Billy Kennedy November 6, 2013

Annotated Bibliography In my researched essay, I will be asserting that with todays global economic conditions and disparities in wealth, genetic engineering is very much needed and offers a plethora of benefits. Whether it is through genetically treating human diseases, or modifying our consumer goods to be healthier, safer, and more efficient for todays demands, genetic engineering has provided a lot of life-saving solutions, and the field continues to grow. In my argument, I will take into account the view that genetically modifying substances can be dangerous and unethical by offering perspectives on not only its concrete potential to help people, but also the very humanitarian thought that goes into altering something for the sake of mankind.

Barnette, Henlee H. Exploring Medical Ethics. Macon, GA: Mercer UP, 1982. Print. Exploring Medical Ethics, by Henlee H. Barnette, is a thorough exploration of medical topics that are of some ethical debate in society. Barnette book breaks down the various medical topics into different sections, each section talking about the various components of the field that raise ethical questions. Not having an assertive tone, the author chooses to not side with whether certain treatments are ethical or not, but Barnette does raise the questions and talks about how each side can be supported. The book seems to be directed towards an audience that is willing to have their opinions balanced both positives and negatives are weighed for each perspective. Drawing from examples like the ability to synthesize human insulin through genetic engineering, and create a virus that cleans up oil spills, Barnette is able to structure passages in recombinant genetics and genetic screening effectively. Barnettes work will be useful in my writing, as it will offer many past examples of genetic engineerings ethical debates. Since the subject material is presented in such a balanced manner, the book will also allow me to acknowledge and address both the assets and setbacks of genetic modification feats. Bellows, Anne C. "Gender and Food: A Study of Attitudes in the USA Towards Organic, Local, U.S. Grown, and GM-Free Foods." Science Direct. N.p., Dec. 2010. Web. 3 Nov. 2013. In this research report, Anne C. Bellows explores the relationship between gender and organic foods, attempting to uncover whether gender affects our choice or consumption of organic foods over genetically modified ones. However, I utilize the report to offer my reader a perspective on how food can be a form of expression nowadays, supporting the explanation of why people may choose organic foods over genetically modified ones. Bellows supports her analysis of gender and their choices of food through statistics and outside research practices, indicating that the work may be intended for a more for an audience in the field of research. As the report describes that food has become an expression of personality and choice in wealthy areas, I will be able to contrast this notion with the fact that some other countries barely have the resources they need to sustain any type of food (and for that matter, any choice of

food) without the help of genetic applications. Although the article as a whole does not address my thesis specifically, the concept it raises of food being a form of expression can aid my argument in establishing the disparities in food culture. Davis, Bernard D. The Genetic Revolution: Scientific Prospects and Public Perceptions. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins UP, 1991. Print. The Genetic Revolution gives a lot of concrete information on how modern technology allows people to go about genetically modifying agriculture, animals, medicinal substances, and evolutionary chains. Providing a lot of overarching information on the methods, and not too many historical examples and scientific terms, the work seems to be directed to an audience who is seeking more of a general understanding of the use of genetic modification in todays world. Much of the information can fuel my essays background information, establishing the fact that gene therapy has the ability to do great wonders, yet the field is still evolving rapidly. More specifically, Davis passage on cystic fibrosis will append to the information from The University of Utahs case study on the topic, cystic fibrosis being a key point of evidence where the good of genetic engineering shows. The book also has sections of societal perceptions in-between the information about the modification methods. During these parts, the author does have an opinion on certain facts, but manages to present both sides of the debate. This source seems like it will be invaluable in my research for gathering much of the concrete information I will need to give readers a more thorough understanding of where and how genetic engineering takes place. "Gene Therapy Case Study: Cystic Fibrosis." Learn Genetics: Genetic Science Learning Center. The University of Utah, 2013. Web. 4 Nov. 2013. The case study by The University of Utah is presented in a visual format, offering the reader a lot of concrete detail on cystic fibrosis through the use of biological images and described processes. With the straight information it offers, in what appears to be an almost lecture format, the work is aimed at an audience looking to be informed about the genetic causes of and solutions to cystic fibrosis; no opinions or outside perspectives on ethics are discussed. Although no author is stating his or her opinion on the genetic treatment of cystic fibrosis, the information on cystic fibrosis and the effectiveness of the ways we are treating the condition will serve as strong evidence for asserting the beneficial possibilities of genetic engineering. This information will offer readers background information, and help them understand the seriousness of the condition and the opinions that other sources offer in the essay. Goodfield, June. Playing God: Genetic Engineering and the Manipulation of Life. New York: Random House, 1977. Print. June Goodfields Playing God is a thorough history of genetics and the many solutions and questions genetic engineering poses. As Goodfield takes great strides to go into a lot of historical detail and examples for the reader, she seems to be aiming her work at an audience with little to no background on the evolving subject. Not only does her work offer a wealth of possible background information and history to orient the reader, but she also presents the benefits and downsides of genetic engineering feats; in her book she describes how plant life can be modified to extend the range of

plant properties and the range of environments plants can live in, but they can also decrease the overall biodiversity of a natural system, which could lead to harmful effects in the longterm (32). Connections between this source and that of Jason McLure can be made on the topic of genetics and agriculture. Mayer, Jorge. "Golden Rice Is Part of the Solution." The Golden Rice Project. Golden Rice Humanitarian Board, n.d. Web. 3 Nov. 2013. The Golden Rice Projects site details the organizations attempts to genetically engineer a better rice staple for South East Asia countries, where many communities suffer from malnutrition in nutrients such as beta-carotene, iodine, iron, and zinc. Presented in a purely informative way, the page describes the efforts of professors Ingo Potrykus and Peter Beyer to genetically modify the synthetic pathway of the normal rice crop of Asia to redirect the beta-carotene found in the crops leaves to the edible part of the crop; this enhanced beta-carotene content gives the white rice a new golden color. As the organizations main online information page, the content is aimed at a large audience of people inquiring on the history, design, and hopes of Golden Rice. Further research into Golden Rice was made after reading about it in Jason McLures source. Overall, the initiative of Golden Rice will act as one of the essays strongest arguments in asserting the ability of genetic engineering to do good without adding anything to a substance just changing the location of what is already in it. McLure, Jason. "Genetically Modified Food." CQ Researcher. 31 Aug. 2012. Web. 3 Nov. 2013. Jason McLures article begins by discussing the vote in California that took place on November sixth on whether to label genetically modified foods or not. As the article was written before the votes were cast in California, McLure seems to be writing the article with the intent to inform voters how genetically modifying foods has rendered a lot of prosperity in the recent years, while not coming at an explosive cost. Although McLure does not state his stance on the labeling of genetically modified foods, he does talk about how, GM farming giants and other referendum foes argue that the health and environmental concerns are unfounded, and that the labeling effort is an attempt to demonize a technology with enormous potential benefits. He also talks about the benefits in the context of third world countries, and how those societies benefit from the technology; for this reason, the source will most likely work in tandem with the Preventing Hunger article. McMurray, Sue. "Personal and Social Concerns Motivate Organic Food Buyers: Study Offers Tips for Green Advertising Strategists." WSU News. Washington State University, 21 Oct. 2013. Web. 4 Nov. 2013. This article offers several studies as to why people choose to purchase organic foods over genetically modified ones. Sue McMurray describes three different studies where it was concluded that consumers chose to purchase organic foods mostly out of altruistic intention, whether it be for the greater good of a local business, or to deter support for genetically modified foods. This study can be used as an example in my essay to state that people do not choose to purchase GM foods because they perceive them as being less healthy, but they decide to purchase organic foods out of altruistic

intent. A part of a university news source, the articles main audience would be Washington State University itself, along with others inquiring as to what drives our choices in the supermarket. "Percentage of Genetically Modified Crops in the U.S. in 1997 and 2013, by Type (As Percent of Total Acreage)." Statista: The Statistics Portal. N.p., July 2013. Web. 6 Nov. 2013. This site was consulted purely for statistical data that will support the essays description of the major increase in the total acreage genetically modified foods take up in America. Linking to the article by Deborah B. Whitman that talks about enhanced b.t. corn, the site provides statistical evidence to support the major increase in the use of the genetically modified corn crop from 4% acre coverage to 95% over the course of 1997 to 2013. As the statistics came from the United States Department of Agriculture, the information is made for a wide audience ranging from government groups to consumers. "Preventing Hunger: Biotechnology Is Key: If African Countries Can't Plant Genetically Modified Crops to Produce More and Healthier Food, Vulnerable Populations Will Be at Risk." Nursing Resource Center. Gale, 24 Nov. 2011. Web. 5 Nov. 2013. This article addresses how genetically engineered crops help third world countries specifically. The article works off many statistics to exemplify how the efforts of engineering crops to sustain harsh environments have been extremely beneficial to the communities of Africa. Heavily supporting the use of genetically modified foods for the sake of economically challenged countries with difficult growing conditions, the article speaks to convince an audience of the importance for genetically modifying food for a world in disparity. The article details how, Without the advances in molecular biology and other scientific fields that occurred in the second half of the twentieth century, African nations would be much worse off than they are now. Without this Green Revolution, which enabled developing nations to import cheaper grains and grow high-yield seed varieties, analysts estimate that crop yields in developing countries would have been 23.5% lower and prices between 35% and 66% higher in 2000. Evidence like this will be strongly integrated in the area of the essay that supports the genetically modified food in impoverished countries. Russo, Enzo, and David Cove. Genetic Engineering: Dreams and Nightmares. Oxford: W. H. Freeman, 1995. Print. Genetic Engineering: Dreams and Nightmares, by Enzo Russo and David Cove, provides many examples of past human genetic disorders and how they were treated with recombinant genetics. As the title implies, the book depicts many of the miracle successes and failures during the inaugural years of genetic engineering and gene therapy, providing a very balanced perspective for the audience. One section in particular proves to be of use in supporting the effectiveness of the risky genetic engineering feats in the past. The book describes a 4-year old girl who suffered from severe combined immune deficiency, and became the first known human being to be treated with gene therapy. Through the breakthrough alteration by the addition of a single gene, the girl was able to perform all normal motor tasks that any other child would be able to do. The excerpt could prove useful in elaborating on the positive

affects of genetic engineering in the world of healthcare, and what impact it has on first world countries. Schuff, Sally. "GM Foods Debate Trampling Third-World Hopes for Biotech." Feedstuffs. 14 Feb. 2000. Business Insights: Essentials. Web. 5 Nov. 2013. This article offers a lot of criticism to those who put down genetic engineering, considering the state of many third world countries. Sally Schuff describes how developing nations are disappointed at the debate over genetic engineering technology, as the greatest fear of these nations would be the absence of the technology and the loss of potentially saving their communities from starvation. Clearly, this article is directed at an audience who either strives to put down the use of genetic modification techniques, or it may support a group that aims to promote the use of the tools for the sake of those in third world countries. This source will work with the Preventing Hunger article to depict the need for genetic engineering abroad.

Whitman, Deborah B. "Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful?" Proquest. N.p., Apr. 2000. Web. 4 Nov. 2013. Deborah B. Whitmans article balances many perspectives on the assets and setbacks of genetically modified food. At first she provides a lot of scientific background to situate the reader in the realm of genetic engineerings evolution in technology and debate. Overall, due to the sources unbiased presentation and informative language, the work is meant for an audience engaged in understanding the collective argument over genetic modification methods as a whole. Whitman talks about the use of B.T. corn, which is a form of genetically modified corn that can produce its own pesticide, ridding the need for manually spraying pesticide over the staple crop, and thus preventing any harmful side effects because of it. In the context of the essays argument, B.T. corn, along with Golden Rice, can be used as two key examples that exemplify the beneficial effects of a genetically engineered crop, that actually rids the use of some other harmful substance people were using before.