Soybean expansion in South America doubled over past 20 years Soybean expansion in South America has doubled over past 20 years, according to a new study published in the journal Nature Sustainability. The researchers found that most of the land encroachment for soy has been through taking over pasture previously used for raising cattle. As the pasture is depleted, ranchers move to new areas, which means taking down rainforest. They also found that the largest expansion of soy came in Brazil — the country saw an increase in land dedicated to the crop grow by 160%. [GMW: Most of the soy grown in South America is GM herbicide-tolerant.] Phys.orgChina’s gene giant harvests data from millions of women A Chinese gene company selling prenatal tests around the world developed them in collaboration with the country's military and is using them to collect genetic data from millions of women for sweeping research on the traits of populations, a Reuters review of scientific papers and company statements found. ReutersDONATE TO GMWATCH
