This from my Ph.D scientist/chemist  (Ph.D Chemistry, 1983, M.I.T) husband
re: Science.  "Just for
clarification, synthetically produced is not necessarily the same thing as
genetically engineered. For example, a naturally occurring compound may also
be produced by standard organic synthesis techniques, such as the ester in
banana oil, or pineapple flavoring. So, it is conceivable that compounds
found in breastmilk could be synthetically produced without genetic
engineering. 
 
Regarding science / motivations of scientists:  Here is a dictionary
definition of science: the observation, identification, description,
experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of phenomena.

Note that this does not imply that science is / should be non-profit.
Although some scientists may be involved in research that has no obvious
commercial value, this is a tiny fraction of all scientists.  There are
several reasons for this -- first, research can be a very expensive
proposition, and there are not many sources of funding that are available
with no expectation of any sort of "payback".  Second, many scientists
target their research to a specific problem, and thus the commercial
implications are more clear.

I think that most scientists are in it for the joy and excitement of
discovery. They also expect to be paid for their work, and benefit from any
commercial implications (note that most corporate scientists receive little
if any personal financial benefit from their research).   These two are not
mutually exclusive."

James A. Bruce Ph.D

Kathleen


Kathleen Bruce RN IBCLC
Independent consultant: Breastfeeding Clinic of Vermont, Lactation
Resources of Vermont, Medela, Inc. Listowner Lactnet listserv
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