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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Modified Corn Could Be Killing The Bees

"Built-in pesticides" linked to disappearing honeybees

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(Newser) – Genetically modified corn is the culprit in the disappearance of honeybees, according to a theory offered by a beekeeping expert, says Salon.  In a German study, the corn itself, which contains built-in pesticides, didn't kill the bees, but it seems to have damaged their intestines, making them vulnerable to parasites.

The killer corn thery  hasn't gotten much respect in the U.S., but has enjoyed wide play in the German media. A note of caution from Salon's Andrew Leonard: Since bees are dying on several continents, it would be a reach to conclude that the GM corn— rare in Germany but common in the U.S.—could be the lone bee-killer.

A handful of corn is shown before it is processed at the Tall Corn Ethanol plant in Coon Rapids, Iowa, in this May 24, 2006 file photo. Strong demand for corn from ethanol plants is driving up the cost of livestock and will raise prices for beef, pork and...
A handful of corn is shown before it is processed at the Tall Corn Ethanol plant in Coon Rapids, Iowa, in this May 24, 2006 file photo. Strong demand for corn from ethanol plants is driving up the cost...   (Associated Press)
US NEWS HONEYBEES H
US NEWS HONEYBEES H   (KRT Photos)
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