Recent research shows that organic and non-GMO labels raise the prices of food. Avoiding unnecessary labels means a smaller grocery bill.
Category: Science & Society
The scary truth behind fear of GMOs
A recent survey shows that fear of GMOs is increasing. This post examines potential causes and impacts of the fear of GMOs.
What biotechnology issues resonate with students?
What should non-experts know about genetic technologies in order to make informed decisions? I conducted a study to answer these questions, and here is what I found.
Give Silenced Crops your Voice!
For decades, the people who depend upon papayas have been in trouble. One of their greatest challenges has been the devastating papaya ringspot virus, which has defied conventional approaches to management and eradication. In the 1980s and 90s, plant scientists…
Why aren’t GMOs tested on humans?
A very common question or criticism of GMOs is that they are not properly tested, particularly on humans. Some individuals believe that GMOs should be tested the same way drugs are tested. I've read comments such as "I won't believe…
How Pat Roberts’ bill could actually result in labeling GMOs
Last week, Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kansas) introduced a bill to the US Senate Agricultural Committee that concerns labeling genetically engineered foods, or GMOs. The main thrust of the bill seeks to pre-empt state legislatures from creating their own unique label…
BBC Panorama on cultivating GMO fear
I just got around to watching the June 8, 2015 episode of BBC's Panorama, which focused on genetically engineered crops. Not willing to let the debate be handed over to softball questions or shouting matches, they handled it in true…
GMOs and Patents: Part 3 – Lawsuits for inadvertent contamination
This post examine whether there have been cases of lawsuits brought against farmers for unknowingly using GE seeds or inadvertent contamination.
GMOs and Patents: Part 2 – Lawsuits against Farmers
A look at high-profile lawsuits against farmers for replanting GE seeds.
GMOs and Patents: Part 1 – Terminator Genes
This is the first of three posts examining the topic of GMOs and patents. As the first post in the series, I'll provide an overview on the topic of patents and will describe the concept of "terminator genes"; the second…