Genetic+Modification

Directions for posting articles on your group's page:

Post a link to two article/videos/sources you've found that provide interesting, relevant, detailed, and significant evidence about your group's topic. Write a 5-6 sentence paragraph below your link summarizing the key points of the article and also assessing the source's legitimacy. Use the example below as a model

When assessing a source's legitimacy, you want to consider if it is current enough for your topic, if the writer has experiences/education that qualifies him/her as an expert , if the perspective presented is balanced or biased , AND if the article provides relevant/important information.

Example of what you will post for each of the two sources you will contribute to your group: === __NPR story arguing why space exploration is still important--Sybenga__  === []

National Public Radio interviewed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson about his new book titled: //Space Chronicles: Facing the Ultimate Frontier.// Tyson argues that the idea of space exploration can motivate the best and brightest of future generations to pursue careers in science and math, which will lead to innovations in all fields within science and technology. Because space captures the imagination of the general public, a renewed investment in our space program will cultivate a renewed commitment to the disciplines of science and math. Tyson claims that NASA is severely underfunded, citing the fact that right now, one year of military funding is equal to fifty years of NASA's budget. He also argues that studying problems on other planets (global warming on Venus and the depletion of water on Mars) will help humans to develop creative solutions to similar problems on planet Earth. He also insists that it is imperative to understand the cosmos because Earth is intimately enmeshed in the universe. To illustrate, he notes the relatively small probability of an asteroid crashing into the earth in the next twenty years. Tyson is an expert in the field who recently published a book on the topic, although he takes a strong perspective in favor of the merits of space exploration, without exploring its risks.

=  Please compose your summary and critical review offline, and then cut and paste the text below, as only one person can "EDIT" the page at once. =

[|http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/04/science/gene-altered-pig-project-in-canada-is-halted.html?_r=1&ref=geneticallymodifiedfood#] This article is by Andrew Pollack from the New York Times describing genetically engineered pigs, the “enviropig”, who would be less harmful to the environment than normal pigs. These “enviropigs” have been altered and were created using genetic material from mice and E. Coli. These “enviropigs” are able to digest phosphorus easier than a normal pig can, thus reducing the amount of phosphorus in its manure. Though there are already sixteen of these genetically engineered pigs, neither farmers nor industries are willing to put them on the market. Because of this, the “enviropigs” are to be killed, but frozen semen from these pigs will be saved in case industries are interested in the future. ** Engineering Food for All-Esther Yi ** [|http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/19/opinion/genetically-engineered-food-for-all.html?ref=geneticallymodifiedfood#] This article is by Nina V. Fedoroff from the New York Times published onAugust 18, 2011. Though it was from a couple months ago, it still pertains to today, describing how there are more and more starving people every day, with one solution that will help fix it; genetically engineered foods. Genetically engineered foods will not only solve this problem, but it will also help the environment; genetically engineered foods have helped reduced the need for till farming, and the need for pesticides, causing less detrimental runoff into streams and other bodies of waters. The European Union has spent millions and millions of dollars to study the safety of GMO’s, and now know that genetically engineered crops, such as modified soybeans and corn, are not dangerous.
 * Move to Market Gene-Altered Pigs in **** Canada **** Is Halted-Esther Yi **

__**Genetically Modified Grass Could Make Superweed Problem Worse-Patrick Fowler**__ [] This is an article by Wired, a scientific magazine, that describes the problems with a genetically modified grass nicknamed "bluegrass." The grass in question is produced by Scotts Miracle-Gro, is herbicide-resistant, and "will survive extra doses of Roundup, allowing more than usual to be applied." Also, with consistent use, it is more like that that "somebody's weeds will become resistant. That's standard, agreed-upon science." The grass is considered welcomed in lawns, but the other 499 species of its genus are considered weeds, introducing the factor of herbicide resistance to similar plants that one would not want to be herbicide resistant.

[] This is an article by Wired, a scientific magazine, that gives different reactions to the creation of the first genetically modified human embryo. There are pluses and minuses to this, as "modified embryos could be used to research human diseases," but also "entail trial-and-error and risk-taking with human life." Though "adding a fluorescent protein was not aimed at enhanced," the ability to inject and thus alter a human embryo brings about many ethical questions.
 * __The First Genetically Modified Human Embryo: Advance or Abomination?-Patrick Fowler__**

National Geographic: Organic Versus GMO- Sarah Kinney []

This is an article written in National Geographic magazine. It discusses the different concepts of naturally grown, unmodified foods and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO). The article defines each, and gives brief descriptions of federal regulations and criterion. It also gives arguments in favor and in protest of each type of food. Some of the subtexts include Environmental Issues and Organic Systems, Environmental Issues and GMOs, and organic regulations.

National Geographic: Food: How Altered? – Sarah Kinney []

This is an article that answers some frequently asked questions about genetically altered foods. The article Interviews scientists, specifically plant biochemists, about different aspects of biochem and Genetic modification. Afterward, it does a Q&A about GMOs and their effects on everyday lives. Some of the questions answered include; How long have we been genetically altering our food? Who's eating biotech foods? Are biotech foods safe for humans? And Can biotech foods harm the environment?

This is an article by the NY Times describing criticisms of a study made by scientists which developed a version of the avian flu that could be transmitted among mammals. The article describes how many in the science community are concerned by the World Health Organization's decision to publish such findings which could possibly allow terrorists and amateur biologists to accomplish the same feat, spreading a deadly flu virus amongst the population. There are very real concerns here, because the genetic modification of diseases to make them more potent is the converse situation to the positive side which allows for better vaccines. Nonetheless, the provision allowing the findings to become public is troubling.
 * __ Amateurs Are New Fear in Creating Mutant Virus -Harrison Blackman __**
 * [] **

http://www.forbes.com/sites/timworstall/2011/09/02/genetic-modification-proof-that-gm-is-good-for-the-environment/ This is an article from Forbes that claims that sparing land from developers and utilizing lands specific for agriculture using Green Revolution-style genetic modification in fact is less harmful to the environment and more efficient than if land was shared with wildlife in the organic-farming module, citing a study from the Guardian. While this article only represents a small, subjective statistical comparison, it offers a different view and counterpoint to the conventional wisdom, always worth a look.
 * __ Genetic Modification: Proof that GM is Good for the Environment -Harrison Blackman __**

Genetically Modified Foods and Organisms- Elizabeth Yimam

__[]__ This article by the human genome project gives background on genetic modification. It explains what genetically modified foods are, and how they have become increasingly popular worldwide. Although there are several benefits such as “Enhanced taste and quality” these foods are controversial because they may have side affects. They have potential to harm human health which is the reason we must be careful in deciding whether or not to continue producing them

Genetically Modified Foods: Are They a Risk to Human/Animal Health- Elizabeth Yimam http://www.actionbioscience.org/biotech/pusztai.html#fullbio This article was written by Arpad Pusztai who has a degree in chemistry and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry. He emphasizes how more scientific research should be conducted on genetically modified foods because their is little information about their health risks. The technology present today does not have the ability to assess potential harm. Genetically modified foods can carry unpredictable toxins and may increase the risk of allergenic reactions. The author believes people should not consume them without knowing its potential risks.

[] This article examines the pros and cons of genetically modified food. It also gives some background information regarding the topic and talks about the present day interest in it. The article goes into more detail by listing both the advantages of genetically modified (GM) food and the disadvantages. The advantages, as it states, include "pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, disease resistance, cold tolerance, drought tolerance, salinity tolerance, nutrition, pharmaceuticals, and phytoremediation". Some of the disadvantages include that there are environmental hazards, human health risks and economic concerns. The article then goes on to explain how the government plays a role in the genetic modification of food and the problems that come with labeling the GM food. The author concludes the article by stating that " Genetically-modified foods have the potential to solve many of the world's hunger and malnutrition problems, and to help protect and preserve the environment by increasing yield and reducing reliance upon chemical pesticides and herbicides. Yet there are many challenges ahead for governments, especially in the areas of safety testing, regulation, international policy and food labeling."
 * Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful? -Anahita Verahrami**

[] This article gives new insight into genetic modification today. It explains how "researchers used cloning technology to introduce human genes into the DNA of Holstein dairy cows before the genetically modified embryos were implanted into surrogate cows". This resulted in the cows producing "human" milk instead of the regular milk we buy at grocery stores. This new milk has the same properties as human breast milk and "contains high quantities of key nutrients that can help boost the immune system of babies and reduce the risk of infections". The same researchers also said that "having antimicrobial proteins in the cows milk can also be good for the animals by helping to reduce infection of their udders". But there are many problems for the transgenic cows as well as only 26 of the 42 transgenic calves born, survived. And until clinical trials are done, nobody knows for sure if the milk is truly safe for human consumption. This topic faces a lot of criticism from welfare groups as well but a lot of support from the ever-growing field of genetic modification too. In sum, the genetic modification of food "has become a highly controversial subject".
 * Genetically modified cows produce 'human' milk: Anahita Verahrami**

[] This article is off a website by the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals and was written by the Center for Genetics and Society so it is credible and reliable. It goes over the basic information necessary for genetic modification. It talks about the process of human cloning and the difference between therapeutic cloning and reproductive cloning, and also gives reasons for opposition of both the cloning processes. Then, the article moves onto genetic engineering and the distinction between somatic genetic engineering and germline engineering. It also talks about an alternative to germline genetic engineering which is pre-implantation diagnosis and selection. In the article, the pre-implantation diagnosis and selection is favored over germline genetic engineering because germline genetic engineering may seem unacceptable within some societies. Overall, the article goes over the key points of human cloning and genetic modification to give a quick overview of the facts one should know before going through with either process.
 * Human Cloning and Genetic Modification** - **Helen Kim**

[] This article is from the World Health Organization website. The WHO deals with health issues within the United Nations and is therefore a reputable and reliable organization. This article pretty much answers 20 specific questions giving a brief insight into what genetically modified food means. The questions are as follows:
 * 20 questions on genetically modified foods - Helen Kim**
 * 1) What are genetically modified organisms and foods?
 * 2) Why are GM foods produced?
 * 3) Are GM foods assessed differently from traditional foods?
 * 4) How are the potential risks to human health determined?
 * 5) What are the main issues of concern for human health?
 * 6) How is a risk assessment for the environment performed?
 * 7) What are the issues of concern for the environment?
 * 8) Are GM foods safe?
 * 9) How are GM foods regulated nationally?
 * 10) What kind of GM foods are on the market internationally?
 * 11) What happens when GM foods are traded internationally?
 * 12) Have GM products on the international market passed a risk assessment?
 * 13) Why has there been a concern about GM foods among some politicians, public interest groups and consumers, especially in Europe?
 * 14) How has this concern affected the marketing of GM foods in the EU?
 * 15) What is the state of public debate of GM foods in other regions around the world?
 * 16) Are people's reactions related to the different attitudes to foods in various regions?
 * 17) Are there implications for the rights of farmers to own their crops?
 * 18) Why are certain groups concerned about the growing influence of the chemical industry on agriculture?
 * 19) What further developments can be expected in the area of GMOs?
 * 20) What is WHO doing to improve the evaluation of GM foods?

== [|Orange, grapefruit trees carrying spinach genes look promising in fight against citrus scourge] - Niloofar Baghai ==

[] The article from the //Associated Press// discusses how genetic engineering has allowed scientists to revive the citrus industry through the use of a spinach gene. A scientist from Texas A&M’s Texas AgriLife Research and ExtensionCenter plans to put a pair of “bacteria-fighting proteins naturally occurring in spinach” into citrus trees to fight a disease known as citrus greening. Citrus greening occurs when a bacteria reproduces and spreads through an infected tree’s vascular system making it “difficult to take up water and nutrients.” In April, many orange and grapefruit trees developed by Texas plant pathologist Erik Mirkov will be planted near Lake Okeechobee in South Florida to see how genetically engineering the oranges will alter their growth in a “commercial citrus grove.” Southern Gardens Citrus President Rick Kress hopes that Mirkov’s plan will greatly decrease the citrus greening and greatly improve the citrus industry.

= Environmental groups call for tighter regulation of ‘extreme genetic engineering’- Niloofar Baghai =

[] The article, from the //Washington Post//, by Brian Vastag discusses various environmental groups’ outrage over increased use of genetic engineering in foods. Many environmental groups have created a coalition, led by the environmental advocacy group Friends of the Earth, against the use of “extreme genetic engineering.” The coalition is primarily concerned that genetic engineering can threaten both ecosystems, and human health. Vastag claims that although genetic engineering, a process that began in the 1970s has led to several breakthroughs, like “pest-resistant crops, [and] bacteria that produce human insulin,” the effects of genetic modification should be further investigated before it is regularly practiced.

[] - Hannah Ng Genetic engineering of animals: Ethical issues, including welfare concerns In this article the ethics behind Genetic Modification are addressed. The article also talks more about what Genetic Modification really is. It gives examples of uses of Genetic Modification in the field of animals, but branches out (but not limited) to companion and farm animals. However, the main purpose of the article is the current ethical issues and welfare concerns about using Genetic Engineering and Modification on animals. It raises up several concerns and provides further links and resources to other sites to do with the topic. The article is reliable, as it is published by NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information). However the authors come from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, so they may be more biased towards animals and may be seeking to help animals more.

[] – Hannah Ng Genetically Engineering Food For All In this article, Nina V. Fedoroff (an Op-Ed Contributor), a previous science and technology advisor to the secretary of state and current biology professor at Pennsylvania State University talks about why Genetic Modified foods should be given to all. Because she is an Op-Ed contributor, the article is mostly based off her own opinions, and is therefore biased, but she is credible as it is published on the NY Times. However, she does give valid reasons for why the government should hasten “the development of genetically modified crops.” To backup her argument, she provides the benefits of these new crops, in the farming industry, environment and economy. Furthermore she talks about how there seems to be no scientific evidence to prove that Genetically Modified foods are a hazard.

 [|http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/12/business/12corn.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&ref=geneticallymodifiedfood&adxnnlx=1334031049-JAQ0l/TgRsKTqc9xJMZ5uQ#] - Elina Levit This is an article by the New York Times discussing how genetically modified corn is used to make the process to convert to ethanol easier. It assures that the new enzyme “ will increase ethanol output while reducing the use of water, energy and chemicals in the production process” thus being economically friendly. The corn was also met The Agriculture Departments requirements in that it would not harm plants like pests would. It was even previously found safe to consume by the Food and Drug Administration. There are some concerns though by farmers and big name companies such as General Mills that the new corn can be bad for business, “ one amylase corn kernel mixed with 10,000 conventional kernels could be enough to weaken the corn starch and disrupt food processing operations” meaning exports would have to be recalls and disrupt exports. What the new corn product has been able to do though is that it increased ethanol production by 8 percent and reduced natural gas consumption in an ethanol plant in Oakley Kansas.
 * U.S. Approves Corn Modified for Ethanol **

[] -Elina Levit
 * Ethical Issues and Concerns **
 * This is a PowerPoint presentation which informs readers as to what GMO’s are and if they are harmful or provide benefits. It is reliable since it is from Harvard University. It explains how GMO’s are being regulated and explains the effects of GMO’s on the environment such as cross-pollination and resistant pests, but at the same time talks about the benefits such as soil conservation and less weeds. This is unbiased since it talks about GMO’s in a general sense and is informative rather than opinionated like an article would be. **

Scientists warn EPA about Monsanto 'rootworm resistant' corn – Ann [] Anne Sewell of the Digital Journal writes about corn that has been genetically modified to be “rootworm resistant”, but is now losing its resistance, resulting in widespread crop failure. The modification’s loss of effectiveness combined with its higher production costs have undermined the resilience of the crop. When people rely on genetic modification rather than insecticides to protect crops from harmful agents, they will become more resistant and more modifications and money will have to be developed and spent to keep up with the rapid adaptation of diseases and insects. As Sewell states, “if you mess with nature, nature will always adjust to fight back”.

The Very Real Danger of Genetically Modified Foods – Ann [] TheAtlantic’s Ari LeVaux talks about the potential harm of micro RNA that people ingest with their genetically modified foods. Researchers have found the miRNA can be responsible for influencing gene regulation. If such genetically modified crops are designed to kill insects by shutting certain genes off, and if these genes can survive in a human, then it is possible that they may have similar effects on different hosts. Although some claim that external DNA is no hazard, LeVaux states that it is best if we approach advancements in technology, namely genetic manipulation, with caution.

[] This is an article by Kerryn Sakko, an undergraduate student at Adelaide University in Australia. She studies chemical engineering, is a member of the Youth Science Forum, and represented her country at the APEC Youth Science Forum in Singapore. The article discusses both the benefits and the risks of genetically modifying food. On the pro-genetic modification side, crops can become herbicide resistant and overall of higher quality and can be engineered to be more economically effective in their growth (i.e. crops that ripen faster). On the other hand, genetically modified crops may cause risks to the environment and food web (i.e. may pass on engineered traits to other organisms such as weeds) as well as to humans if genetically modified foods are wrongly used or cause harm to humans (i.e. disease, toxins, allergens). Based on the Sakko’s credentials, she is not an expert on the subject but she is involved in this area of study and she cites many reliable sources, so the article is legitimate. Though the author is involved heavily in the science community, the article does not show bias toward either side as it explores both the benefits and risks that genetic modification pose. This article is from 2002, so it is likely that there is new information on the topic that this article does not address.
 * The Debate Over Genetically Modified Foods – Brady Gunnarsson **

[] This article was written by Steven Druker, the Executive Director of the Alliance for Bio-Integrity, an organization that aims to educate the public about the potential negative impacts of technology on nature. They are primarily focused on genetically engineered food and the risk it poses on nature and the public. The article explores the risks of genetically engineering food and the reasons that this practice is unsafe. Druker first explains the fallacy of equating genetic modification with traditional breeding practices, and from this basis explains the danger of chemically altering organisms, citing a few reliable studies. He also explains how government oversight of genetic modification practices has been lacking and goes on the cite examples of death and disease caused by this practice. This article is definitely biased as the author only looks at one side of the argument and his organization focuses on the dangers of this type of technology. The article is from 2004 so it is recent enough that the information is relevant.
 * WHY CONCERNS ABOUT HEALTH RISKS OF GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FOOD ARE SCIENTIFICALLY JUSTIFIED -- Brady Gunnarsson **

Mosquito Bred to Fight Dengue Fever Shows Promise in a Field Test
 * Erik Blanco**

http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/ovic/NewsDetailsPage/NewsDetailsWindow?displayGroupName=News&disableHighlighting=true&prodId=OVIC&action=e&windowstate=normal&catId=&documentId=GALE|A271208868&mode=view

In the New York Times article, a report release by Dr. Alphey, a zoology researcher at Oxford, supporting genetically modification(GM) because it was was killing mosquito before they were adults. Mosquito, which are know to carry dengue fever and Malaria, were genetically modified to kill their new born before they reach adulthood. The genes are being pass around to other mosquito so that it could control their population.