A true GMO revolution.
Grow rice without Methane pollution.
Half the world fed with rice.
Feed the hungry, how nice.
“Green heads” will explode: – Wrong solution.
In addition to a near elimination of greenhouse gases associated with its growth, SUSIBA2 rice produces substantially more grains for a richer food source. The new strain is shown here (right) compared to the study’s control. Image courtesy of Swedish University of Agricultural Science
A majority of people are worried about GMO food. Yet we all eat it, knowing or not. The modification gene in this rice is taken from a gene in barley. It works by producing more starch instead of more roots. Test plantings in China yielded 90% reduction in Methane production compared to unmodified rice.
One possible downside: Less roots may mean less minerals absorbed, and more starch may mean less protein as a percentage of the rice.
Len Bilén's blog, a blog about faith, politics and the environment. 
What you say about possible downsides is true but irrelevant in view of the known effects of the gene. To me a possible downside could be something as simple as unpleasant taste. The answer? just eat your rice, kids,and shut up. I had to swallow cod liver oil that I hated.