Since the 1970s, genetic discoveries have propelled change in medicine, criminal investigations and many other areas. But when it came to food, the new-found knowledge hit a fury of worldwide opposition. And now emotion has science on the run.

Sunday, April 30:

Fear of genetically modified (GM) crops has jumped from Europe to Japan, the No. 1 customer for Midwestern corn and soybeans.

Monday, May 1:

Most foods in the supermarkets contain GM ingredients. Government regulators say there is no reason to label the foods, but consumers want labels.

Tuesday, May 2:

The debate over GM crops is a communications nightmare for scientists trying to explain their discoveries to consumers who know little about biotechnology.

Wednesday, May 3:

As farmers plant spring crops, they feel betrayed by the companies that created GM seeds, but many of them are standing by their biotech varieties.