Genetically Modified Food and Crops Essay Example for Free

Genetically Modified Food and Crops Essay Abstract Since the 1980s scientists have been altering crops, including some of the food we eat (Fairly Gaskins, 2000). Genetically modified food has always been a concern for many people. I find the concerns to be unwarranted because there has never been a negative health report due to the fact of consuming GM foods. Biotechnology gives us the best means for solving the worlds food shortage now and in the future. Genetically modified crop plants are now grown on nearly 150 million acres in the United States alone, helping farmers to increase yields, reduce pesticide spraying, and save topsoil (Conko Miller, 2011). What are we actually eating? Looking at ingredients on the back of a product was almost considered out of the ordinary ten to fifteen years ago. But now it is one of the most important factors in the decision on whether or not a consumer will buy the product. In all the research I conducted there was never a proven harmful effect from genetic engineering. However, the benefits are scientifically proven which gives genetically modified crops the advantage over traditional farming. The proposed ideas and research by scientist show that a lot more can be done with GM food other than eating it. Globalization of GM crops is becoming apparent as well as GM crop commercialization. _Keywords: GM Food, GM Crops, Genetically engineered crops, Biotechnology, GM organisms. _ Genetically modified organisms can be defined as organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally. The technology is often called biotechnology and it allows selected individual genes to be transferred from one organism into another (World Health Organization, 2002). For more than twenty years of scientific, humanitarian, and financial success genetic engineering has been applied to agriculture. This has been accomplished without injury to a single person or damage to the ecosystem. However, activists are still fighting the use of genetically modified crops (Conko Miller 2011). Millions of people around the world suffer from malnutrition and with the steep projected increase of our worlds population in the next fifty years a change needs to be made. Genetically modified crops increase yield, nutrition and uses fewer pesticides all without proven negative effects. GM crops and all its benefits make it the gateway for the worlds agriculture success. Genetically modified crops are becoming the building blocks for agriculture advancements. Scientists are continually working to create more benefits for consumers as well as farmers. The main concern of GM foods is negative health risks however, they are actually more beneficial. GM foods have longer shelf life, contain higher nutritional value and are safer to eat. For example, GM corn has lower fungal toxin content then non-GM corn, and farmers typically produce GM crops using fewer pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers (Tyson, 2001). By drastically reducing the use of chemicals on the plants it provides a major improvement for the consumers safety and nourishment. Because scientists slightly tweak the DNA of the plants with other genes it is possible that food allergens may end up in GM products. Steve Taylor, a scientists at the University of Nebraska states that, the food-allergy threat is small because food engineers now avoid using genes from nuts and other common food allergens. The benefits of genetic engineering justify the risk (Fairley Gaskins 2000). Products from biotechnology are no less safe than traditionally bred crops. According to Dr. Prakash, genetically improved products are subjected to intensive testing, while conventional varieties have never been subjected to any such regulation for food safety or environmental impact (Prakash, 2000). Every GM food that is currently available on the international market has already passed risk assessments and is not likely to pose a risk for the consumers. No effects have been shown and GM foods will continue to be regulated in more and more countries (World Health Organization, 2002). GM crops are never expected to present a health risk and therefore should reassure government officials worldwide in the use of this technology. Another concern of GM technology is the effect it has on the environment. The environmental risks of biotechnology are also unidentified just like the health trepidations. No scientific evidence proves that GM crops are harmful to the environment. U. S. officials pointed out that scientists in Europe had been unable to find any evidence of added risk to human health or the environment from any GM crop variety developed to date. In fact, none of the studies by Europe found any scientific evidence of added harm to humans or the environment (Paarlberg, 2003). GM engineering will actually help the environment rather than harm it. In the U. S. alone farmers annually administer more than nine hundred seventy million tons of insect and plant killers. Now GM crops have the ability of containing their own insect and plant killing gene which means the farmers can use fewer chemicals (Tyson, 2001). To ensure that the environment is remaining safe, risk assessments are conducted for the GM product as well as the area in which the crop will grow (World Health Organization, 2002). Furthermore, the United Nations Environment Program has used funding for developing countries to implement biosafety regulations for GM crops. The UNEP wants these regulations implemented before any crop is planted no matter the cost or delay (Paarlberg, 2003). Since 2011, The U. S. Department of Agriculture has approved seventy four different GM crops. In each case the crops data was reviewed for several years and each concluded that they will have no significant environmental impact (Conko Miller 2011). These precautionary measures toward genetically modified crops allow the government to regulate farming actions and safeguard the environment. The initial reason GM organisms were created was to improve crop production. The GM crops currently on the market are mainly aimed at an increased level of crop protection through the introduction of resistance against plant diseases caused by insects or viruses or through increased tolerance towards herbicides (Tyson, 2001). Producers are getting a lot more for a lot less which translates to products with lower prices. The improved production of crops and technology accounts for the lowered costs and have forced tremendous competition in the herbicide and insecticide markets (Prakash, 2000). This also helps traditional farmers because it now allows them to buy these products at a cheaper cost. In fifty years the world population could exceed eleven billion people unfortunately, the current food supply is not expanding at the same rate. Because of this, GM crops need to expand and gain popularity over traditional farming. Global GM crop farming in 1999 covered about one hundred million acres (Tyson, 2001). Now, genetically modified crop plants are grown on nearly one hundred fifty million acres in the United States alone (Conko Miller 2011). These statistics show that GM crop farming is rapidly expanding and the benefits are obvious. Biotechnology and its productivity give us the best chance to safely solve the food needs of today and the future. Poor farmers in tropical countries face problems such as crop pests, drought and low soil fertility (Paarlberg, 2003). These are the people who annually struggle to produce enough food for their families. Bugs, drought and disease destroy many acres of farmland every year. Fortunately scientists are creating GM crops with built in resistance to insects and diseases. GM Crops are also being developed that can grow in deserts or near salt water which allows more area for farming (Fairley Gaskins, 2011). Because GM crops are now being built in with these resistances farmers wont experience huge financial setbacks caused by pests killing their plants. Since the majority of malnutrition people in the world live in developing countries this opens up the opportunity for them to increase crop yield and provide enough food for everyone. Also, in developing countries people often have to survive off a single staple that own its own doesnt supply sufficient amounts of nutrients. Food scientist hope to solve this problem by creating crops equipped with vitamins and minerals. According to Tyson, one of the most promising is golden rice, which can stimulate our bodies to generate vitamin A. In the developing world, vitamin-A deficiency kills two million children each year (Tyson, 2001). A development through GM foods may be able to save two million people which would be a life changing breakthrough. Scientists are also trying to perfect eatable vaccines. They are genetically adding vaccines to tomatoes and bananas, since traditional vaccines are expensive to manufacture and require specialized storage. Eatable vaccines, will be easier to transport, store, and administer in third world countries (Tyson, 2001). Biotechnology holds unlimited potential for areas of the world where poverty and poor agricultural conditions make farming challenging. The U. S. needs to ensure the people of these countries that GM food is safe and will be nothing but beneficial to their people. Genetic engineering is a crucial factor in agricultural productivity and if it continues to safely expand it could help meet the problematic food challenges that have already started. Genetic engineering holds great possibilities that could change the world. Simply peeling back a banana infused with antibiotics could be the next breakthrough science has to offer. Biotechnology continues to show safety is not an issue. GM farmers are now administering fewer chemicals on their crops. This reduces the amount of air pollution and water contamination in the environment. Genetic modifications were being made since farming started. Farmers always crossed bred the most successful plants year to year and without any concerns from the public. Today, scientist have a better understanding of how genetic modifications work making it safer for the consumers. However, government regulations are still implemented just for precautionary purposes. The United States is fortunate enough to grow numerous varieties of crops and also have the ability to choose the method of how they are grown. Unfortunately, not every country has these advantages. Genetically modified products allow these developing nations to grow crops at a more productive rate. Commercialization of genetically modified agriculture needs to be strictly monitored to make sure regulations are followed. Over industrialization of farming today is negatively viewed therefore making it essential that a golden mean is set for genetically modified products. BIBLIOGRAPHY: Fairley, P. , Gaskins, P. (2000). Food Fight!. _Scholastic Choices_, _15_(8), 16. CONKO, G. , MILLER, H. I. (2011). The Rush to Condemn Genetically Modified Crops. _Policy Review_, (165), 69-82. World Health Orginization.(2002). Retrieved from website: http://www. who. int/foodsafety/publications/biotech/20questions/en/index. html Tyson, P. T. (2001, April 12). _Harvest of fear_. Retrieved from http://www. pbs. org/wgbh/harvest/exist/ Prakash, C. (2000). Genetically engineered crops can feed the world!. Retrieved from http://www. 21stcenturysciencetech. com/articles/biotech. html Paarlberg, R. L. (2003). Reinvigorating genetically modified crops. _Issues in Science and Technology, 19_(3), 86-92. Retrieved from http://ezproxy. sju. edu/login? url=http://search. proquest. com/docview/195920735? accountid=14071.

A Comparison of Evil in Richard III, Titus, and Romeo and Juliet :: comparison compare contrast essays

Evil Within and Evil External in Richard III, Titus, and Romeo and Juliet  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Shakespeare's villains seem to fall into one of two categories: those who are villainous of heart (inherently and genuinely evil or Machiavellian) and those who are circumstantially turned antagonists. Richard III's carefully plotted plans to usurp the throne contrast heavily against Aaron's (of Titus Andronicus) rambling which contrasts with Aaron's lack of action. The motivations of these two characters are different however. Richard seizes the opportunity to take over the throne by Machiavellian means when presented with the opportunity. Aaron represents the evil presumed of a "godless moor," his character being a symbol as much as his skin colour particularly to an audience familiar with the conquests.    Tamora is truly more evil than Aaron. She is the one who commands her sons to rape and cut up Lavinia leaving her dishonoured, with two bloody stumps for hands and no tongue with which to tell the tale. Aaron suggests that he tutored the sons in their behaviour (Act V Scene I Lines 99-111): Indeed I was their tutor to instruct them. That coddling spirit had they from their mother, As sure as a card as ever won the set; That bloody mind I think they learn'd of me, As true a dog as ever fought at head. Well, let my deeds be witness of my worth: I train'd thy brethren to that guileful hole, Where the dead corpse of Bassianus lay; I wrote the letter that thy father found, And hid the gold that within that letter mentioned, Confederate with the queen and two sons; The audience never witnesses Aaron's supposed teachings however, nor is it likely that if he were to continue living as before that he would commit the acts he pledges himself to as he is to be hanged (Act V Scene I Lines 125-144). Aaron talks of evil and trickery, while Tamora lives its epitome, marrying herself into the queen-ship of the conquering tribe. When presented with his child Aaron does care for it, and only agrees to speak upon the condition that it shall be saved. This insight into his character makes him seem almost a worthier person than Titus who murders his own sons. The villain shows more care for his kin than the hero does for his. This serves to make Aaron a more realistic villain by making him more human. A Comparison of Evil in Richard III, Titus, and Romeo and Juliet :: comparison compare contrast essays Evil Within and Evil External in Richard III, Titus, and Romeo and Juliet  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Shakespeare's villains seem to fall into one of two categories: those who are villainous of heart (inherently and genuinely evil or Machiavellian) and those who are circumstantially turned antagonists. Richard III's carefully plotted plans to usurp the throne contrast heavily against Aaron's (of Titus Andronicus) rambling which contrasts with Aaron's lack of action. The motivations of these two characters are different however. Richard seizes the opportunity to take over the throne by Machiavellian means when presented with the opportunity. Aaron represents the evil presumed of a "godless moor," his character being a symbol as much as his skin colour particularly to an audience familiar with the conquests.    Tamora is truly more evil than Aaron. She is the one who commands her sons to rape and cut up Lavinia leaving her dishonoured, with two bloody stumps for hands and no tongue with which to tell the tale. Aaron suggests that he tutored the sons in their behaviour (Act V Scene I Lines 99-111): Indeed I was their tutor to instruct them. That coddling spirit had they from their mother, As sure as a card as ever won the set; That bloody mind I think they learn'd of me, As true a dog as ever fought at head. Well, let my deeds be witness of my worth: I train'd thy brethren to that guileful hole, Where the dead corpse of Bassianus lay; I wrote the letter that thy father found, And hid the gold that within that letter mentioned, Confederate with the queen and two sons; The audience never witnesses Aaron's supposed teachings however, nor is it likely that if he were to continue living as before that he would commit the acts he pledges himself to as he is to be hanged (Act V Scene I Lines 125-144). Aaron talks of evil and trickery, while Tamora lives its epitome, marrying herself into the queen-ship of the conquering tribe. When presented with his child Aaron does care for it, and only agrees to speak upon the condition that it shall be saved. This insight into his character makes him seem almost a worthier person than Titus who murders his own sons. The villain shows more care for his kin than the hero does for his. This serves to make Aaron a more realistic villain by making him more human.

Explain the Principal Sociological Perspectives Essay

The functionalist approach in regard to health and ill health came from Talcott Parsons. Talcott Parsons urged that people must be health for the society to function well. He continued to verify that illness is a form of unaccepted behaviour and people who are ill play the sick role. Moreover, his approach towards these members is that the state comes with responsibilities. The rights that are related with the sick role include; People expect to be excluded from normal roles for that period of time. or duties e. g. work, house chores and also to be nurtured. The family play an important role in caring for the sick person. Responsibility of the sick role is; the sick person has to take good care of wellbeing in order to recover and return to normal duties. The functionalist contrast with the with government views regarding illness, that the society will be ineffective with sick people. Major strategies must be considered for the society to function. The Marxist approach: Concerning health, illness and health and social care services that are offered, the Marxist conform that this is an advantage to those in the high class. The government continue to allow advertisement of products that cause ill health and junk food. Moreover, factories manufacture dangerous products and cars cause air pollution. The functionalist view ill health as something that happen any time, whereas theorists say ill heath is a result of differences in the society. For example in areas of poverty there is high rate of unemployment. The government play a small role to eradicate issues that are associated with illness. Therefore people who are privileged benefit in the society. The Interactionist or social action approach: The interactionist approach is focused on the steps that an individual say about the illness, whether the illness existed or not. There are people who are seriously and do not consider themselves to be ill. There can be consequences to the sick person of being labelled ill. The interationists do not consider structures and institutions. However, they look on difficult relationships between people. Family, friends and professionals influence the individual’s declaration of being ill. The interactionist was criticised of leaving the causes of illness and focus on relationships and negotiations that occur. The approach ignores medical reports and environmental factors like depression, poverty and pollution. Concept of health Health is the state when there is no disease. Parson explained health which was proposed by the Who in 1974, as the condition of being physically, intellectual and spiritually fit. The absence of disease received negative report that gives no attention to individual’s physical, emotional and intellectual health. Car providers apply the holistic approach to care and support heath care users. Health care providers view themselves to deal with needs of patients instead of recognised matters. Three strands that were identified by Blaxter are; positive – when a person is fit and well: negative – health is being without pain or discomfort and functional – health is the ability to carry out daily tasks. Models of health Biomedical model The biomedical model originated from Western countries, the model supports the National Health Services. Health is considered as disease not found and professional help is required. The aim of professionals is to treat illness and the model so not focus on patients. Sociologists say look less on environmental factors that may cause ill health. The biomedical model focuses on the ill person instead of environmental and social factors. The biomedical model relates with the functionalist perspective. The functionalist perspectives say that illness cause the society be ineffective. The sick role has responsibilities to cooperate with the medical doctors. The socio-medical model The socio-medical model of health pays attention on environmental and social factors that lead to health in in the community. Researchers obtained information that life expectancy has increased and death rate is falling. The National Health Services provide free medical services. The report support that social factors cause ill health. The socio-medical model fits with the conflict theorists. Conflict theorists identified that there is lower life expectancy and increasing rates of illness people with low income and areas of poverty. Less privileged people have a poor diet and they live in areas where there is pollution. Although politicians identify plans to help people with illness they do not want to contribute. Biomedical model look on diagnosis, whereas the socio-medical focus on environmental factors that cause illness.

Essay on Battle of Jutland - 1948 Words

The Battle of Jutland nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Considered by most to be the greatest naval fleet battle during World War I, the Battle of Jutland was the largest and last full-blown conflict between massive fleets consisting of battle cruisers, dreadnoughts, and destroyers. Despite the fact that Jutland changed nothing strategically within the war, it is still known as being one of the most significant battles in naval history. But this battle was also one that ended with many questions and controversies that have been written about and discussed throughout the years following, even to present day. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Jutland commenced on May 31, 1916, after the commander of the German High Seas Fleet, Reinhard Scheer,†¦show more content†¦Led by Rear Admiral Hugh Evan-Thomas, M.V.O., in Barham, this squadron supported us brilliantly and effectively.† This statement implies that, although Beatty could have taken other actions that may have resulted with different outcomes, overall his procedures were not as â€Å"controversial† as Rubin has made them out to be. Meanwhile, as Beatty and his battle cruisers continued northward, they began angling north-northeast, while Jellicoe and the dreadnoughts began moving southeast in six columns with an armored cruiser screen. The Grand Fleet formed a â€Å"crossing the T,† position, in which the Germans found themselves crossing in front of the British fleet and suffering heavy hits. Once again, Scheer ordered another retreat. Andrew Gordon, the author of The Rules of the Game written in 1996, comments on Scheer stating that one would assume that, from the direction that Beatty had been angling, Scheer might have suspected that there might be more to what he was doing than an attempt to run away. But it was not until heavy shells began falling among the High Seas Fleet that the German commander realized that he, not Beatty, had fallen into a trap. Scheer ordered a simultaneous turn west to get out of the line of fire. While doing this they were able to sink a third battle cruiser, followed by completing an 1800 turn southwestwardShow MoreRelatedA Short Note On The Battle Of Jutland1540 Words   |  7 Pages 8th English/ Language Arts Mr. Kevin L. 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