...where farmers were using techniques such as grafting. Studies have shown that opposition to GMOs are on the rise. Despite the many negative connotations of altering the genetic material of a plant, it has been statistically proven that GMOs have not posed harm to human health (Digging for seeds of truth in GMO debate). Through the utilization of GMOs, humanity has the opportunity to benefit our health through creation of potential vaccines, ability to create a sustainable food source to end human hunger, and the ability to create more nutritious disease and pesticide-free foods. GMOs have been very helpful in creating vaccines for many diseases. For example, during the 1980s, humanity was blessed with the first genetically engineered vaccine to fight STDs. Benjamin Hall of University of Wisconsin and then-postdoctoral researcher Gustav Ammerer fused a gene-controlling antigen that fought HIV and Hepatitis into yeast cells. With this biotechnology, they were able to create one of the first vaccines to fight Sexually Transmitted Diseases (A Triumph of Biotechnology). This has proven highly important, because without the use of such technology, this life-changing vaccine would not have been created. In another case, INB Biotechnologies of Philadelphia created a vaccine to fight Anthrax generated by biological warfare. The vaccine was created by genetically altering Petunias to allow them to create extra proteins which when consumed, provoke the development of anti-anthrax antibodies...
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...In the middle of all the controversies, there is an unclear difference between the scientific-assessed risk of GMO use and the perceived risk as it is influenced by cultural opinion and governmental regulation. Because of these variable opinions and risk evaluations within different countries of GMOs, it leads to issues in import and export of GM crops to other countries. Agriculture markets across the world have very different views of the risk associated with GM crops so this leads to usage or rejection of GMOs in specific countries. Because of this, rejection of GMO usage in developed countries would stunt the growth of biotechnology to many other developing countries. This would also make a developing country that was potentially expanding...
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...Prof. LeRette 24 April 2015 Speech Outline Title: The Hidden Secrets within Our Food Position Statement: American citizens should demand that genetically modified foods be labeled and prevented. INTRODUCTION I. Attention-getter: We all live busy lives. In the era we live in today, convenience is coveted more than healthiness. How many of you have bought a food item and cared to look at the nutrition label? A good portion right? II. Credibility: Well there is one major thing that is missing from the nutrition label that you are reading. And that is weather the food you are consuming contains GMO’s. III. Thesis Motivation: Having this information can help you in better deciding between choosing an al natural food to a genetically modified creation. IV. Preview Main Points: Today I will share with you some startling facts, let you know what can be done to prevent health risks, and hopefully persuade you to join me in demanding stricter laws to protect our health and well being. BODY [This is the PROBLEM Main Point] I. Main Point: Genetically Modified foods cause contaminations and can cause a host of side effects. A. Support: The very process of creating a GM plant can result in massive collateral damage that produces new toxins, allergens, carcinogens, and nutritional deficiencies. B. Support: The genetically modified plants and their respected herbicides can harm birds, insects, amphibians, marine ecosystems...
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...Gene Technology Professor PALANISWAMY SCI 115 3-3-2014 Genetically modified food and agricultural biotechnology have generated a lot of interest and controversy in the United States worldwide. Some like the technology's benefits while others raise questions about environmental and food safety issues. Crop varieties developed by genetic engineering were first introduced for commercial production in 1996. Today, the crops are planted on more than million acres worldwide. U.S. farmers are by far the largest producers of genetically modified crops. Genetically Modified Crops are foods that have had a gene extracted from living things, which has been placed into a different food by a scientist. This technology can be used to produce new varieties of plants or animals more quickly than conventional breeding methods. Also to introduce traits not possible through traditional techniques. There are two main types of genetically modified crops that are in commercial use around the world. These are either crops that have been developed to be resistant to certain crop pests, or crops that have been developed to be resistant to a particular herbicide. Modified Crops are made for many different purposes, the main purpose they were created is food to be able to survive being sprayed with harmful chemicals like pesticides and herbicides. Another purpose is to make food stay fresher for longer, to kill pests, to produce more of the crop and to experiment with taste and quality. The...
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... These are commonly known as GMOs. Genetically modified organisms have some positive attributes. However, GMOs also have adverse effects on animals, the environment and the health of the consumer. In order to understand why GMOs have these effects, it is important to know exactly what a GMO is and how these differ from the normal breeding farmers have done for years. The Free Dictionary defines a GMO as “An organism whose genetic characteristics have been altered using the techniques of genetic engineering.” It goes on to explain that modern science has the ability to modify the genetic makeup of plants and animals. Scientists can even transfer genes from one species to another. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/genetically+modified+organism Advocates of genetically modified organisms say that the use of the gmos could end world hunger they also say we could create plants and animals that are resistant to disease and tolerant to pesticides. They can also engineer plants to be drought resistant. They argue these changes would stop famine because the plants could naturally resist. The proponents use pathos to convince people they have the answer to world hunger. They show you pictures starving people around the world and tell you their “improved” seeds make hunger go away. Perhaps it could but the studies do not prove that yet. In fact, the only feeding study done with humans showed that GMOs survived inside the stomach of the people eating GMO food. This does not mean it is...
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...Genetically Modified Organisms Technology, Society, and Culture Table of Contents Technical Aspect of GMO by Chad Dookie Page 3 Moral and Ethical Aspect of GMO by Ronald Claude Page 7 Cultural and Legal Aspect of GMO by Evangelina Ramirez Page 14 Environmental Issues of GMO by Donovan Collins Page 23 References Page 32 Technical Aspect of GMO by Chad Dookie Description of GMOs and the associated science Most of the populations that do shopping in the groceries to buy food for their family are not aware of the “naturalness” of the food. Groceries sell items such as; cotton seeds, rice, soy, sugar beets, yeast, cassava, papaya, bananas, food flavoring, potatoes, corn, tomatoes, squash, oils, beef, pork, chicken, salmon, peas, alfalfa, and honey. Notice that most of the items listed either came from a plant or an animal. Those are the top 20 grocery items that have been genetically modified. What are genetically modified organisms? A genetically modified organism is any living thing that has had their DNA tampered with. This can be mutating, removing, or adding genetic material into the organism. All of the items listed in paragraph one has had their DNA tampered with. Most times when people talk about genetically modified organisms, they mostly refer to plants that are genetically modified. You may be wondering how the animals listed are considered genetically modified. This is because scientists modify the plants that are being...
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...modifications have intrigued consumers to wonder how safe are GMOs , since the processors are controlling the food system with political and economic factors. They have revolutionized the way consumers eat, but have developed controversy over what should be required labeled. As a distrusted consumer, I know food labeling comes with pros and cons but I have the right to know what I am eating and its safety. In America instead of voluntary labeling, it should be mandatory because it provides consumer choice, the public interest, and caution for potential health issues. These companies are controlling life by using chemical substances that may be a potential harm to consumers. A genetically modified organism contains many bioengineered ingredients and their DNA composition is altered in...
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...in our foods today. The debate over Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are starting to become more of a hot topic and is now not a secret that GMO-ed foods have spread out rapidly to the whole world. Government officials should take the proper steps to ensure our countries safety and not allow GMO’s in our foods today, and if it is needed, labeling should be mandatory. Even though it is banned in other countries, our government is still allowing the United Stated to continue with GMO cropping and without labeling it. We should know why it is harmful to our health and how we can prevent it. GMOs could cause health issues, create allergies, toxins, new diseases and nutritional problems. First, GMOs are harmful to our health. Second, these crops can lead to contaminated organic crops, and serious destruction of the environment, which could also lead to toxins and allergens surrounding us. Third, there are some companies that intend to monopolize market-foods, which work with GMOs. Finally, labeling should be a very important factor in the GMO industry, to ensure people would recognize how dangerous GMO’s are for us. GMOs are special organisms in which the genetic material has been altered for improvement productivity and product quality. First, Research and studies show that GMOs could be very harmful. Through manipulating our crops our health is at a serious risk. “Numerous health problems increased after GMOs were introduced in 1996. The percentage of Americans with three or...
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...History and Development of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) LAS 432 History and Development of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) Introduction Human beings continuously try to incorporate knowledge of nature through science to help mitigate the challenges they face. Science has benefits as seen in the developments in the modern world, in-terms of food production and mechanization. In the 19th century, the industrialization took over from Agrarian revolution in the agricultural sector. Agriculture was the main economic activity that drove the development from food production. Industrialization brought about increased productivity in the agricultural sector with abandonment of the traditional practices to embracing modern technology. This came to be referred as biotechnology. Biotechnology was the incorporation modern technology in food production to reduce costs and increase output. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are organisms with modified genetic material for desirable traits n production, drought resistant and pest resistant. From traditional practices, selective breeding practices have continuously improved the agricultural sector (Liang, & Skinner, 2004). Selective breeding is the control of breeding in plants and animals by taking the desired and high producing plants for the hybrid to have the best produce overtime. Researchers took selective breeding in the 20th century to understand...
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...meet the needs of a vastly growing population in the United States. How the country in genetically modifying foods is discussed along with the advantages and disadvantages these types of foods provide for the consumer. As the author of this composition I want you, the reader, to understand you have a choice; organic (natural foods) or genetically modified foods, what will you consume? After reading this document, you will think twice before consuming food containing ingredients that are not familiar to you. Genetically Modified Foods; Choosing Organic Choose the Best Farmers are the main source of food production within the US, as the country’s population begins to grow; a concern arises. Will the farmers be able to produce enough food to feed all the mouths? According to Monsanto (producer of genetically modified seeds) and biotech food scientists’ the answer is no. As scientist research and move genes from one organism to another, they develop GMOs. The resulted product, GMO seed, are being introduced to farmers as a crop enhancer and pesticide to accommodate the rapidly growing countries need for a larger food supply. Modern genetic engineering is the ability to identify and splice genes from one kind of organism into the DNA of another. Modern genetic engineering as altered agriculture forever. Splicing and cross-pollinating have been and currently are the two most commonly used methods when growing GMO filled crops. Ingesting the genetically altered foods versus the all-natural...
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...Sociological Effects 9 Cultural Context and Media Influence 11 Environmental Implications 20 Moral and Ethical Implications 20 Conclusions 21 References 22 Appendices 0 Abstract This report is about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), It will explain what the technology is, how it developed from the observation of pea plants by a humble gardener at a monastery in Czechoslovakia in the middle of the 19th century to become the science of genetic engineering. The report will examine the influences the technology of GMOs has had on the political and legal systems where they have been introduced and how those political and legal systems are trying to reach some agreement on how to best use this technology. The report discusses the economic questions and implications, the psychological considerations, sociological effects, and the environmental, moral and ethical implications of genetically modified organisms. This report will also explain how the media has influenced the acceptance of some GMOs and the rejection of other and examine this technology and its cultural context. Connection to Technology and Science The emerging science/ technology of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is a controversial subject raising social and cultural questions along with moral and ethical issues. Definition of Technology The question as to whether genetically modifying organisms is a science or a technology can best be answered by Buchanan. (2012)...
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...as soybean, corn, canola, and cotton seed oil. These crops have been engineered for resistance to pathogens and herbicides and better nutrient profiles (Wikipedia). According to an article by author Robert Shields, more than 26 percent of the cotton, 40 percent of the soybean acreage in the US was planted with GM crops containing gene for herbicide resistance by the year 1998. The application of Agri-biotechnology has increased by 60 fold since 1996 and by 2015 it is predicted that in about 40 countries more than 200 million hectares of lands will be planted by biotech crops (Maghari 1). The invention of agricultural biotechnology has caused social and ethical contradictions. There are extensive debates active in scientific circles as to how modern biotechnology can be used for planting high quality of high yield crops to meet the challenge of feeding the ever increasing population while protecting the ecosystem and human health. Genetically Modified Foods (GM Foods) have made a big splatter in the news lately. Environmental organizations and public interest groups have been actively protesting against GM foods for months. Recent controversial studies about the effects of genetically modified corn pollen on monarch butterfly caterpillars have brought the issue of genetic engineering to the forefront of the public consciousness in the U.S. (Whitman1). The consumers are mainly concerned about the long term human health effects of the biotech crops such as antibiotic resistance...
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...Samuel-Crosson I. Introduction The discussion about genetically modified organisms (GMO) is enormous and intense. GMOs do not require any scientific testing on humans to examine the safety, but society is told that these GOMs are safe for consumptions. Other countries have various beliefs. The main drawback is the excessive use of herbicides. Often, weeds can become resistant the GMOs, and more powerful chemicals may be required. Furthermore, plants that cannot be controlled through current measures could create a problem in the future. Significant issues arise when arguing against the use of GMO crops and the potential for environmental damage and human well-being. The United States Government should be more aggressively involved in restructuring federal laws forcing Biotech companies to test its products scientifically and label them accordingly? History Genetically Modified Food is the method by which genes segment are altered and transferred artificially from one organism to another. Genes, which are constructed of DNA, contain the order to which cells generate certain proteins; these proteins in turn form the foundation for maximum purpose of a cell. Therefore, it is central to understand what GMOs are. GMOs are well-defined organisms whose DNA has been altered in a non-natural technique. GMO plants are typically changed to be resistant to insect, virus, and herbicides. However, Deniza Gertsberg stated “as we enter...
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...recorded on a digital video recorder, brushing your teeth with a mechanical toothbrush, or using your GPS navigation system when going to your latest vacation destination. The latest technology has made it possible for people to communicate with others all over the world in both audio and video formats. Scientists are continuously looking for ways to make living easier and more productive. They are looking for solutions to world hunger, new medical advances to cure cancer and other diseases plaguing the world, and ways to make our society a healthier place to live. In this research paper, we will be discussing Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) and their contributions to these causes. We will be examining the history, political, moral, ethical, and many other ways that GMOs have influenced everyday living. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)...
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...products. This high demand creates the opportunity for companies to develop new ways of producing crops more efficiently while making large sums of profits. One controversial technology is the process of genetically engineering modified seeds, also known as Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). GMOs are made with engineered materials with the goal of improving the original organism. They can then be used to produce GM food. This new technology has a wide range of possible benefits, from helping farmers, to improving food, to helping the environment. Genetically modified food may even one day be used to help solve world hunger. However, it also has its dangers and risks, which need to be considered along with its benefits. The fact that not everything is known about GMOs, and that large corporations use it to make a profit, is scary for many people. The recent technology of genetically engineering crops, which involves modifying their genetic structure, has led to benefits for farmers and everyday people; however, there are also numerous concerns due to the fact that the long term results are unknown, the possibility of dangerous accidents, and the danger of increased chemical usage. One benefit of GMOs is that they can potentially produce higher crop yields. As stated by Bartlett and Steele, “farmers believe that GM seeds increase crop yields, save money, and are more convenient.” Especially if you’re using seeds from Monsanto. Before Monsanto became the...
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