The article “Exposed: The Great GM Crops Myth” published by The Independent is surprising, and at first glance looks like it could be about significant research indicating that genetic engineering has unforeseen yield decreases. However, I’m not very good at…
Category: Commentary
Brain doping to further science
The 10 April Nature presents the results of a survey that aimed to determine how many scientists are using cognition enhancing drugs. Caffeine is of course the most widely used stimulant, but it seems that quite a few people are…
Reason: as in rational thought
Reason magazine has always had rational articles on technology, including genetic engineering. Their commenters are also surprisingly lucid, understanding that technology can be used to help people live better lives while also protecting the world around us. A recent article…
Counterpoint and counterpoint to the ISAAA report on biotech crops
Reason's science correspondent Ronald Bailey has written an amusing retort to the Friends of the Earth report "Who benefits from biotech crops?" As expected, the FoE twist the facts and call scientists liars, in their attempts to sweep the ISAAA…
Read More Counterpoint and counterpoint to the ISAAA report on biotech crops
GMOs are not monsters
London's Times Online had a great editorial about GMOs this past week, called "Frankenstein foods are not monsters." It's a sort of wake-up call to England and Europe, saying that the benefits of genetic engineering far outweigh hypothetical dangers that…
GM: Alternative to pesticides
Some pesticides are, frankly, frightening. As a DoD certified Pest Controller, I was taught the history, usage, and dangers of herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, etc. so I say this with some authority. Our instructors would joke about "methyl-ethyl-death", referring especially to…
Patents prevent development of GMOs
Once a transgene is designed and created, getting it into plant cells is surprisingly simple. There are two main ways to transform plants: the gene gun and Agrobacterium tumifaciens. The gene gun literally shoots tiny gold particles coated in DNA…
Just one misconception
I just got back from a visit with a nutritionist. I generally make good choices, but wanted to get concrete numbers for what my daily fat, protein, and carb intakes should be. She was really nice, and was candid enough…