There are three letters that bring on an instant knee-jerk reaction of blind opposition. Just say GMO (genetically modified organic) and a large segment of the public goes bananas.
In fact, bananas would be a good place to start a sensible and science based conversation. Bananas are popular around the world and have important nutritional value. A serious problem has emerged and threatens the most popular variety.
https://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/fungus-threatens-banana-supply-n85971
Notice the next to last paragraph and the reference to how “it may come down to developing a new variety of the fruit that’s resistant to the TR4 strain, which could take years.” The banana industry got into this dilemma through its over-reliance on the most popular Cavendish variety of banana. The TR4 fungus appeared and the Cavendish had no defense. Science will find a substitute that will likely call for, get ready for this, some genetic modifications. Yes friends, GMO science can save the food supply and already has many times in the past.
Now consider the use of the GMO advances in medicine. The article linked below discusses progress being made in producing chicken eggs that yield large doses of “two proteins that are essential to the immune system: one is IFNalpha2a, which has powerful antiviral and anti-cancer effects, and the other is macrophage-CSF, which is being developed as a therapy that stimulates damaged tissues to repair themselves.” Importantly, no chickens were harmed.
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-46993649
One more note: Genetic adaptations in plants and animals occur naturally and continuously. Genes are modified by nature without the intervention of man. There is, therefore, no way to avoid GMOs. Years of testing are required but will assure safe food supplies and medicines.
Like so many issues rooted in a science, it is important to study before blindly rejecting GMO.
