Kelley's Ed Tech Blog

BLOGS IN MY FUTURE CLASSROOM

The classroom study of biological sciences has relevance for understanding issues facing society now and in the future.

One such issue is the use of biogenetics (DNA genetic engineering) in the food supply. Opponents of genetically modified foods warn of unforeseen problems. “Frankenfoods” is a term activists have used to describe foods derived from GMOs (genetically modified organisms). The controversial use of genetically engineered growth hormone bovine somatotropin (BST) to increase the milk production in dairy cows has come under sharp criticism. The practice is widespread in the United States, but illegal in Canada and many European countries. Consumers’ fears about consuming dairy products enhanced through this process are evident by the many grocery stores now carrying organic milk due to consumer demand. Parents express concern that girls are developing too young and that males might develop effeminate characteristics from consuming BST products with milk-producing growth hormones. BST also increases the likelihood of cows developing mastitis which is an infection of the udder. The cows’ utters are injected with antibiotics to treat and prevent the infections, and scientists are concerned that humans might develop resistance to antibiotics by drinking milk from these cows. BST cows are also prone to infertility and lameness and have a much lower life expectancy than normal cows. Major grocery stores now stock and sell large quantities of organic milk. It is also interesting that some grocery stores have also been selling their own line of organic milk and other organic products. This is an obvious result of response to the profitability of consumer supply and demand for organic food products.
Although U.S. government regulators have determined that there is no evidence that GMO foods are unsafe to eat, they recognize the need for more research on environmental and safety issues. However, on the international level the U.N. gave importing countries the right to deny entry of any GMOs. International consumers actually have greater protections from health and environmental risks associated with genetically modified foods. Many countries prohibit the importation of dairy products from the United States. The Protocol of Biosafety is an international treaty which requires exporting nations to notify importers when products contain genetically modified organisms. However, the United States is the leading producer of genetically modified foods, yet there is no requirement to notify domestic consumers.

I would like students to be able to relate their study of biological sciences to issues facing society through involvement with this blog. Students should post their views about this topic. Feel free to discuss any positive benefits, such as increased food productivity in third world nations. I recommend that students try to get both sides of the controversy. Students can search for websites of companies that research and develop GMOs for information tending to justify the process. Government websites such as the FDA.gov will also have information. Environmental groups such as sierraclub.org will present concerns for possible risks associated with GMOs.