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  • 2013-05-28 (xsd:date)
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  • Monsanto Cucumbers Cause Genital Baldness (en)
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  • Example: [Collected via e-mail, May 2013] Monsanto Cucumbers Cause Genital Baldness -- Immediately Banned in Nova Scotia. Is this true? The language used in the story doesn't fit a scientificstory. Origins: In late 2012, the web site The Lapine published an article positing that a study conducted by Nova Scotia's Dalhousie University had found that consumption of genetically modified cucumbers produced serious side effects (including genital baldness), resulting in a ban on sales of that crop in the province of Nova Scotia: A six-month study by AgriSearch, an on-campus research arm of Dalhousie University, has shown that genetically modified (GM) cucumbers grown under license to Monsanto Inc. result in serious side effects including total groin hair loss and chafing in sensitive areas, leading to the immediate and total ban of sales of all that company's crop and subsequent dill pickles.The tracking study of 643 men and women in Nova Scotia came about after reports began to surface about bald field mice and the bald feral cats that ate them being discovered by farmers on acreages growing the new crop.Soon afterwards (and again in May 2013, in conjunction with March Against Monsanto demonstrations being held around the world) links and excerpts referencing that article were being circulated via social media, with many of those who encountered it mistaking it for a genuine news item. However, there was no such research study conducted at Dalhousie University, nor was there any finding that Monsanto-licensed cucumbers produce genital baldness. The article originated with The Lapine, a Canadian-based satirical web site, and it was nothing more than a bit of pointed humor which played on the controversy over the use of genetically-modified organisms (GMO) in the food supply. If the article's irreverent tone (Fully 3/4 of the people who ate these cukes had their crotch area hair fall out. This is not a joking matter at all ... these people now have hairless heinies.) wasn't enough of a clue to its satirical origins, the name of the site on which it was published (taken from a language spoken by rabbit characters in the novel Watership Down) and the site's motto (Rabbits eat Onions) should have been. Other stories published by The Lapine include Atheist Suicide Bomber Kills Eighteen Agnostics, Dalai Lama Spotted Wearing 'Leave Justin Alone' Button, and Arizona Gun Buyers Offered Free Flag Tattoo. (en)
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