February 7, 2001
		Biotech Bacteria Turned Wheat into Slime, Scientist Reports U.S. soil ecologist Dr. Elaine Ingham spoke to the British Royal Commission on Genetic Modification last week and said that she found evidence that all life on earth could be destroyed by genetically modified bacteria. Dr. Ingham was one of four scientists presenting an argument against genetic modification on behalf of the Green Party Dr. Ingham was speaking specifically about an experiment she conducted with her research team at Oregon State University. The outcome of her research prevented this particular bacteria from being released into the environment. The genetically engineered klebsiella planticola produced alcohol from post-harvest crop residue, and the leftover sludge would be returned to fields as fertilizer. It had already been approved for field trials. Dr. Ingham said she tested the bacteria on plants, which the FDA had failed to do. "After seven days, all wheat plants turned into slime," she said. Green Party organizer Jeanette Fitzsimmons said that the risks of genetically modified organisms to the environment were unknown, and that Dr. Ingham's experiment showed the need for better risk assessment of environmental impact.