SciShow Talk Show: Telepathic Rats And A Red-Lored Amazon

Emily Graslie of The Brain Scoop is back again to stump Hank and to tell us about some fascinating new research in the field of rat telepathy (NO JOKE). Then Jessi from Animal Wonders shares Zoe the Red-lored Amazon parrot.

References
http://www.popularmechanics.com/scien...

Monsanto Makes Rats Grow Tumors... Humans Next

In a recent French lab study, rats that were fed genetically modified foods had a tendency to develop tumors and suffer severe organ damage. GMO's have become a hot topic in the United States and in California people are demanding GMO food be labeled in the state. Many consumers feel humans will suffer the same fate as the lab rats and are hoping to put a stop to GMO food. Alexis Baden-Mayer, political director for the Organic Consumers Association joins us with more on the startling consequences and why Americans should be aware if they are buying GMO foods or not.

Study Finds Tumors In Rats Fed Genetically Modified "Food"

In Brussels, on Wednesday thousands of protesters hit the streets calling for an overhaul of European food policy. The rally came as a new French study claimed rats fed GM corn produced by US firm Monsanto had suffered tumours and multiple organ damage. Opponents of genetically modified food were quick to demand an urgent review of the EU's current policy.

''Those in the food industry who said there wasn't a risk lied, they didn't tell people the truth. Europe's independent food agencies now have to act. It is absolutely essential that we kickstart the debate and re-examine GM food. The new evidence shows how dangerous GM crops are for human health,'' said Green MEP Jose Bove.

But some experts, not involved in the research, were highly sceptical of the French study's findings.

Mark Tester, a research professor at the University of Adelaide said: ''There is no clearly defined data analysis and it would appear the authors have gone on a statistical fishing trip.''

When questioned about the research EU Commission spokesperson Frederic Vincent said: ''If this is proved and based on sound scientific evidence then the European Commission will obviously act accordingly.''

US food giant Monsanto has so far not responded to the French study's claims, though it has repeatedly said in the past that its products are safe.

Human Trials Planned After Paralysed Rats Walk Again

Swiss-based scientists are making paralyzed rats walk again by injecting cell binding chemicals into their damaged spinal cords, re-awakening the rodent's so-called ''spinal brain''. Phase two trials on humans are planned for next year. Jim Drury reports.

Paralyzed Rats Walk Again

Scientists in Switzerland have developed a method to help paralyzed rats with severed spinal cords walk — and even climb stairs — again. The team's cocktail of neuron-activating chemicals and electrical stimulation might be a precursor to future treatments for disabled humans, researchers say.