...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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...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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...GMOs are safe When it comes to the topic of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) most of us would readily agree that they are not safe, on the contrary others would insist that they are safe and risk-free. Although research may suggest that GMOs are safe, the scientific research that provides solid evidence that GMOs are risk-free, not only to humans and animals but also to the environment, is not sufficient. A wide variety of evidence connects GMOs with health problems, environmental damages, and the violation of farmer’s and consumer’s rights. I agree that GMOs are not safe because there are unknown side effects when it comes to the consumption and usage. The topic of GMOs is controversial, because, the human population continues to grow...
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...Imagine a world quite different from what it is today in terms of food. Advancement in GMO food technology has progressed steadily over the last couple of years. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are scientifically altered foods that undergo desired variations to their normal genetic makeup to satisfy certain traits. The ethical issues GMOs produce are well-documented with concerns about genetic mutation and manipulation to favor corruption and the needs of the powerful. However, the social issues they can create are yet to be seen in full effect. GMOs have a history of corporation abuse, and the harm they form in farmlands and the environment, and it is only a matter of time until GMO controversy reaches new levels. The potential long-term...
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...on American’s plates. (Dupont) Everyone has been exposed to it whether they know it or not. According to the US Department of agriculture by 2012, 88 percent of corn and 94 percent of soy grown in the United States were genetically modified. The purpose of this essay is to explain what genetically modified crop plants are, to discuss the social and ethical implications and to provide my personal view point. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are defined as organisms whose genome has been modified as genetic engineering. Transferring a gene from one species to another to provide an organism that is transgenic or a gene that may be altered and reinserted into an individual of the same species are the results of a genetically modified organism. Genes can be introduced into plant cells by way of electric or chemical shocks, by blasting them. The most common GMOs are bacteria and yeast, which have been modified to produce medically important proteins which has benefitted people with diabetes. (Starr, Evers, & Starr, 2013) GMOs or GM is used to refer to crop plants that are created for animal or human consumption using the latest molecular biology techniques. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), GM technology enables plant breeders to bring together in one plant useful genes from a wide range of living sources, not just from the crop species or from closely related plants. Studies show that genetically modified crops are used...
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...Whole Foods Markets: An Economic Buoy in a Sea of Uncertainty Whole Foods Markets: An Economic Buoy in a Sea of Uncertainty There are many economic factors affecting business today. This is no less apparent in the case of Whole Foods Market Inc (WFM); a leading retailer specializing in natural and organic foods. The economic, social, legal, technological, and competitive forces that affect other companies more directly affect a retailer with high visibility and a niche market such as WFM, yet the firm shows continued performance over competitors and increased profits for shareholders. WFM continues to navigate the market showing gains in profit, a dedication to the consumer, and competitive advantages that allow them to remain a strong competitor in a new and high growth market. WFM shows continual growth in a time of financial instability for many consumers and businesses. The growth plans of WFM have allowed the company to expand extensively over the last 33 years. The New York Times (2013) states, “As of September 25, 2011 Whole Foods Market operated 311 stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom” (Company Information). WFM has a strong history of growth that continues to be a basis of the company’s strategic plan. Current plans include the opening of 1000 stores in the United States in the coming years. This extensive growth plan can only be supported with a strong economic backing and the support of consumer spending. WFM has shown that they currently...
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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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...of GMO’s The age of technology is upon us. In fact, the United States is so deeply entrenched in technology that our lives will be influenced and changed forever because of the technology revolution. Technological advancements come at us so quickly in the United States that we barely have time to absorb and understand the changes before the next changes are upon us. One of the most recent technological advancements is the development of GMO’s, or Genetically Modified Organisms. GMO’s are being used to develop our crops and everyday food, causing many consumers to worry about the effects of GMO’s on our health, environment, and our ecosystem. Questions are being raised as to whether GMO technologies have more negative or positive effects both now and in the future. The use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’S) in our crops is more detrimental than it is beneficial because GMO’s have possible negative environmental and health impacts and the consequences of using GMO’s is unknown and unpredicted. The benefits of using Genetically Modified Organism’s in our crops do not compare with the possible detrimental impacts on our environment and ecosystem, health, and the future of our planet. The use of GMO’s in food production is creating major environmental concerns both to the FDA and consumers. Unknown and unstudied chemicals that are being put into our environment with the GMO’s leave us uncertain about the damage being caused. Chemicals such as herbicides are being used in greater...
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...Systemic Pesticides and the Honeybee Population Beekeepers have been experiencing a large decline in their honeybee populations for the past decade at a startling rate. The disappearance of the honeybees has a much larger impact on daily life in the United States as well as around the world than many would believe, as they are cornerstones in a healthy and prosperous ecosystem. The extremely complex yet small honeybee is responsible for a large majority of the food we consume everyday. While there are multiple theories surrounding the disappearance of the bees, the use of systemic pesticides is leading the way as the culprit. The use of systemic pesticides needs to be banned in the United States due to the negative impact they are having on the honeybee population. As the population of the United States continues to grow exponentially annually, so does the need for an increased food supply. Monocultures have been the answer to this need due to the fact that they allow farmers to mass-produce a single item much cheaper and easier than traditional farming in which multiple crops are grown on a single plot of land. There are many possibilities for the types of plants that can be found in a monoculture but typically wheat, corn, and soy are the main monocultures crops in the United States due to the wide use of these plants in countless products on the grocery store shelves. These monocultures have caused the use of pesticides to reach levels never seen before by the agricultural...
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...FOOD RESEARCH SUBMITTED BY: DOLORFINO, JOSE NORBIE T. SBGE I -13 Top 10 Genetically Modified Food Products Like humans, all organisms have genetic material. When scientists alter genetic material, or DNA, it's called genetic modification (GM). Genetically modifying foods or food crops can enhance taste and quality, increase nutrients or improve resistance to pests and disease. In some cases, GM foods help conserve natural resources, because the altered version might require less water or energy for processing. The first genetically modified food to reach our tables was the Flavr Savr tomato. Grown in California, the Flavr Savr tomato received Food and Drug Administration approval in 1994, after two years of testing and assessment. Mounting costs made the crop unprofitable, however, and production ceased in 1997. Creation of the Flavr Savr opened the doors for other GM foods to make their way into our kitchens. In the U.S., genetic modification has expanded into almost every area of food production. Scientists can introduce some sort of modification into the genes of crops, dairy products and animals. For example, ranchers and dairy farmers normally feed cattle a GM diet, which is in turn passed on to you when you drink milk or eat beef. Do you need to worry about what's on your family's dinner table? And are there some surprising benefits to GM foods? As you'll see, this subject is one hot potato. 10. SUGAR BEETS The sugar beet is one of the newest GM foods and...
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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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...Cells * Gmos * Recreation of The Big Bang * End of the World * Pesticides Task 2 Concerns of Climate change raised in the media and justification * Global temperatures would continue to rise for decades. IPCC states, "the range of published evidence indicates that the net damage costs of climate change are likely to be significant and to increase over time” – concerns are raised as the extent of climate change effects on individual regions will vary over time and with the ability of different environmental systems to adapt to change. * Due to climate change getter worse, a global concern has been raised as this would affect sea levels rising and consists of longer and intense heat waves. “This increase in heat waves creates serious health risks, and can lead to heat exhaustion, deadly heat stroke, and aggravate existing medical conditions” – scientists around the world have come together and discussed possibilities to the raised concerns of climate change that affects the environment and human beings. “Global warming is now accelerating the rate of sea level rise, increasing coastal flooding risks to low-lying communities and high-risk coastal properties” – scientists have revealed since 1880 sea levels have risen 8 inches and is expected to rise more over upcoming years due to climate change. * Over the next century temperatures to rise by 2.5% to 10oC. * Young children ranging from ages to 11-16 year olds are worrying about how climate change...
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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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...Pellar asking the simply question of “where's the beef?” At that time the slogan was simply used to show consumers that Wendy’s hamburger had more meat than its competitors. However, in today’s society this question should be taken very literally, due to the declining population of bee colonies, our food supply is slowly diminishing. What we don’t realize is that bees account for a third of our food supply, that is one in every three bites of food you eat! That may not seem like a big deal, I mean we would still have food, but let me show you the reality of this situation. You are driving to have dinner with your family at...
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...Plan: Helen de Haan 2010-2011 Feb-instroom, term 2, project 2 31-05-2010 1 Preface This marketing plan provides a comprehensive strategic plan for the NGO Greenpeace. It is aimed for Executive Managers and those who will conduct supervision of the implementation of this marketing plan. The marketing plan does not focus on technical issues, but rather examines basic principals concerning the internal- and external environment, strategy execution and the result realized after execution. To reinforce the purpose and profitable outcome of the marketing plan, there are, throughout this manuscript, numerous illustrative extracts with commentary, including company reports and other sources. Throughout the text some marketing- and financial terminology is used, for this reason foreknowledge of marketing and finance will be essential in understanding the analysis used in this manuscript and the true purpose of the strategic plan. Topics in the manuscript follow a logical coherent order. In part 1; general information about the internal- and external environment of Greenpeace is given, correctly identifying potential internal- and external threats and opportunities that may be in effect. After an exhaustive and thorough analysis, the information collected will be instrumental in conjuring up an efficient and effective marketing strategy which is clearly laid out in Part 2; “Marketing Strategy”. The manuscript ends with a description of the results and benefits achieved by the strategy...
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