Since the industrial revolution humans have been altering the genomes of crops in livestock through meticulous breeding and cross pollination in the case of plants. The technique is falling way to a more direct gene manipulation, inserting desired traits directly into organisms through the use of modern technology and understanding of genetics (Rich 1). Tragically, the amazing potential for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is obscured by fear of potential hazards to environment and health due to inadequate testing. Behind the shade of anxiety, GMOs hold an unparalleled potential to kick-start a green revolution through higher yields and better nutrition.
According to the CIA’s World Factbook as of 2016 the population of the United States …show more content…
Bees disappearing would be devastating to crops relying on pollination by bees, leaving a pertinent question what causes CCD? Years of study biologist, entomologist, and disgruntled beekeepers have led to the conclusion that Bt crops and even the pesticide used on pesticide-resistant strains of GMOs have little effect on the behaviour of bees, citing neonicotinoids or parasites as likely causes (Porterfield). In reality, when considering the environment GMOs may not be perfect, but Monsanto, a large player in the manufacture of GM crops, in 2012 was making efforts in crops that require less water to grow and even proved to have a higher yield than traditional crops …show more content…
The discussion came to a head in the year 2012 and since when the a paper on the long-term toxicity of Roundup herbicide (Used in excess on GMOs designed to resist its effects) was published (Claire 4221), it pontificated its findings that prolonged and regular consumption of GMOs treated with Roundup will result in cancerous malignant tumours. This study gained traction in Anti-GMO circles as it was the one of the very few studies to unequivocally link GMOs to a malady as heinous as cancer. It was not meant to be as it happens, the paper was ridiculed by experts worldwide for its small sample sizes, its use of rats known for spontaneously contracting tumours, and a wealth of other technical reason before it was finally retracted. As reality would have it GMO safety is one of the most study subjects in genetics with hundreds of papers published to that credit (Entine and Wendel; Blancke).
It is hard not to conclude that GMOs have a place in humanities agricultural future, with the possibilities of the budding technology just being realized. Though GMOs are not perfect, they are not but a tool and how it will be used will define the industry moving forward. GMOs can potentially be a great asset and as long as people stay informed and misinformation stays minimal nothing will stop the better life GMOs can
According to the CIA’s World Factbook as of 2016 the population of the United States …show more content…
Bees disappearing would be devastating to crops relying on pollination by bees, leaving a pertinent question what causes CCD? Years of study biologist, entomologist, and disgruntled beekeepers have led to the conclusion that Bt crops and even the pesticide used on pesticide-resistant strains of GMOs have little effect on the behaviour of bees, citing neonicotinoids or parasites as likely causes (Porterfield). In reality, when considering the environment GMOs may not be perfect, but Monsanto, a large player in the manufacture of GM crops, in 2012 was making efforts in crops that require less water to grow and even proved to have a higher yield than traditional crops …show more content…
The discussion came to a head in the year 2012 and since when the a paper on the long-term toxicity of Roundup herbicide (Used in excess on GMOs designed to resist its effects) was published (Claire 4221), it pontificated its findings that prolonged and regular consumption of GMOs treated with Roundup will result in cancerous malignant tumours. This study gained traction in Anti-GMO circles as it was the one of the very few studies to unequivocally link GMOs to a malady as heinous as cancer. It was not meant to be as it happens, the paper was ridiculed by experts worldwide for its small sample sizes, its use of rats known for spontaneously contracting tumours, and a wealth of other technical reason before it was finally retracted. As reality would have it GMO safety is one of the most study subjects in genetics with hundreds of papers published to that credit (Entine and Wendel; Blancke).
It is hard not to conclude that GMOs have a place in humanities agricultural future, with the possibilities of the budding technology just being realized. Though GMOs are not perfect, they are not but a tool and how it will be used will define the industry moving forward. GMOs can potentially be a great asset and as long as people stay informed and misinformation stays minimal nothing will stop the better life GMOs can