At that stage Dr Pusztai's research simply looked like a proof of principle checking that the techniques for transplanting and testing lectin genes worked, prior to exploring other, less harmful lectins as built-in insecticides for crops.

ECONOMIST: Potato-heads

This protein (a member of a group called the lectins, that is being tested for insecticidal properties) was already known to be bad for the immune system, so its effect on the rats would hardly have been a surprise to anyone with a knowledge of the field.

ECONOMIST: Potato-heads