I hope to be studying
Plant science at the university of Nottingham, and the idea of food security
greatly interests me. With
a growing global population, food security has become a very important issue,
greater yields of crops are going to be needed in order to feed this
population. Also with an ever changing climate the need for more “hardy” crops
has become a real issue. With
droughts and other drastic climate extremes, resistant crops are needed.
The subject of
Genetic modification is also one that is very relevant and heated. Many people
are passionate on this topic and show very strong views.
Therefore I believe
it to important topic to blog about.
I am following because honestly I don't understand why people are so upset. I'm pro-technology so I am all for things that help people. What are people afraid of?
ReplyDeletewell beyond the ethical issues, the legal issues become very problematic. Monsanto produces "Roundup ready" crops that are herbicide resistant, and have a patent for them. If somehow those seeds end up on a farm through cross-pollination or some other means (which can happen, it's how nature works), Monsanto can then sue that farm for patent infrigement.
DeleteThey've also researched the idea of a "terminator gene", which prevents seed formation, which would prevent farmers from saving seed at the end of each season. They've since agreed not to commercialize the terminator gene. If that gene were to spread into wild strains, it could be disastrous.
why did they start researching terminator genes in the first place? seems like there isnt any harm in saving seeds at the end of a season
DeleteI'm at least partially against technology in general, so I can't really provide an answer regarding specific concerns towards genetic modification alone but I guess the most common ones could be:
Delete1) What happens if knowledge/technology falls in the wrond hands and is used to develop (let's say) weapons of mass destruction?
2) Genetic modifications could radically influence the process of natural selection and ultimately affect biodiversity in a negative way.
Nice blog and nice topic by the way.
terminator genes are there so farmers can't save seed. They'd have to buy their seed every year, so more money for those companies
DeleteI have seen what Monsanto has done and that is definitely a scary thought if they were to try to patent organs.
ReplyDeleteso many people are stubborn
ReplyDeleteinteresting post
ReplyDeleteVery nice!
ReplyDeleteim not so sure about genetic modified foods, im a farmer and im not sure if i believe it will be healthy in the long run.
ReplyDelete"I have seen what Monsanto has done and that is definitely a scary thought if they were to try to patent organs."
ReplyDeleteperhaps it could save someones life though, creepy of course
Thanks to people like you our civilisation can develop. Kudos!
ReplyDeleteAn interesting subject, look forward to seeing more from you in the coming months.
ReplyDeletecool blog...consider yourself followed (wink)
ReplyDeleteInteresting post Just watched unknown last night where the scientist comes up with a crop that can be grown in any climate to see something along those lines would truly be great.
ReplyDeleteIt's good some people are still caring about others
ReplyDeletehave you ever made love to any produce?
ReplyDeleteVery good subject, will be following you :)
ReplyDeleteHmm... interesting stuff u got here
ReplyDeletePlant science is a really interesting subject. You can learn a lot and help very many people by optimizing food production and crops.
ReplyDeleteWhether genetic engineering is a path that's worth following, I don't know, only future can tell, whether it's safe enough and can provide people with healthy food.
This is truly interesting, you've gained another follower!
ReplyDelete