...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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...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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...The Harmful Effects of GMOs According to Philips, altering the genomes plants and animals is nothing new; specific traits have long been selected artificially in order to produce the desire result; i.e. sweet corn or hairless cats (2008). However, these variations have been limited in that only naturally occurring variations have been used (Philips, 2008). In recent years, researchers have crossed the line from the natural to the unnatural; advances in the field of genetic engineering have allowed researchers to have complete control over what genetic changes take place and what the final product will look like, taste like, feel like, etc. Philips indicates that with modern technology, “…we can incorporate new genes from one species into a completely unrelated species…optimizing agricultural performance or facilitating the production of valuable pharmaceutical substances.” While there are quite a few areas are subject to genetic engineering, the most common areas include: farm animals, bacteria, and crop plants such as corn, apples, soybeans, etc. Tyson reveals that GM ingredients, which take the form of modified enzymes, are found in many daily eating staples such as breads, cereals, vegetable oils, cheese, sodas, and beers (2001). The overwhelming presence of GMOs and GM ingredients have created quite a controversy in recent years. Essentially, the use of GM ingredients and GMOs have produced an argument which questions the morality and effects of such processes and products...
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...Welcome to WritePoint, the automated review system that recognizes errors most commonly made by university students in academic essays. The system embeds comments into your paper and suggests possible changes in grammar and style. Please evaluate each comment carefully to ensure that the suggested change is appropriate for your paper, but remember that your instructor's preferences for style and format prevail. You will also need to review your own citations and references since WritePoint capability in this area is limited. NOTE: WritePoint comments are computer-generated writing and grammar suggestions inviting the consideration and analysis of the writer; they are not infallible statements of right/wrong, and they should not be used as grading elements. Also, at present, WritePoint cannot detect quotations or block-quotes, so comments in those areas should be ignored. Please see the other helpful writing resources in the Tutorials and Guides section of the Center for Writing Excellence. Thank you for using WritePoint. Pros & Cons of Gmos Throughout history, scientific research and the exploration of new technologies always have been areas of extreme controversy and heated debate. This is attributed that they touch upon and affect many aspects of people’s lives, not to mention their direct interference with political, social, and religious matters. One of the latest and most ferociously...
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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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...related to GMO food have raised controversial arguments with numerous researches being based on this issue. Awareness has been one of the crucial elements associated with GMO food use. This paper undertakes a comparative analysis of awareness of GMO food in Saudi Arabia and Ireland. The study combined a descriptive and review research designs with both qualitative and quantitative elements. Descriptive data analysis was done. Moreover, a SurveyMonkey was also used. A survey was conducted using a 15-questined questionnaire in a sample of 200, 100 respondents from either of the countries. The study revealed that only 2% and 8% of the respondents had adequate knowledge in GMO food in Saudi Arabia and Ireland respectively. The study also revealed that 61% and 57% of the respondents consumed GMO food in Saudi Arabia and Ireland respectively. Moreover, it was discovered that the media played a crucial role in creating awareness of GMO food. Analysis of the results revealed that awareness of GMO food in Saudi Arabia and Ireland was low. The difference in the level of awareness in either of the countries was not significant. Moreover, media was shown to influence awareness of GMO food in both countries highly. Introduction Genetic modification of food (GMO) refers to the application of biotechnology in the transfer of one or more genes to an animal or plant. This transfer aims at promoting expression of desired trait(s) (Hallman, Cuite & Morin, 2013, p. 2). The issue of GMO has raised...
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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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...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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...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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...variable. There is no consensus about the likely effects of the Genetically Modified foods/organisms (GMOs), but the fact remains that their effects on health are risky and highly unpredictable especially with the globalization tendency. The purpose of this study is to examine how the GMOs risks to public health can be reduced by policymakers enhancing public confidence in the GM foods. The Precaution Adoption Model (PAPM) has been selected to tackle this health problem. This model has been described and evaluation strategies analyzed on the basis of which success can be determined. BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION Human health is determined by both natural and artificial factors, amongst which what people consume is a critical variable. The proliferation of genetically modified (GM) food in the marketplace has resulted in heated public debate, scientific discussion and media coverage about their safety. Formerly, the use of selective breeding was commonplace but this was a sluggish and unreliable Public Administration & Management Volume 13, Number 3, 191-217 192 method. Genetic engineering now allows scientists to insert specific genes into a plant or an animal without having to go through the trail and error process of selective breeding (Hoswtuffworks, 2004). Scientist first discovered the technique of genetic modification in the 1970s (Mitchell and Lee, 1998). GMOs were first introduced for commercial production in 1996 and since then their use has increased rapidly...
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...Agriculture and Food Technology AENG 26 Introduction to Environmental Science Term Paper Effects of Genetically Modified Food on Human Amoguis, Jenina R. ECE 3 – 1 Engr. David L. Cero Professor Introduction Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods derived from organisms whose genetic material (DNA) has been modified in a way that does not occur naturally, e.g. through the introduction of a gene from a different organism. Currently available GM foods stem mostly from plants, but in the future foods derived from GM microorganisms or GM animals are likely to be introduced on the market. Most existing genetically modified crops have been developed to improve yield, through the introduction of resistance to plant diseases or of increased tolerance of herbicides. In the future, genetic modification could be aimed at altering the nutrient content of food, reducing its allergenic potential, or improving the efficiency of food production systems. The main purpose of genetic modification of food is to improve its taste, output, and make plants disease resistant. Despite these advantages, many people refuse to eat genetically modified foods over concerns that it could be dangerous to their health. However, there is still no detailed study about the long term effects of eating genetically modified foods. Genetically modified foods have more research challenges but also there are misgivings about its implications in the long run. All these...
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...Why does the green movement appose GM in agriculture? Word count: 994 BSE – Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy EU – European Union GE – Genetic Engineering GM – Genetic Modification GMO – Genetically Modified Organism The green movement is a broad belief system focussing on a whole array of issues targeting such things as: technology; monopolisation of GM; alleged dangers of corporate control; risk in food, health and farming; furthermore, encompassing issues of poverty; trade and human rights (Scoones, 2008). The green movement came about in the 1970’s when people became environmentally aware and socio-political groups began to spring up. The ideals of the green movement have spread globally in the form of political parties who believe their ethics will lead to world peace (Green peace international, 2006). However, these principles encompass an extreme dislike towards GM technology. This essay explores the reasons why the green movement appose GM. The use of GM was first perceived as having many benefits such as better yield, reduced pesticide use and a reduction in food cost. However, the green movement believe GM is a risk to public health, safety and environment. Firstly, they believe genetically modified foods will cause gene disruption and modification of existing genes causing toxicity; secondly, they will cause an increase in antibiotic resistance due to gene splicing and thirdly, genes will escape into wild populations (Jerome et al., 2010; Thies &...
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...GMO MYTHS AND TRUTHS An evidence-based examination of the claims made for the safety and efficacy of genetically modified crops Michael Antoniou Claire Robinson John Fagan June 2012 GMO Myths and Truths An evidence-based examination of the claims made for the safety and efficacy of genetically modified crops Version 1.3 by Michael Antoniou Claire Robinson John Fagan © Earth Open Source www.earthopensource.org 2nd Floor 145–157, St John Street, London EC1V 4PY, United Kingdom Contact email: claire.robinson@earthopensource.org June 2012 Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this paper, or otherwise published by EOS, are those of the authors and do not represent the official policy, position, or views of other organizations, universities, companies, or corporations that the authors may be affiliated with. GMO Myths and Truths 2 About the authors Michael Antoniou, PhD is reader in molecular genetics and head, Gene Expression and Therapy Group, King’s Cols: lege London School of Medicine, London, UK. He has 28 years’ experience in the use of genetic engineering technology investigating gene organisation and control, with over 40 peer reviewed publications of original work, and holds inventor status on a number of gene expression biotechnology patents. Dr Antoniou has a large network of collaborators in industry and academia who are making use of his discoveries in gene control mechanisms for the production of research, diagnostic and therapeutic products...
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...offering “Food with Integrity” yet it still lacks in credibility. This paper will analyze Chipotle’s CSR and how its standards have led many to question the company’s core values. Chipotle's CSR: Mission or Marketing? The heightened media attention on CSR is at least partially in response to society’s interest in socially conscious businesses. Consumers are willing to pay a premium price for environmentally-friendly brands. At the same time, there is much skepticism as to whether companies are intentionally or accidently misleading consumers. Chipotle, one of the fastest growing fast-casual restaurant chains in the world, declares it serves “Food with Integrity”. What does that mean? The company’s reputation has taken some hits in recent years due to lack of transparency. Lessons have been learned along the way yet there is still a credibility gap. Many wonder if Chipotle is telling the public a feel-good story or the truth. This paper will take a look at the company’s CSR: intent vs. execution vs. depiction. Genetically Modified Organisms GMO’s are plants or animals who have been inserted with a gene from an unrelated species in order to take on specific characteristics (Lee, 2014, p. 1). The push to label GMOs in ingredients has become an escalating, passionate national movement. In 2013, Chipotle was one of first U.S. companies to announce that it would disclose which menu items contained GMOs with the ultimate goal of becoming free of all GMs by the end of 2014...
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...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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