...Abstract The use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has become a chief topic of controversy through out the global world. Many countries around the world have stringent laws about genetically modified organisms and their use, but the U.S. does not, why is that? The majority of countries believe that genetically engineered foods are not safe for human consumption or the environment. Yet, the USDA or the FDA has not proved genetically modified organisms harmful or dangerous nor have any major studies conducted in the United States found them to be dangerous or harmful. However, there are studies that have shown that genetically modified organisms are producing “super” weeds and “super” bugs. The major advantage to using these genetically modified foods though, is they could possibly end world hunger in the future by the assumption that they increase crop yields. Although the long term health, environmental, and economical effects of genetically modified organisms is not fully understood, the majority of people from around the world are leery and therefore opposed to the use of genetically modified organisms. This research paper will attempt to analyze the health, environmental and economical issues surrounding genetically modified organisms. According to Dictionary.com, “A GMO is an organism whose genome has been altered by the techniques of genetic engineering so that its DNA contains one or more genes not normally found there.” Genetically Modified Organisms are...
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...modified foods. Some people regard genetically modified wheat and corn for their drought resistance and ability to feed millions of people in parts of the world that desperately need food. The other side of the argument stems from unwanted side effects caused by GMOs such as the creation of herbicide-resistant super weeds to the loss of biodiversity and uncontrollable transfer of modified genes into the environment (Whitman 4). The benefits vs. risks that GMO’s pose in regard to the environment and human health are still inconclusive. Only rigorous scientific research and time will yield conclusive results, along with possible advancements in technology that will help address most concerns. What is clear is that we need GMO’s to be able to feed the world’s population and that the potential risk GMO’s pose to human health and the environment can vary tremendously. The labeling of GM food is necessary will address the question of accountability of the impact GMO’s and large corporations have with their “proprietary crops” to the environment and health, along with minimizing potential risk. The argument that corporate driven agriculture and bio technology are ill suited to address global hunger is incredibly complex; the factors include economic barriers that are inherent in large scale farming, displacement of the poor who rely on farming, and the use of homogenous crops that are used in nonfood products...
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...hCG Hormone Diet Pharmacist regularly field questions about weight loss programs. Most develop some degree of familiarity with many of the popular diet programs, in order to redirect customers from some of the more harmful plans and approaches. Recently, a pharmacist friend of mine was asked about how to best to manage a “plateau” on the hCG diet. He admitted that he never knew it was being dispensed for weight loss purposes. He mentioned that he frequently dispensed human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and knew of its use for the treatment of infertility, where it promotes ovulation. But weight loss? He confessed that he couldn’t think of a mechanism for how hCG could promote weight loss. So, he approached me (his biology/nutrition based friend) to see if I were willing to investigate this weight loss method for him. After some digging, I found a long, rich vein of pseudoscience that dates back decades, but was this method safe and effective? The Background: hCG is comprised of 244 amino acids. It is produced in large amounts in a pregnant woman’s placenta, extracted from her urine. Actually, its presence in urine signifies a positive pregnancy test. Historically, hCG is used, in part, for the treatment of infertility in females to help induce ovulation. Its use as a weight loss adjunct has roots that date back to the 1950s, when British physician A.T.W Simeons announced case studies of weight loss in patients given hCG. He combined a reduction diet (500 kcal per day) with...
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...Genetically Modified Organisms Group B: Erica Grigg, Kaneka Jackson, Gene Kim, Kathryn Lynn Content Introduction/Description (Kathryn Lynn)………………………….………...………… 2 Historical Development (Kathryn Lynn)….….……….………….….…….…………… 4 Political/Legal Influences (Kaneka Jackson)………………….….……..…….……….. 11 Economic Questions (Erica Grigg)…….…….……..….….….….…..…..…..…….……15 Psychological Considerations (Erica Grigg)…………………….…………………....... 19 Cultural/Media Influence (Kaneka Jackson)………………………….…..…………….. 24 Environmental Implications (Gene Kim)……..….….…..….….……….……………..... Moral/Ethical Implications (Gene Kim)………………..….…….….…….………....... References…..….…..…….…….…….…….…..…….……..…..….…..…….…….…. Introduction The world is forever changing. New technologies are being introduced and discovered as generations grow and the need for basic food items is increased. Technology is involved in every facet of our lives. It is used continuously every day whether it be waking up to an alarm clock, watching TV that you 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...
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...Genetically Modified Organisms Table of Contents Abstract 3 Introduction 4 Connection to Technology and Science 4 Definition of Technology 4 Historical Developments of Technology 5 Political and Legal Influences 6 Economic Questions and Considerations 7 Psychological Considerations and 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/...
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...An Introduction to the topic of GMOs Ruby Gutierrez Adventist University of Health Sciences Abstract GMOs are a promising and exciting revolution in agriculture. The technology, if safe, could allow humanity to make hunger a thing of the history. On the other hand a technology as powerful as GMOs also has the potential of changing our lives and ecosystems irreversibly. This paper is a basic introduction into the topic of genetically modified organisms and the concerns consumers and advocates around the world have about this technology, its approval, and future impact in the environment and societies around the world. Keywords: GMOs, FDA, agriculture, Monsanto, patents, corruption, environment. GMOs: An Introduction We live in an area where the acquisition of knowledge is only a few keystrokes away for any given subject. The pace at which new technologies are developed and become obsolete is unprecedented. Each new invention brings the hope and promise of a better tomorrow, an improved tomorrow. One of these revolutionary technologies are genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Companies that produce GMOs offer the technology as the answer to at least two of our most pressing issues, sustainable agriculture and world hunger. Both issues speak to one of humanity’s most basic biological needs, food. In effect, anything that affects this need should be treated with importance and urgency, because of the essential nature of food for human existence. ...
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...Genetically Modified Foods Genetically modified food is mostly used to refer to crops created for human or animal consumption using the latest molecular technique. These foods are created with genetic engineering which can create plants with the exact desired trait.Scientist can extract one gene of the plant that can withstand a drought and pass it on to the crops so that they would be able to resist a drought as well. These genetics are being passed along to all of these crops just so they can survive and become tested for human consumption. Genetically modified foods is it here for population control or to help us solve world hunger. There are some human health risk of these genetically made foods. Pregnant women who eat genetically made food can have a chance of losing their child. The effects of the food can sometime accelerate aging and destroy your immune system. The foods genetics that have been modified to produce its own pesticides still has some of the toxins within them if they are not clean properly. When animals come in contact with the crops on field the animals would die within a short amount of time. The scientist that test the crops on animals down down the line the offspring of the animal are not whole when the animal is birthed they become mutated. Most animals that are fed for testing these crops don’t live long its amazing that some can still give birth. The animals who eat the crops before they become cleanse sometimes excrete the toxins through...
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...Genetically Modified and Engineered Products Panacea or Poison? If you think you know everything about the foods humans consume on a daily basis, what you will come to find out might make you think twice about purchasing and consuming certain food products. The documentary “Panacea or Poison” is an informative documentary film about the ways in which scientists have found a way to alter the DNA (the blueprint of life) and produce a crop that is potentially stronger, and can fight the harmful diseases that it is exposed to on a daily basis. Although the scientists in this documentary believe that the genetic engineering of crops could potentially resolve the problem of world hunger, many people are beginning to question the health concerns of these products and the threat it puts on our environment. While some scientists are all for genetically engineered crops, some are totally against it because the industry has neglected to perform a single study about the ways in which these foods are safe for the population. This puts question on whether or not we are being used as experiments as we consume these bio tech nutritional supplements. Therefor the question throughout this film and in my mind, remains unanswered: What are the effects and risks of these genetically engineered and modified crops? Most people who are consuming genetically engineered products are not even aware of it because most of these products are not labeled because the Food and Drug Association do not require...
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...Gmo’s have been used to modify our food so that they can resist pests and temperature changes, along with other various inhabitants. They have become a controversy with the unconventional practice of splicing animal and insect genes into our food in order to give it traits that not only help with yield but weather changes and lack of soil integrity. With the technological advances in saving and improving the food we need to eat, I think we need to take advantage of what is available to us and find the most safe and most effective way of growing. Farmers have been modifying their crops for thousands of years looking for the right mix of genes to produce the highest yield with the best traits. We have three agencies that overlook the making and distributing of genetically modified foods, giving us peace of mind that they are regulated and tested before being distributed. GMO’s have, most importantly, helped us in curing fruits and vegetables of viruses and bacterial infestations, as well as environmental changes that the food is not used to. Farmers have been modifying the pollination of their crops by spreading the pollen of one high yield plant on to another in hopes that the right genes breed and form the ideal plant they are looking for (Harvest of fear). We have already changed the foods we are eating from the original genotypes and phenotypes they once used to be. The difference in technique is that researchers of GM foods have isolated specific genes to splice into...
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...The Globel Concern with GMO’s Recently the discussions of GMO's have become more prevalent in households, schools, restaurants, grocery stores, and other social settings. As an issue that has many pros and cons, there are various points to debate. GMO's, or genetically modified organisms refer to seeds that have been genetically altered before being planted. This is usually done because it will benefit farmers and companies in the long run. GMO's have presented themselves as an issue now that more and more people are beginning to question just how safe they are for consumption. People have begun to speculate whether eating these foods can cause allergies, antibiotic resistance, and other health issues. Although looking further into...
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...Marketing GMO’s in China When a country is feeding one fifth of the world’s population on a seventh of its available land, they are facing some unfavorable odds. China is not the most fertile country, and they are starting to struggle. The question is, why can’t China speed up the process with the use of genetically modified foods. China is currently trying to get into the GMO market. They currently do import GMO foods into their country, but not for human consumption, they only allow them for animal consumption. Their population is still skeptical to the use of GMO’s, but China being one of the most important and influential players in the global economy, they would be missing out on a great opportunity. Although they are currently working on their own version of GMO’s, the United States is ahead of them in GMO research, they will most likely will be buying American exported GMO seeds. China has one of the oldest cultures in the world. It has changed a lot in the last few years during their industrial revolution. Although most of their ideologies and beliefs are still the same, China is becoming more westernized. They are catching up to the United States, they have a larger labor force and a lot of determination to become the best of the best. If an opportunity was to jump at China to help them get a little closer to where the United States is today, they would jump at that opportunity. This is why we will bring GMO’s to the Chinese market. Agriculture is a large industry...
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...GMOs: Bad for humans-Bad for our environment GMO or otherwise known as genetically modified organism, is where genetic material (DNA) has been altered in such a way that does not occur naturally. This method is what some call “modern biotechnology”. This “modern biotechnology” is not natural, and in fact not safe for humans or our environment. These methods to genetically modify organisms are used to create GM plants, which are then used to grow GM food crops. Currently, 90% of US crops today are genetically modified and used to create most of the “food” you buy in stores today. Unfortunately to truly find organic non GMO foods, you typically need to find a local farmer or farmers market. The stuff sold in most stores is processed and filled with additives, chemicals, and “food-like” products. These types of chemicals and additives studies show are causing many of the diseases and cancers that are on the rise today. If consumers knew what was in the foods and how much foods are made from GMOs I think they would think twice about what they ate or what they fed their kids. The problem is consumers are unaware of the damaging effects of GMOs, chemicals, and artificial flavors and colors and the diseases/cancer that proven studies have shown them to cause. We are killing ourselves and our children! What we call organic now unfortunately is what our great grandfathers just called food; it is quite hard to find “real” food anymore. When you go into a store you can find...
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...Are GMO’s harmful to Our Environment? GMO’s (Genetically modified organisms) are defined by Dictionary.com as, “an organism whose genome has been altered by the techniques of genetic engineering so that its DNA contains one or more genes not normally found there”. At first the idea of GMO’s seemed to many people like a brilliant idea, but as time went on and studies were performed, it was found that they conduct many dangers to our health and to our environment. Cons, affecting our future like issues of biodiversity and cross pollination, have overpowered the pros on the list. More and more proof that Genetically modified organisms are hazardous and dangerous to our environment is being found every day. So what is GMO? How GMO works is scientists insert foreign genes into primary plant species using different strategies. But three main things need to happen in order to be successful in this process. First, you must know which gene you are transferring. Then you must decide on the organism you are transferring it into. Lastly, you need an organism to spread...
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...Stay Healthy Non- GMO’s This One Simple strategy can help me reduce my family’s toxic exposure to dangerous genetically modified foods don’t eat process foods just doing that can protect you and your family form being exposed to large amounts of GMO’s you do need to be careful of certain fruits and vegetables that are GM. Dr. Marcela’s comments on dangerous genetically modified foods. As Jeffrey Smith so accurately details in this informative video, genetically modified food are one the greatest threats to the sustain of the human race and our planet – in the existence today The U.S. is behind the curve in rejecting GM foods; the curve in rejecting GM foods. Some people around the world have joined forces to refuse GM Foods and the crops because of the dangerous they present to your future of your food supply. Europe, for example, eliminated GMO’s from their food supply 10 years ago. The United States, however, many of you are still not even aware you’re eating GM foods every day. It’s because an estimated 75 percent of food in the U.S. grocery stores contain GM ingredients. About seven out of every 10 items in the average grocery cart have been genetically modified. And don’t bothered reading label to see if you’re buying GM product, because no labeling. Why Genetically Modified Food in the first place? That stated purpose for the development of GMO’s is to increase crop yields, reduce costs for farmers, and to use less herbicide actual results? Increase in yields: GM soy...
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...increasing year by year and is also predicted to double in the next 50 years. Ensuring an adequate food supply for this booming population is going to be a major challenge in the years to come. Scientists find that GM foods promise to meet this need and it has been more and more popular not only for the producers but also for the consumers because of its numerous advantages such as pest resistance, lower price, more nutrition and so on. Although it is undeniable that GMO’s (genetically-modified organisms) still have some challenges to overcome including environmental hazards, human health risks and influence on the food chain of our ecosystem, the development of GMO’s will not be stopped since these difficulties are slight. Scientists find that GMO’s promise to meet the needs of a growing population, and has become increasingly popular with producers and consumers a like because of its numerous advantages such as pest resistance, decrease in price, nutritional value and more. But what are GMO’s and GM Food? GMO’s and GM Food are plants that have been modified in the laboratory to enhance desired traits such as increased resistance to herbicides or improved nutritional content. The enhancement of desired traits has traditionally been undertaken through breeding. Genetic engineering, on the other hand, can create plants with the exact desired trait very rapidly and with great accuracy. For example, plant geneticists can isolate a gene responsible for drought tolerance and insert...
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