Kathleen, 
My comment about synthetic meaning genetically engineered was a comment about 
the "politics" of current science.  It was not meant to be a technical 
response.  I believe that in previous posts I have addressed this issue in regard to 
the word "novel."

"Synthetic" and "novel" are the words currently used in the United States 
(probably elsewhere, too) to cover up the fact that something is genetically 
engineered.   It is a political use of the words because genetically engineered 
creates a great deal of upset among the lay public.  Thus these terms have 
general meanings (there are a variety of ways to imitate nature)but I see them 
often used when people do not want to publicly discuss genetic engineering.

I certainly agree with your husband's observation that, "there are not many 
sources of funding that are available with no expectaion of an sort of 
"payback."  Which leads me to believe that what we call science in our society is not 
what I would call science.  It is enormously biased in favor of making money 
and not finding out the truth of a given situation.  In medical research this 
bias can mean the difference between life and death.  

I beg to differ about corporate scientists receiving little financial benefit 
from their research. (some corporate scientists invent patents and receive 
extra financial benefit) That difference of opinion maybe a matter of 
perspective.  Corporate scientists may feel that they are not getting much benefit.  But 
certainly in the current economic times even having a job might be considered 
a minor miracle.  Not having a job is a real threat to anyone's finances.  If 
your corporation wants your research presented in a certain way, how many 
researchers are willing to risk their job (and their resume--getting fired looks 
bad on your resume).  I agree, though that making money at something you love 
to do is possible.  I just think in corporate America its getting harder and 
harder to do.
Valerie W. McClain, breastfeeding advocate

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