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Soil Microbes And Biotechnology, M. Scott Smith Aug 1987

Soil Microbes And Biotechnology, M. Scott Smith

Soil Science News and Views

There is nothing new about attempts to develop and market microbial products for crop or soil improvement. Several types of microbes have been sold for a variety of agronomic purposes for many years. With the important exception of rhizobial inoculants. these have been generally unsuccessful. Recently however. the scientific revolution in genetics and molecular biology, the need for low cost agronomic inputs. and widespread concern for environmental safety have tremendously stimulated research and commercial activity on microbial products. Claims that cheap, effective microbial inoculants can be developed for pest control, detoxifying pollutants, providing plant nutrients and improving soils have been …

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Federal Biotechnology Policy: The Perils Of Progress And The Risks Of Uncertainty, Al Gore Jun 1987

Federal Biotechnology Policy: The Perils Of Progress And The Risks Of Uncertainty, Al Gore

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

Americans have a schizophrenic view of science and technology. Some of our greatest heroes have been technological pioneers- from the Wright brothers to Lindbergh to Chuck Yeager. Until recently, we expressed unmitigated adoration for the scientists and engineers who put man in space. Yet at the same time, many Americans are generally uneasy about the triumph of technology in their own lives. One does not have to be a Luddite to rail against computers every now and then.

In deciding how to allocate precious public resources in an era of limits, legislators must take public perceptions of science very seriously. …

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On The Human Body As Property: The Meaning Of Embodiment, Markets, And The Meaning Of Strangers, Thomas H. Murray Jun 1987

On The Human Body As Property: The Meaning Of Embodiment, Markets, And The Meaning Of Strangers, Thomas H. Murray

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

For as long as I can recall, newspapers have published brief items in which someone has calculated what the human body is "worth" on the open market. The value of the body-as reduced to its chemical components-was never more than a few dollars. A more accurate accounting, though, would include the market value of transplantable organs and tissues, as well as the potential bonanza to be had should a cell line cultured from that body prove valuable to the biotechnology industry. The bottom line could be anywhere from tens of thousands to perhaps millions of dollars.

Both moral and legal …

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Federal Regulation Of Agricultural Biotechnologies, Thomas O. Mcgarity Jun 1987

Federal Regulation Of Agricultural Biotechnologies, Thomas O. Mcgarity

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

Part I of this Article describes some of the risks and benefits of newly emerging agricultural biotechnologies. After discussing, in Part II, the role of federal agencies in regulating agricultural biotechnologies, Part III of the Article proposes elements for an adequate regulatory regime. Part IV then measures the existing legal authorities, as implemented by the USDA and the EPA, against the ideal elements. Part V examines the willingness of these agencies to regulate. Finally, Part VI suggests changes that can be made in the current regulatory regime to bring about more effective regulation and to enhance public trust in regulatory …

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Biotechnology & Plant Agriculture: "Steps In Developing A New Product", Kevin G. Mallon May 1987