GMO Fiction
Kristen here. Today I want to try help
clearing up two big myths associated with GMOs. This is important to the
topic because there are so many different ideas and
misconceptions associated with it.
- Modification of genes in organisms is a new technology?
False. Altering genes has been around since the dawn of
agriculture. The first farmers have been actively selecting crops and animals
with the most desirable traits and features over the ones that lack them like the strongest
animals and the juiciest fruits. However, with the rise of technology, modification of genes is now possible as scientists
can take the direct approach and immediately and more precisely change an organism’s
genes resulting in a genetically modified organism or GMO. Many times, the products
we have been consuming are already genetically modified in some way.
·
- Are GMO’s unsafe?
False. This question is an especially valid one as we should
definitely be concerned about what goes into our bodies. Especially the food we
eat on a daily basis. However, the technology behind GMO’s are instruments of
science and they show our advancements in the field. Used correctly, it is indeed an excellent solution to many food issues we face in the world today, from vitamin
deficiencies to food shortages. As with most instruments, it was never
dangerous on its own. It all depends on the user and its application. There are
a lot of times that this fact was used to create some of the most widely believed
myths about the “danger” of GMOs to date. In terms of health risks, the scientific
agreement is that they are no more dangerous than everyday crops. This is because
many of the studies claiming health risks have since been debunked. The wrongful use
of any technology is risky but it should be unfair to use this as the entire
base of the argument for why GMO technology in particular is unsafe.
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| GMO Answers |
There are many more myths I’d like to touch on. If you can
think of any, please feel free to let me know. Some concerns are of course valid but those rooted in
misconceptions are dangerous to the advancement of the science. It is your right to know the truth.
K.M.
Sources
Bose Lilledeshan. Nagy Konrad, "Busting GMO Myths" (2014)
retrieved from: https://magazine.ucr.edu/155
Brooke Borel, "GMO Facts: 10 Common GMO Claims Debunked" (2014)
Images
Hall Kate, "Yes, GMOs Are Safe (Another Major Study Confirms)" (2016)
Katiraee Layla, "10 studies proving GMOs are harmful? Not if science matters" (2015)
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