...Can genetically engineering crops be helpful or harmful to human life? Over the years we have seen a steady rise in the production of genetically modified foods. This has caused a swelling of opinions from people on the GMOs. There are advantages and concerns about this process of enhancing food. Controversy about the thought of modifying food has spread worldwide. People are wary about the idea because they want to know exactly what is in the food that they are eating and because we are swaying away from naturally growing crops. However growing these modified crops could possibly put an end to some of the world’s challenges, such as food security for families. A GMO or genetically modified organism is a crop that is made for consumption by humans and animals. These crops are made in a laboratory by using the latest molecular biology techniques. The reason for making genetically modified plants and organisms is to enhance desired traits. This way is much easier and quicker than the alternative, breeding, which is not always accurate. Some traits that scientists want these plants to have are better resistance to herbicides, increase in nutritional value, and being able to stay ripe longer. Some of the most common modified plants are corn, soybeans, canola, rice, and cotton seed oil. Since the approval to sell genetically modified foods they have become significantly more available. The approval of GMOs has affected us in ways that we might not even know about. Some foods that...
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...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 most...
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...Genetically Modified foods - Evils or Friends Genetically Modified Foods (or GM foods) are produced from organisms in which specific changes are introduced into their DNA through the methods of genetic engineering. Genetically Modified crops are available commercially since 1994. Majority of the gene modification of foods have primarily focused on cash crops which are in high demand such 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...
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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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...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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...GMO: Genetically Modified What? When you spot a food item that is labeled a “GMO”, do you know what that means? There are many people who don’t know what the abbreviated term means or even what it is, but simply it stands for “genetically modified organism”, in this case: genetically modified food. This means that much of the food consumed regularly has been altered in some way over the course of time. Essentially, it is not made from the earth; it is not classified natural. According to writer Yelena Sukhoterina, “In 38 countries, GM crops are banned on the government level, with the backing of the country’s scientists, doctors, and environmental agencies” (Sukhoterina). However, out of those countries, the United States is not one of them. Currently speaking, there are few select states that are fighting against the big GMO seed corporations, specifically they are fighting to have food labeled whether it is or isn’t GMO free. Today there is a massive controversy with GMOs and whether or not they are beneficial to our health. Although some are ignorant to believe that food is...
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...Genetically Modified Organism is one of the most important issues from around the world.GMOs are organisms that have been manipulated by through genetic engineering. This new science makes an unstable combinations of plant and other living organisms that doesn't occur in nature. Scientists recognized that genes are shared among the individual members of a species, but also among members of different species. All GMOs are made to withstand direct application of herbicide and to make a insecticide. In the mean while, evidence connects GMOs with health problems like environmental damage and violation of farmers’ and consumers’ rights. Agrochemicals are aiming at enhancing crop and protect crops from pests. Every year higher amounts of new chemical compounds are used to...
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...GMOS GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, have been around for about 40 years now. A genetically modified organism is a plant or animal whose genes or “DNA” have been modified in such a way that the product is not naturally found in nature or through natural cross-breeding. Traditionally, the genes with the desired characteristic are introduced to the genes of the plant/animal that is being genetically modified. This results in a plant that is very similar to the original, but contains varying amounts of genetic change. Many GMOs have been modified in such a way that they can withstand a certain kind of herbicide, or survive certain kinds of harsh climate conditions; while others have been modified so that they can produce a certain kind of pesticide to ward off would-be crop killing insects. Through these modifications genetically modified organisms are touted as lasting longer, and producing more abundant crop yields. Also, organisms that have undergone modification require fewer pesticides, water, and reduce production costs for crops used for food, such as soybeans, corn, and sugar beets (www.factsaboutgmos.org). According to the USDA, the most common kinds of GMOs are corn, cotton, and soybeans, but a variety of foods can be found in your local supermarket that have been genetically modified, and according to the Non-GMO Project, up to 80% of processed foods in the United States contain food items that are genetically modified. The issue as to whether or not...
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...In the essay by Pamela Ronald, “The truth About GMOs”, Ronald talks about how genetically modified organisms are safe to consume. There are no reasons why GMOs are unsafe, “Genetically engineered crops currently on the market are as safe to eat and safe for the environment as organic or conventional foods.” GMOs have been around for many years and not a single person has died from them. Over the years people have been changing and modifying crops left and right trying to creating stronger and more durable crops to withstand insects and diseases. GMOs are safe for consumption and great for the human population growth because without GMOs people would have an even more serious issue with hunger in the world. With the help of GMOs, farmers are able to use less pesticides on plants allowing the crops to be less harmful and toxic to our environment and to us. With modifying crops they can create them to be resistant to pests and other things, “Genetic engineering can be used not only to combat pests and diseases, but also to enable farmers to use less harmful chemicals to control cropchoking weeds.” Using a lot of herbicide is more dangerous and harmful than genetically modifying crops. Scientists found a better way to help the environment by creating GMOs. In many ways using less herbicide helps the planet, thus helping the people. Using less means less toxins in the air and it allows all of the beneficial insects to live while the bad insects die...
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...Genetically Modified Organisms Andre Thomas Soc/215 10-14-15 Dr. Melisha Plummer Genetically Modified Organisms Much has been written about genetically modified organisms. 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...
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...ARE GMO’s Today I’m going to be talking about GMO’s, which stands for genetically modified organism. While humans have had an impact on the genetics of plants for thousands of years. For example the ancient selection of wolves that would eventually become dogs, or the selection of certain plants to be moved or domesticated. However, a genetically modified organism defined by modern standards applies to an organism that has been altered through the use of genetic modification or genetic engineering techniques. Essentially, the technique involves identifying desired traits and characteristics from one organism and injecting them into another organism. This results in an organism that has the desired trait. Generally, GMO’s tend to be crops that have been modified to survive herbicide or that produce insecticide, enhance the nutritional value of the crop, or to increase the overall yield of the crop. There are also animals that have been genetically modified, which are referred to as “transgenic” animals. Transgenic animals include the transgenic mouse, commonly used in lab experiments. Interestingly enough, no commercial meat is directly genetically modified. BACKGROUND About 20 years after James Watson discovered the structure of DNA(1953), Scientists Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen developed the process of genetic modification. From there experimentation with genetic engineering led to the creation of GMO animals and GMO crops. By 1983 the US Supreme Court ruled...
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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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... 2013). Genetically modified organisms are living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially changed in a laboratory through genetic engineering ("Non-Gmo Project", 2015). In recent news, there has been controversy over the use of GMOs. Since the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Flavr Savr tomato for sale on grocery store shelves in 1994, more GMOs has since came on the market (GMOinside, n.d.). Does GMOs have inherent value? INHERENT VALUE Inherent value is a quality attributes to every creature that has a life that matters to it (Regan, 2004). According to DesJardins (2013), inherent value is to have value in and of oneself. Objects with inherent value are ends in themselves, not merely means to some other end (DesJardins, 2013). CONTROVERSY REGARDING GMOs There are two main problems that concern GMOs. GMOs have no boundaries and do not have labels. Once a genetically modified organism is planted they are in risk of contaminating any regular crops planted nearby (The Non-GMO Report, 2005). A survey reports that in the Midwest, where there are millions of acres of GM corn and soybean crops, up to 80% of organic farmers reported direct costs or damages resulting from genetic trespass (The Non-GMO Report, 2005). Unlike the organic food, there is not a GMO-free label on food products. In fact, products are not required by law to state whether or not they contain GMOs. In a world where 92% of the soybean crop is genetically modified and many...
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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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...de la Rosa Ms. Stone ENGL 101/M18 31 July 2014 Food of the Future When was the last time that you checked how your food was produced? Are you sure that everything that is offered in supermarkets won’t harm your health? Food Industries can do terrible things to generate profit. For example, advertising junk food, causing health issues, and raising food prices. However, the most atrocious thing that foods industries are doing today is the implementation of genetically modified organism in agriculture. According to Behrokh Maghari and Ali M. Ardekani in their article titled “Genetically Modified Food and Social concerns” which was published in 2011 in the Avicenna Journal of Medical Biotechnology, “Genetically modified organisms are being made by inserting a gene from an external source such as viruses, bacteria, animals or plants into usually unrelated species. Genetically modified food (GMF) means any food containing or derived from a genetically engineered organism” (119). Nowadays, genetically modified food can be founded everywhere in supermarkets, restaurants, and grocery stores (Guthrie 1). Its production has been a dilemma in our society since the 90s. Many people claim that the production of genetically modified food will cause improvements in our society. In the other hand, many studies have claim that it wont. The goal of this paper is to find out if our society really needs genetically modified food by explaining what are the benefits and consequences that...
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