On Sun, Dec 7, 2008 at 6:58 AM, Dave Cushman <[log in to unmask]>wrote:

> Hi Peter
>
>  This
>> basically means that characters present in the DNA coding can be
>> switch on and off by any number of chemicals including elements in the
>> food and environment,
>>
>
> I do not think it indicates this at all, why do we need to invoke DNA
> changes to explain what is merely a change in nutrition which in turn causes
> apparent changes in development ?


I am with Peter when it comes to changes in an organism because of
chemicals, be they natural or man made. Hormones do things to organisms. An
overload can do very bad things, as orgaophosphates have shown. But is the
effect on DNA, proteins, RNA or what? Then you get into slippery science
just because it is still in a transition state.

So I also agree with Dave.

I have a problem with a lot of these tests that look at a substances' effect
on an organism just because they flood the system and get into the
unrealistic world of eating twenty tons of a substance to get the same
results in humans. Especially when the substance, like the one noted is
found in many plants that we eat on a daily basis, and which, like soy
beans, is a staple in many people's diets.

I love soy, but then I do glow in the dark.

Bill Truesdell
Bath, Maine

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