See more on Europe . This article assesses views among scientists on the potential environmental hazards posed by genetically altered foods. It also presents the view of several scientists that the evidence that provided the basis for the USDA approval was often of questionable quality. These articles implied that there was no rational basis for concern about the safety of genetically altered crops and that the issue was simply a pretext for protectionist measures. This article examines the education system in rural China.
Schools generally charge fees that are a considerable drain on the income of the rural population.
Many parents therefore do not send their children to school. Disproportionately, they choose not to pay the fees for their daughters, which means that most girls do not attend school in many parts of the country. This article reports on the lobbying efforts of Schering-Plough Corp., a major pharmaceutical manufacturer, to have its patent on the allergy drug Claritin extended by three years. If they succeed, it will cost consumers billions of dollars, since the patent protected price is four to five times the free market price. These articles report on the efforts of drug companies and researchers to keep secret deaths associated with tests of various gene therapies.