...GMOs, They’re Killing Me! Recently someone said that 70% of the foods sold from our grocery store shelves contain Genetically Modified Organisms. This is extremely alarming because GMOs are plants or animals that have been genetically engineered with DNA from bacteria, viruses or other plants and animals. These experimental combinations cannot occur in nature or in traditional cross breeding (“Non GMO Project”). Obesity, chronic disease, and food allergies have skyrocketed in the United States over the past two decades. Many people think it is due to poor eating and exercise habits. While a portion of this may be true, the more logical explanation is the fact that corporations have altered the food supply in a way that is harmful to the human body. GMO crops adversely affect human health. Numerous studies have been done recently and even more are currently being conducted around the globe. These studies illustrate the correlation between the introduction of GMOs into the food supply and the increase in health issues. This is such an important issue to literally every human being on the planet. Not all countries are addressing the issue in the same manner. It is crucial to know what the United States is doing as compared to other industrialized nations around the world. There were several reasons that corporations began altering the DNA of seeds. One of those reasons was that GMOs were supposed to reduce the amount of pesticides necessary to keep weeds under control. The...
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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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...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 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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...GMOs should not be labeled George Washington was quoted as saying “I know of no pursuit and which more real and important services can be rendered to any country than by improving its agriculture, its breed of useful animals, and other branches of a husbandman’s cares.” While being said by one of the founding fathers of the United States, not all people agree on agricultural practices, or which president was the best. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) are under attack by the uneducated, closed minded, and environmentalists. GM products should not have restrictions on labeling that would hurt United States farmers and cost the consumers billions and possibly trillions of dollars. While the cost is high and payout is low the fight still continues to rage on leaving the majority...
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...solving. These are arguably the most effective weapons we have against combatting these problems. Let’s explore two examples of real-world scenarios: Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and Gun Violence. A recent study confirmed a direct link between tumors and Genetically Modified Organisms (Food Chem Toxicol, 2012). The scientific method was used to observe, hypothesize, experiment, and verify this conclusion, via a controlled experiment with rats over the course of two years. That’s not to say that all tumors are caused solely by GMOs, but rather that at least one of the causes for tumors have been identified. As a result of this study, many countries have banned the importing, development, and sales of GMOs, including (but not limited to) Italy, Switzerland, and New Zealand (for confirmation, search “GMO Ban” from the University of Phoenix Library). The scientific method has also been used to study the toxicity of chem trails in the air, fluoride in the water, and preservatives in food products. So why has President Obama signed into law the Monsanto Protection Act, which protects Monsanto (a large American GMO company) from federal courts? With so much evidence, one must wonder why the government is turning a blind eye (or even worse, “protecting”) these companies, at the expense of our health. Many speculate that the motive for this corruption is money, such as corporate bribery (otherwise known as “lobbying”) from big Food and Medical industries. Consider how all three...
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...How Genetically Modified Foods Affect Our Lives In recent years, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have replaced our diet with genetically altered foods, which have adversely affected human health as well as local communities. Being resistant to pesticides, GMOs are created by splicing genes of different species that are combined through genetic engineering (GE), something that is impossible to do in nature (The Non-GMO Project). Consuming these genetically altered and more processed foods can lead to increased risk of diseases and even cancer (Genetically Modified Food). Most of the time we do not even realize that we are eating these harmful toxins as they are infused in our food without our knowledge (Label GMOs). The farmers that maintain the traditional farming practices and choose to grow organic produce over crops that are GE are constantly trying to keep their businesses alive. Larger corporations, however, who choose to use genetically modified (GM) seeds, make larger profits with less time and effort involved. Choosing to buy local organic produce over crops that contain genetically modified organisms can not only help you stay healthy, but also keep our local farmers in business so that they may continue to grow their crops the way nature intended. Living in the Bay Area we are extremely fortunate to have access to all sorts of organic fruits and vegetables that are grown right in our own backyard. There are countless farms in California that can grow just...
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...2015 How Are GMOs Affecting the Environment and Our Health? Food has been one of the basic needs since the birth of a person. History shows that the production of food only consisted of hunting, harvesting, and farming. During these times, it usually took a long time before these foods arrived at the dining tables of families. However, today, technology has allowed the mass production of food. Unfortunately, the market has taken advantage of technology, not letting us know how food is made, leading to the birth of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). GMOs are widely used in most foods today. Though most people are unaware of this, GMOs even exist in some of their favorite food products. Many reports tell that diseases, such as E-Coli and Salmonella, have been caught from GM-foods. Furthermore, researchers and doctors believe that GMOs carry a huge risk; although, some scientists claim that GMOs are completely safe for human consumption. GMOs should be banned because they have a negative impact on human health, and potential risks on the environment. Although GMOs were only introduced in 1996, the side effects can already be seen: there have been increased allergic reactions, antibiotic resistant bacteria and other toxic hazards. While these side effects of GMOs may seem minuscule in the grand scheme of things, the lasting effects can be much more drastic. More and more children are having life-threatening allergies, which can be contributed to increased GMO intake. Children...
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...Blake Rudloff Professor Burns English 102:611 24 November, 2015 Big Ag: The Roots are Tainted “GMO efforts may have started out with good intentions, but they ended up in crops that were better improving profits” (Ostrander). This statement by Jonathan Foley in an interview by Madeline Ostrander perfectly summarizes just one of the many concerns the scientific and agricultural community has with the seed giant Monsanto. Not only has Monsanto abused its power as a big Ag corporation to advance its profits through unethical business practices, but also strengthen its stranglehold on farmers. Being a monopoly of the seed industry, Monsanto’s work in GMOs raises concerns as to the effects they have on land, animals, and humans. Monsanto is utilizing GMOs in an effort to stem the tide of world hunger, but because GMOs have only been implemented since the early 80’s their impact on human, animals, and the environment have yet to be determined. The long term effects caused by herbicides, pesticides, and hormones aren’t fully known by society yet. However, we use Monsanto’s roundup weed killer almost every day in America. This weed killer is what GMO seeds are modified to resist, giving them the ability to grow under such harsh conditions. Little is known about the effects of these roundup ready seeds, “The future of the company may lie in seeds, but the seeds of the company lie in chemicals” (Barlett and Steele). Monsanto’s roots were in chemicals far before they were planted...
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...What ingredients are in Cheerios? How are they processed and made? Who makes them? What does the factory look like? How are Cheerios packaged? What happens to the packaging when you throw the box away? How does General Mills do it all? How do they maintain customer loyalty? How do they manage their products? What is added to the product to satisfy the customer? General Mills’ brands are best known for quality and value added to their products. General Mills not only creates economic value, but it creates social and environmental value in the way it operates. General Mills is one of the largest companies in the world. Cheerios being one, General Mills manages 32 brands that offer various products. Yoplait offers many yogurt products focusing on the “goodness of taste” while supporting digestive health. Progresso offers a variety of soups and beans, as well as pasta dishes. Don’t forget about the Pillsbury crescent rolls at Thanksgiving or the chocolate chip cookies from Grandma’s house. These brands are all run by the company General Mills. As consumers, we sometimes question the entire process of how a product is made. Sometimes we wonder about the business that develops our products and what procedures they go through to create satisfaction for their customers. A ccording to their mission on the company website, General Mills strives to “nourish lives” by making them “healthier, easier, and richer” (General Mills, 2014). While this is their...
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...Monsanto is all about. Billions of people depend upon what farmers do. And so will billions more. In the next few decades, farmers will have to grow as much food as they have in the past 10,000 years – combined. We work alongside farmers to do exactly that by selling seeds, traits developed through biotechnology, and crop protection chemicals. We are working to double yields in our core crops by 2030 with one-third fewer resources such as land, water and energy per unit produced and helping farmers to raise themselves from poverty to prosperity, along with many more people.” (Compiled from www.monsanto.com) On its website, Monsanto positions itself as a relatively new agricultural company that aims to help farmers produce healthier food by increasing productivity, repressing weeds and combating insects while ensuring that environmental standards are not only met but exceeded, and while protecting the safety of people and communities. Its leading product is ‘Roundup’, world’s best selling agriculture herbicide for the last thirty years. Monsanto is also the world leader in biotechnology. 90 percent of GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) crops grown on the planet belonged to Monsanto (1). But then Monsanto is also arguably the world's most controversial company, praised by those who see a future of environmentally friendly farming and healthier diets in high-tech crops, and damned by others who consider them as promoters of ecological destruction and corporate control of global food...
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...Be it resolved that the labeling of GMOs in food and drinks should be mandatory. Just as the US House of Assembly did in July of this year, this side says resoundingly; No No, No way. While our opponents did a credibly job of defining the key terms in this debate, let me take a moment to highlight a few things which are critical to our objection of this moot. This series of second round debates all fall under the theme of health and safety. Thus, it is important when defining GMOs, that the issue of health and safety is aptly captured by the definition. Thus, this side adopts the following definition offered by The World Health Organisation 2015. A GMO is an organism in which the genetic material has been modified in a way that does not occur naturally through fertilisation and/or natural recombination and food and drinks which contain them undergo rigorous safety requirements before they are authorized. As first speaker, I will present uncontestable proof that food and drinks containing GMOs do not require mandatory labelling because they do not pose any health concerns and furthermore, I will expose the minority of persons who are calling for their mandatory labelling as nothing but a bunch of hypocrites. Our second speaker will look at some economic concerns as well as issues relating to consumer choices. Now, let us get one thing straight. Calling for mandatory labels on GM food and drinks imply that consumers have a right to know what they are consuming and that this...
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...socially responsible. The company has an excellent record on being socially responsible. The company has several organizations and programs they contribute and donate to. The company meets its discretionary responsibilities by supporting same sex marriages, the growing peace-building movement, and supporting holding elected leaders more accountable to the people. They also support fair trade. This ensures small farmers in developing countries can compete and thrive in the global economy ("Ben & Jerry's", 2014). Ben & Jerry’s is also social responsible. They support mandatory genetically modified organisms (GMO) labeling legislation. GMOs are organisms that have been created using gene-splicing techniques, which allow DNA from one species to be injected into another species in a laboratory. Currently, people in the U.S. have no way of knowing which foods contain GMOs because companies aren’t required to disclose the information. Ben & Jerry’s is working on way to...
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...Vishal Wilson English 16 Professor Donald McCrary Research Paper 1 The issue of genetically modified organisms, often referred to as GMOs, is one of the most important arguments we can have as a society. A huge part of the argument stems from genetically 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...
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...GMOs and Irradiation Most people know very little about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the process of irradiating foods. We have little or no knowledge about how they can affect our bodies. Having done some research on both subjects, it’s time to share some truths about GMOs and/or irradiation, including the lack of information on either subject, the near media blackouts of what is more truth than fiction, it would be wise to eat the real thing, not just fruits and vegetables that look like the real thing. What is Genetic Engineering? Genetic engineering of our food supply takes place when a gene from another source is inserted into another plant to create a plant that’s supposedly better than it was before the process took place. It doesn’t seem that this can be better than the original, but the corporations that now own the patents on those GMO seeds are cleaning up based on faulty or disgraceful science. There are two routine types of genetic engineering of food crops that involve weed and pest control. Plants, such as soy, are genetically engineered to withstand pesticides and herbicides such as those used by farmers—kill the weeds without killing the soy seedlings (Decuypere, 2014). Sounds like a great idea until you understand how dangerous the process really is and what it’s doing to our bodies and the environment. Creating GMO seeds makes the plants resistant to pesticides and herbicides and increases profit for Monsanto, the...
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...Rene Neal-De-Stanton Eng1A Dr. Nahas Annotated Bibliography Works Cited Khan, S.J. "GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS (GMOs): FOOD SECURITY OR THREAT TO FOOD SAFETY." Pakistan Journal of Science 64.2 (2012): 6.-12. Santa Rosa Junior College Academic Search Complete. Web. 12 Oct. 2015. <HTTP://santarosa.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=78909697&site=eds-live&scope=site>. This article examines how Biotechnology is a vital issue that impacts all of us and the Development of genetically modified organisms is one of the greatest discoveries through this recent technology. The author believes that many types of transgenic FOODS will be ready for commercialization, including varieties with that come with, greater tolerance of bio-tic and a-bio tic stresses, resistance to herbicides, improved nutritional quality, and novel pharmaceutical proteins. The only downfall is that Information is scarce about health hazards in GM crops. Therefore urgently need publicly available ecological assessments of the risks and benefits of transgenic crops before new varieties are released The authors this article are Khan S.J., Muafia S., Nasreen, Z, Salaryia, A.M. Who wrote this for the Pakistan Journal of science. This site is peer reviewed and covers topics extensive in biology, chemistry, physics, geology and mathematics. This article was published through the science journal "Transgenic Research' in affiliation with Biotechnology...
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