How can you prevent yourself from being misled with false information regarding GMOs? How do scientists determine whether GMOs are safe?
Extracted text: Many things threaten food security, such as crop or animal diseases, pests and climate change. Weather is becoming more unpredictable and extreme weather is becoming commonplace, which is taking its toll on farmers worldwide. The idea behind many GMOS is to address these problems. The creation of GM crops allows humans to stay "ahead of the curve" when it comes to mother nature, while enabling a sophisticated collection of crops to possess traits conducive (make certain) to successful production. Examples of GM Crops An excellent example is golden rice. Around 250 million children are vitamin A-deficient in the world, which kills and blinds millions each year. While supplement distribution programs exist, they're expensive and difficult to sustain. The solution? Golden rice. Researchers added two genes to white rice, one from a soil bacterium and another from the daffodil, which synthesize a precursor of vitamin A called beta-carotene. This pigment makes various foods orange and hence makes the rice appear golden. The daffodil gene was later swapped for a corn gene to further increase the amount of beta-carotene produced. White rice is a staple food in many countries but it's not usually a source of vitamin A. One bowl of golden rice meets 60% of a child's daily vitamin A needs. However, this product has been met with significant opposition, especially from Greenpeace (a well-known environmental group), mainly because many people believe it will lead to widespread acceptance of GMO. The fact remains: it's a viable (capable of working) solution to a real world problem. It was also developed by foundation-funded academic researchers and a nonprofit organization, not a big private corporation. You may also be surprised to find out that around 85% of corn grown in the U.S. is genetically modified. Soy is also heavily genetically modified; one particular soybean was engineered to produce high levels of oleic acid| because it is thought that this may lower LDL cholesterol, or "bad cholesterol." Start of Section 2 Controversies Surrounding GMOS There are many controversies surrounding this topic. Some are complete myths, while others raise valid issues. Labeling It is estimated that as much as 90% of commodity crops (those that are bought and sold) used in the U.S.s food supply are genetically modified. Few people are aware of the extent of GMOS because the food industry does not label them through fear of sparking safety concerns in customers. Some have suggested that labeling would be like putting a skull and crossbones on packaging; however, people argue that they should be able to know what they are eating so that they can make an informed choice. Mandatory label laws have come into place in certain countries, but they have not resulted in the anticipated reaction. Instead, they have led to an increased pressure for retailers to stop stocking GM products which has reduced consumer choice and at times raised prices. It should be stressed that despite decades of testing, there is no evidence that genetically modified foods are intrinsically more dangerous or worse for you than unmodified food. Transparency is a hallmark of good science, but when the public does not fully understand the topic it can fuel fear. Mandatory labeling is therefore a complex issue with valid points from both sides. "GMO" is a fairly meaningless term when applied alone. Genetic modification is just a technique; it is not Inherently dangerous. As with all techniques, it's how it's used that matters.
Extracted text: Risks To Health While the genes inserted into organisms occur naturally in other species, there are concerns that altering the natural genome may have unknown consequences. For example, modifications may change the organism's metabolism or growth rate. There are also concerns that GM foods may expose new allergens to humans or transfer antibiotic-resistant genes to the bacteria naturally found in our gut. Terminator Seeds Research on "terminator seeds" or "suicide seeds," aims to produce sterile seeds/offspring so that if modified plants escape, they cannot propagate (spread by reproduction) in the environment. The idea that companies use these to force farmers into continually buying seeds is a myth. This technology would be useful in the development of "bioreactor" plants, for example those used in the production of pharmaceutical products such as antibodies or drugs to stop unintended gene release. People don't realize that sterile plants are already widely used- take a look at seedless watermelons or grapes. Separating Corporation from Technology Everyone has heard of Monsanto, and this company is frequently cited as a reason to oppose GMOS. While Monsanto's business practices may be ethically questionable, Monsanto are not the only company involved in GMO research. Many non-profit organizations and academic institutions are involved in this field. The technology is necessary and disagreeing with Monsanto and MONSANTO having anti-corporation values should not muddy your views on GMOS. If you have a problem with Monsanto, have a problem with Monsanto. Don't extend that to every application of GMOS. GM Crops Result In "Superweeds" Many farmers use herbicide resistant crop varieties, for example GM cotton that can tolerate Roundup (a popular herbicide). This was very successful initially until herbicide resistant weeds evolved and rampantly spread in various countries, causing huge crop losses. While it has been argued that these GM crops encourage the evolution of herbicide resistance through liberal use, the fact is: it happens whether we use GM crops or not. Herbicide resistant crops do have their merits, though, and have caused a significant reduction in herbicide usage and an improvement on environmental impact. Unintended Spread Of Genes There has been concern that genes used in the development of GM crops may unintentionally spread to other organisms through a mechanism called horizontal gene transfer. For example, antibiotic resistance genes are regularly used in the process of genetic modification, and there is concern these genes may spread into bacteria, animals or humans, encouraging the spread of disease. While this is a possibility, studies have found that the risks are negligible and that transfer rates are exceedingly low. However, recommendations have been made to avoid using antibiotic resistance genes in creating GMOS. In closing, genetic modification is simply a tool. Like all tools, the application is what matters. All new technologies require review and testing, but fears should be based on science and evidence, not a lack of understanding when it comes to new science.