Dowbrigade

WASHINGTON (AP) Ancient Americans were changing corn genes through selective
breeding more than 4,000 years ago, according to researchers who
say the modifications produced the large cobs and fat kernels that
make corn one of humanity’s most important foods.

In a study that compared the genes of corn cobs recovered in Mexico and
the southwestern United States, researchers found that three key genetic
variants were systematically enhanced, probably through selective cultivation,
over thousands of years.

"Civilization has been built on genetically modified plants," said
Nina V. Fedoroff of Pennsylvania State University

from
AP News