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¶ … biotechnology and bioethics can be as controversial as genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Reasons for the controversy include misinformation and mistrust of the existing data. One of the problems with existing data is the dearth of longitudinal studies. Longitudinal studies are especially important for studying the long-term effects of GMOs on either people or the ecosystem. Another problem with existing data is funding sources and conflict of interest, which is rarely recorded by researchers in any systematic way. However, the vast majority of existing studies on GMOs show no cause for immediate alarm and do show promise for the potential of GMOs to promote social welfare.
Klumper and Qaim conduct a meta-analysis of 147 original studies from around the world. The research contributes to a growing body of evidence substantiating the efficacy and safety of GMOs. This research takes into account the most recent evidence from a broader geographic area than prior research. To be included in the meta-analysis, the studies needed to be based on primary source data (and thus, not be meta-analyses in their own right) or on direct field trials. Moreover, the researchers sought to investigate specifically the impact on GMOs on local pesticide use. Pesticide use has a number of known deleterious consequences that have been proven in empirical research, whereas the use of GMOs have no known deleterious consequences that have been elucidated in prior...
Therefore, the authors set out to establish whether the benefits of GMOs outweigh the drawbacks, particularly in light of the fact that using GMOs might ostensibly reduce dependence on harmful pesticides. The consumer and the farmer both benefit from the use of GMOs if it means lessening the quantity of pesticides in the food chain and affected ecosystems.
The focus for the Klumper & Qaim (2014) research includes herbicide-tolerant (HT) soybeans, maize/corn, and cotton. The research also addressed insect-resistant (IR) maize/corn and cotton. Reasons for selecting these GMOs in particular is the wide range and availability of studies on these substances. The research questions include the impacts of the aforementioned GMOs on the following dependent variables: crop yield, pesticide quantity used, total costs of production, and profitability for the farmer. Intervening variables investigated include geographic location and the methodologies used in the studies. The researchers found "large and significant" agricultural and economic benefits of GMOs in terms of crop yields, profit gains (especially in developing countries), and reduced pesticide reliance. In spite of the limitations in the studies and known biases, the conclusions generally support the use and promotion of GMOs. Future research should exclude obviously biased research.
The Van Eenennaam and Young study focuses exclusively on GMOs used in livestock food,…
Works Cited
Klumper, Wilhelm and Qaim, Matin. "A meta-analysis of the impacts of genetically modified crops." PLOS ONE 9(11), Nov 2014.
Van Eenennaam, A.L. and Young, A.E. "Prevalence and Impacts of Genetically Engineered Feedstuffs on Livestock Populations." American Society of Animal Science.
GMO producers also feel that this would give consumers the impression that GMOs are unhealthy or unsafe and that non-GMO crops are preferred (Raab & Grobe, 2003). Valid scientific evidence is lacking as to whether GMOs are healthy or unhealthy in the long run. However, support is building for the position that regardless of the outcome, consumers have the right to know and to make an informed decision. Producers in
Reliance on GMOs and Biotechnology and Potential Environmental and Health Consequences The modern consumer may not be aware of what it is that he or she is actually buying when they go out to the grocery store. When they pick up an apple or tomato, they might very well be purchasing a myriad of chemicals which the producers of that product have inserted into the food. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are
FSMA Preventative Controls Rule and GMO Labeling Introduction During his campaign Donald Trump pledged to roll back regulations. Upon entering the White House, President Trump made good on that promise with the January 30, 2017, Executive Order (EO) entitled “Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs.” The EO directed federal agencies to abolish two regulations for every new regulation implemented (PMA, 2017). In terms of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), food
Journal ArticlesGene TherapyAccording to the National Human Genome Research Institute (2022), �gene therapy is a technique that uses a gene(s) to treat, prevent or cure a disease or medical disorder.� It is a novel approach to medicine that has been pursued in hopes of preventing genetic diseases and disorders. However, some ethical issues apply. For instance, because gene therapy is so new and costly, what happens if it is successful
, 2005). In addition, the workload on clinicians is often increased past the point of reasonable because it is too intrusive and time consuming to document patient encounters during clinic time (Grabenbauer, Skinner, and Windle, 2011). The amount of information that can accumulate in a patient's record from multiple sources can be daunting and lead to information overload. CDS alerts can be so common that clinicians begin to ignore them.
It has been argued that GMOs are needed in order to supply the world's food needs. However, cautionary positions by environmental groups must be heeded as well. Technology must move forward and concentrate on underserved areas of the world. However, technology must be cautious in its actions and make certain that what they produce is safe. This issue has extremists on both ends of the spectrum. What is needed is