February 25, 2002

BIOTECH COMES TO MARYLAND LEGISLATORS

ANNAPOLIS, Md.-An evening of informal dialog on stem cell studies, transgenic plants and animals, and cloning-perhaps the first of its kind-between Maryland state legislators and leading biotechnology scientists was an easy chance for the legislators to get the latest scientific knowledge of such vital issues first hand, said Delegate Kumar P. Barve of Montgomery County.

"This was the first time I can remember such an evening coming to us. It was a great learning experience," said Barve.

While dining on salmon and steak at a State Circle restaurant, two blocks from their offices, the legislators heard presentations in layman's language from scientists of the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute (UMBI) the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Agricultural Research Service (ARS).

The High Tech Council of Maryland sponsored the dinner event. The Council asked UMBI to organize the scientific presentations. Here are some moments from the dialog that followed:

Delegate Paul S. Stull, Frederick County, asked UMBI President Jennie Hunter-Cevera (in red) about the safety and efficacy of genetically modified corn varieties.

Autar Mattoo, plant molecular biologist, ARS, provided perspective to genetic engineering. For example, in a standard cross-pollination of conventional breeding, he said, sometimes as many as 20,000 genes are "engineered" into the progeny with no real control. In contrast, scientists know which few genes they transfer in gene engineering.

From left: James Du, assistant professor, COMB; Hunter-Cevera, Delegate Emil Pielke, Baltimore County; David Pauza, professor UMBI; and Delegate Robert C. Baldwin, Anne Arundel County.

Vincent L. Vilker, chemical engineer and Emeritus Professor, NIST, said there have been 90 applications for permits from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to field test genetically modified crops since 1997 - 58 corn, 26 soybean, 4 grasses, one tomato and one gladiolus.

Pauza of UMBI's Institute of Human Virology answers questions from delegates on the general knowledge of stem cells now in research.

Delegate Baldwin questions Mattoo on the potential impact of taste on genetically modified foods.

Delegate John Hurson, Montgomery County, asks Pauza and others to help explain any "gaps" legislators should be keen to regarding stem cells, transgenic organisms and other issues.

Contact:
Larry Lauer
301.738.6182