and non transgenic entries.
Part of the image collection of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
About 250 people joined the "March Against Monsanto" in Denver, Colorado, one of 400 marches worldwide. (10/12/13) The actions were to protest Monsanto's production and use of GMO's, pesticides, herbicides and genetically engineered seeds.
A preliminary cover design for my next novel, Incubus Sky, which will be a scifi exploration of the alien-abduction phenomenon. (Update 8/29/14: The title is now Ulterior Sky. Update 3/28/17: The title is now Ontogenesis (Libri Mysterii Book 5.) From my research into the surprisingly widespread phenomenon, I've learned that a lot of people are experiencing *something* that can leave them with post traumatic stress disorder but no one knows conclusively what it is. I'm not writing about the phenomenon because I think I know what it is or isn't all about; I simply find it a compelling scenario that affects people of all social classes all around the world. The implications are profound, and the experiences deeply affect those involved. It's an interesting subject that seems to expand the more I research it. So, just how deep *does* this rabbit hole go?
Nisbet, Alistair, 1958-.”So how do you know that it’s GM fed chicken?” 21 November 2009. Cartoon Archive (Drawings, Paintings & Prints Collection), Alexander Turnbull Library (Ref: DCDL-0012901)
During the early 21st century many people were concerned with the prospect of genetic modification of food. This cartoon depicts this general fear and concern amongst New Zealanders.
"tricks of the trade" explained...
this was my home-made stand consisting of a drink can which was flattened on one side.
this was not enough to keep the can still, so i used a slice of eggplant to keep the can stable.
so as not to leave traces, the eggplant was protected with cling-film, taped to the can.
I pierced the can with two wooden kebab sticks upon which I could maintain various fruit in place. (you can just see the sticks in this shot)
the white background is simply several A3-sized sheets of paper taped to the wall. i'll have to be more careful next time with the placement of the tape ;)
the whole setup was done in my kitchen, under halogen spot lighting.
Here he is, human body with a dog's head, a genuine freak. No, he doesn't lift his leg to pee, but don't ask him over for a drink.
(OK, felt a little weird to add this photo to both my self-portrait set, and to my toby set.)
On May 25, activists around the world will unite to March Against Monsanto.
Why do we march?
Research studies have shown that Monsanto’s genetically-modified foods can lead to serious health conditions such as the development of cancer tumors, infertility and birth defects.
In the United States, the FDA, the agency tasked with ensuring food safety for the population, is steered by ex-Monsanto executives, and we feel that’s a questionable conflict of interests and explains the lack of government-led research on the long-term effects of GM products.
Recently, the U.S. Congress and president collectively passed the nicknamed “Monsanto Protection Act” that, among other things, bans courts from halting the sale of Monsanto’s genetically-modified seeds.
For too long, Monsanto has been the benefactor of corporate subsidies and political favoritism. Organic and small farmers suffer losses while Monsanto continues to forge its monopoly over the world’s food supply, including exclusive patenting rights over seeds and genetic makeup.
Monsanto's GM seeds are harmful to the environment; for example, scientists have indicated they have contributed to Colony Collapse Disorder among the world's bee population.
What are solutions we advocate?
Voting with your dollar by buying organic and boycotting Monsanto-owned companies that use GMOs in their products.
Labeling of GMOs so that consumers can make those informed decisions easier.
Repealing relevant provisions of the US's "Monsanto Protection Act."
Calling for further scientific research on the health effects of GMOs.
Holding Monsanto executives and Monsanto-supporting politicians accountable through direct communication, grassroots journalism, social media, etc.
Continuing to inform the public about Monsanto's secrets.
Taking to the streets to show the world and Monsanto that we won't take these injustices quietly.
We will not stand for cronyism. We will not stand for poison. That’s why we March Against Monsanto.
Der Anbau von Gen-Pflanzen gefährdet die biologische Vielfalt und führt zu einem vermehrten Pestizideinsatz. Dabei kann niemand abschätzen, welche Folgen die Eingriffe ins Erbgut für Gesundheit und Umwelt haben. Die Wissenschaftler können weder den genauen Ort, wo das Gen in die Pflanze eingebaut wird, noch die Wechselwirkungen mit anderen Genen und Proteinen gezielt steuern. Kein Wunder, dass es beim Anbau von Gen-Pflanzen immer wieder zu überraschenden Nebenwirkungen kommt: Die Stängel von Gen-Soja platzen bei Dürre und Hitze auf oder Gen-Pappeln blühten zum falschen Zeitpunkt.
I just finished a textbook that Drew Endy gave me on the design principles of biological circuits.
There is a fascinating section describing how the transcription networks of E.Coli (the common bacteria in your gut) robustly build electric flagella motors on demand, and a navigation system that senses food gradients across distances larger than the bacteria itself. It then moves at 30 body lengths per second.
It’s an interesting case study in gene transcription networks. When E.Coli is bathed in nutrients, it focuses energy on cell division (growth) and not movement. With a lack of nutrients, a genetic trigger induces the manufacture of several helical propellers (flagella) to enable it to swim to a better life.
In the diagram above, you see the 45nm wide, 100 Hz proton-pump rotary motor, as it is assembled in stages from 30 different proteins (text labels above). The motor and flagellum tail are hollow allowing each protein to self-assemble in sequence as they move down the assembly line straw.
Two transcription factors, let’s call them X and Y, regulate the six operons (gene clusters Z1 to Z6) to produce all of the proteins in the proper sequence. Master regulator X activates Y and both jointly activate the sequence of six operons Z1 – Z6, in order, with logical OR gate inputs. The signaling network is a classic multi-output feed-forward loop, common in biological networks, especially sensory transcription networks. By reversing the activation thresholds (K) of X and Y, a FIFO order is achieved in protein production, a just-in-time manufacturing sequence. See diagram below.
Like all feed-forward loops, the network embeds other valuable information processing. Each of the output nodes has a sign-sensitive input filter, ignoring intermittent absence of the X signal and noise from a fluctuating environment. Deactivation only occurs when X has been off for about the time period of one cell generation, the time needed to complete assembly of the flagellar motor. See more examples of network topologies and benefits below.
The author proposes convergent evolution across many information networks, from genes to protein kinase cascades, to neurons, which is quite plausible.
The premise that I wrestle with is his claim that these networks are readily understandable. Working from the bottom up, and from the incredibly sparse networks and topologies, I can see why he’s excited. But I wonder if this scales. Jumping to neuronal circuits, the easy modularity is a bit more elusive, and I wonder if the simplified networks of parasitic organisms are a simple tier in the hierarchy of abstractions, just a few steps more complex than codon encoding and epigenetics. Perhaps evolved information networks embed much more accumulated computational complexity and offer fewer pattern matches to our engineered artifacts.
The information systems of biology have so many interesting lessons on robustness and distributed action. Here is a fascinating talk on bacterial communication (chemical quorum sensing and nanowires).
Crown gall is integral to one of the most important developments in Horticultural Science of the 20th Century.
No, not Mendellian genetics, but the active application of it. The organism that makes much of genetic engineering is the lowly Agrobacter that injects part of it's own genetic code in the plants it infects to make it produce it's food, interestingly called opines.
This machinery is used w/ specific sequences to inject them into the cells of another plant. That's how you get a starfish inside a plant, creating something entirely new.