by Liebe F. Cavalieri

About the author: Liebe F. Cavalieri is an environmental science research professor at the State University of New York and the author of Double-Edged
Helix: Genetic Engineering in the Real World.

Today we are exposed to a continuous stream of scientific discoveries that are unveiling all kinds of secrets regarding the structure of matter and the basic
mechanisms of life. One of these “breakthroughs” has given us the Flavr Savr tomato [a tomato genetically engineered to retain freshness]. This and other
genetic engineering feats are the subject of this viewpoint. What else can genetic engineering do? Do we need it? Are there any side effects? Can the same ends be accomplished in other ways? These questions need to be answered before we commit an important segment of the economy to a...