Category:Genetically Modified Organisms

Humans have been genetically modifying organisms since ancient times, when primitive farmers selectively bred plants and animals to encourage beneficial traits. In recent decades, we've taken this practice to a whole new level, altering organisms by directly manipulating their genomes. This has brought with it a new set of benefits, drawbacks and controversies, which are discussed in the items below. One major promise is that GMO's would reduce the need for chemicals, which has not really happened yet.

See also Food. Grist.org tends to have good coverage of the issue.

Infographic overview

SEED magazine debate 4/11. an older Pro-Con debate 2003

Argument Maps by Robert Horn at Stanford

News/Articles

Geneticists and bioengineers are currently exploring the possibility of growing meat in-vitro in laboratory conditions; this development could one day eliminate the need for livestock.

Organic seed savers in DC. Monsanto has sued hundreds of family farmers for patent infringement (see Food Inc documentary) because their fields were contaminated with GMO pollen or for trying to save seeds. Farmers have sued and protest.

A balanced discussion about the safety of GM foods by several experts.

An article comparing suspicion of GMOs to skepticism about Climate Change.

A report on genetically-modified salmon.}}

Prop 37 GMO labelling on November ballot lost; Mark Bittman's assessment. panel discussion (audio) 9/12. California fights for labels 2/12. Commonwealth Club discussion audio video 10/12.

Pesticide Use Proliferating With GMO Crops, Study Warns 10/12

Six French Science Academies Dismiss Study Finding GM Corn Harmed Rats 10/12

European researchers looked at the health effects of feeding Monsanto’s Roundup Ready corn to laboratory rats and their results were startling. (audio and text).

Monsanto's GMO Corn Linked To Organ Failure, Study Reveals 9/12.

An article that calls into question the above study.

GMO Debate Heats Up: Critics Say Biotech Industry Manipulating Genes, And Science. 9/12.

"Long term toxicity of a Roundup herbicide and a Roundup-tolerant genetically modified maize," Food and Chemical Toxicology, September 19, 2012 Link

Drought-tolerant seeds: Insurance policy for farmers or a big gamble? 9/12.

Malaria Resistant Mosquitoes: UC Irvine Scientists Create New Genetically Modified Mosquito. A non-GMO approach for Dengue Fever (audio) 6.12

Prop 37 on November ballot. panel discussion (audio) 9/12. California fights for labels 2/12

Frankenfish

Doug Gurian-Sherman, a molecular biologist with the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), has spent quite a bit of time investigating Monsanto's track record. In April 2009, he published "Failure to Yield," the only comprehensive study to date that separates genetic engineering's contribution from other factors that can increase yields. Overview article. 2/12

New study raises troubling questions 1/12

Monsanto expose 12/09

10/09 NYT debate, includes # Paul Collier, economist, Oxford University

1. Vandana Shiva, activist and author
2. Per Pinstrup-Andersen, professor of nutrition and public policy, Cornell
3. Raj Patel, Institute for Food and Development Policy
4. Jonathan Foley, University of Minnesota
5. Michael J. Roberts, economist, North Carolina State University

"Breadbasket of Democracy" by Ted Nace, Orion Magazine

BioHacking: people are creating new life in their garages. Should we be worried? Local example: videoof Biocurious.org

Video

Micha Peled’s documentary Bitter Seeds the final film in Peled’s “globalization trilogy,” exposes the havoc Monsanto has wreaked on rural farming communities in India, and serves as a fierce rebuttal to the claim that genetically modified seeds can save the developing world.

How to Tell if GMO's are in your food. 4/12

Fed up! : genetic engineering, industrial agriculture, and sustainable alternatives Using archival footage interspersed with interviews with farmers, scientists, government officials and activists, this video presents an overview of our food production system and explores the unintentional effects of pesticides, the resistance of biotechnology companies to food labeling and the links between government officials and major biotechnology and chemical companies. It answers many questions regarding genetic engineering, the Green Revolution, genetic pollution and modern pesticides. McHenry VT9048 excerpt

Paul Root Wolpe examines the ethical implications of new science -- genetic modification, neuroscience and other breakthroughs that stretch our current philosophy to the breaking point. TEDtalk 3/11

Transforming Food [videorecording] : a global look at genetic modification / a BBC production ; produced & directed by Michael Lachmann Hamilton, NJ. : Films for the Humanities & Sciences, c2009 McHenry DVD7434 excerpt

Craig Venter and team make a historic announcement: they've created the first fully functioning, reproducing cell controlled by synthetic DNA. He explains how they did it and why the achievement marks the beginning of a new era for science. TEDtalk video

The World According to Monsanto "directed by independent filmmaker Marie-Monique Robin, paints a grim picture of a company with a long track record of environmental crimes and health scandals."

Food Inc (i believe) deals with GMO's. Interview with director (video). Reading list

videoblog that gives overview of Union of Concerned Scientist report Failure to Yield 2009

What is genomics? How will it affect our lives? In this intriguing primer on the genomics revolution, entrepreneur Barry Schuler says we can at least expect healthier, tastier food. He suggests we start with the pinot noir grape, to build better wines.

Juan Enriquez challenges our definition of bioenergy. Oil, coal, gas and other hydrocarbons are not chemical but biological products, based on plant matter -- and thus, growable. Our whole approach to fuel, he argues, needs to change. TEDTalk video.

The World According to Monsanto

The Future of Food c2004 Film & Music DVD2936 (88 min.) In-depth investigation into unlabeled genetically-modified foods which have become increasingly prevalent in grocery stores. Unravels the complex web of market and political forces that are changing the nature of what we eat.

One Man, One Cow, One Planet

Jonathan Drori encourages us to save biodiversity -- one seed at a time. Reminding us that plants support human life, he shares the vision of the Millennium Seed Bank, which has stored over 3 billion seeds to date from dwindling yet essential plant species.TEDTalk video.

Audio

Why Monsanto did not see superweeds coming 3/12

Longnow Seminar. Pamela Ronald, Raoul Adamchak “Organically Grown and Genetically Engineered: The Food of the Future” Their book Tomorrow's Table Longnow.org

Drew Endy, Jim Thomas “Synthetic Biology Debate” [http://www.longnow.org/ Longnow.org 2008

Books

Seeds of Destruction: The Hidden Agenda of Genetic Manipulation Engdahl

Biopiracy: The Plunder of Nature and Knowledge by Vandana Shiva

Joy Hagen (College 8 Core instructor) has co-authored work on GMO's with other UCSC folk

Author of Seeds of Deception and Genetic Roulette, Jeffrey M. Smith is a widely popular spokesperson on the documented health risks of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and how biotech companies rig research, gag critics, hijack regulators, and spin fantastic unfulfilled promises. His Institute for Responsible Technology's Campaign for Healthier Eating in America is designed to achieve the tipping point of consumer rejection of GMOs to force them out of the food supply. The Campaign encourages public and private showings of the Monsanto film and offers support material at link. He lives in Fairfield, Iowa. His blog.

Blogs

Energy, Food, Environment College 8 Core instructor Dustin Mulvaney's blog often comments on GMO's