Nguyen 1

Hoa Nguyen

Professor Campbell

University Writing 1104

4 December 2018 Deleted: November

Retroactive Evolution, Proactive Modification Formatted: Font: Bold, Complex Script Font: Bold
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The question of food is not asked enough. The understanding that genetically modified Deleted: on food is understated

foods are notoriously bad is misleading. As defined by Robert Blair, a member of Land & Food

system from the University of British Columbia, genetic modification (GM) is altering the

genetic makeup of an organism to reap desired features. This process has brought up many

controversies defining the morality of playing God. But many have denoted this and question its Deleted: relieve the idea for

scientific integrity to mankind. Genetic modification is important in the grand scheme by Deleted: and advancement

producing mass numbers of produce for the growing world population. According to the United

Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the world population is expected to reach

9.8 billion in 2050. Unless there’s going to be an increase in farmers, there will need to be an

advancement in agriculture or genetic modification. Genetic modification is important for many

reasons, but there are many lingering controversies surrounding it. Genetic modified crops’

nutritional values are still in question and genetic alteration techniques have harmful elements.

While many people believe that genetic modification include alien genetics. Alien

genetics are genetics from an outside source; this source can be from a similar plant or animal. Deleted: from external plants and animals

Genetic modification is different mutagenesis, while GM is the altering of a single genetic Deleted:

strand. On the other hand, mutagenesis is crossbreeding two genetic makeups. An example given

by Dr. Stuart Smyth, an assistant professor at the University of Saskatchewan, shows that
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mutagenetic seeds are sprayed with chemicals. Dr. Stuart Smyth followed with that the

mutagenetic seeds are able to be labeled as organic crops. An example of mutagenesis might be Deleted: which is where an external genetic information is
inserted into a plant or animal
spraying an orange seed to grow a more orange in color orange. Whereas GM, is changing an

orange’s genetics to have a bigger orange.

Genetic Modification around the world: Formatted: Indent: First line: 0"
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European countries and Japan have created regulations regarding mutagenesis techniques. Formatted: Indent: First line: 0.5"
Deleted: Countries
These particular countries have created regulations on new foods produced to not include Deleted: Some countries

mutagenesis, but include genetic modification (Blair). Research found by Hang Lu, from the Deleted: , 2015)

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences from Cornell University shows that the public’s

attitude and understanding of genetic modification comes from prior knowledge and preexisting

beliefs. This means that the public’s opinion and reactive attitude to scientific subjects, such as

genetic modification are based on what they know, or what they believe in. Additionally, it does

not matter the amount of positive effects that GM foods may have, the opinion of the public

biased toward a negative connotation of GM. While public opinion is stagnant, this does not Deleted: are set in stone

mean the advancements of GM crops are foiled. Climate change is a vital factor of GM crops.

Climate change yields mixed results in the eye of the public, with differing opinions on

whether the impact is great enough for a cause. While skepticism has soon passed, action on

climate change are still pending. This is where GM crops come into play. GM crops can be Deleted: the belief of reducing its’ impacts are null

modified to survive in the most intense environmental condition. Meaning that the context of Deleted: This
Deleted: means
climate change will have less of an impact on food security in unstable climate areas. The food Deleted: several areas

security can help with the potential world population of nearly 10 million in 2050, and the Deleted: 9 billion

increase of needed food.

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The growing world population brings much more dramatic problems into the scene, Formatted: Indent: First line: 0.5"

including scarcity of water and additionally needing water to hydrate crops. GM could help Deleted: ,
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reduce this problem by modifying crops that can survive with little water. This can help fight the

growing scarcity of water with a growing diverse population. Studies done by Hang Lu shows Deleted: This brings into play genetically modified crops
that can survive and grow with little water, this can help
fight the growing scarcity of water with the growing
that public opinion on GM are positive to being used for resistance and increase food supply. population

The positive reactions are just in a positive solution to the problem of food supply. This means

that the reaction to this isn’t because the GMOs are good, but rather the GMOs are solving a

severe problem.

Factors that Impact Genetic Modification:

Climate change derives an unrelenting battle between oppositions in the United States, Formatted: Indent: First line: 0.5"

while conservative sides demonstrate lesser value of importance to climate change. In contrast

with liberal opposition, who show stronger support to reduce the effects of climate change. These

political ideologies from studies show conflicting viewpoints in the American public. The topic

of climate change is essential to the discussion of climate change. Studies and hypotheses done

by Hang Lu, describes that conservatives are more willing to have a positive reaction to GMOs

when climate change is not mentioned, while liberals are more willing to have a positive reaction Deleted: . W

when climate change is mentioned in the topic. Public opinion on GMOs is factored by political
ideology, if worded correctly to the correct audience, the reaction can be extracted as a positive
response.
Deleted: Withdrawing from political ideology in climate
change, the messaging behind GMOs are defined by its’
dialogue upon the conversation. If worded correctly to the
correct audience, the reaction can extract as positive
response.
Deleted:

Historically, the perception of food by the public was of utmost importance. Dating back

to the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906, which was created to protect the public and inspect food

quality. While food was not the most important detail on public plates, the factor of survival and Deleted: manufacture misbranded or poisonous foods,
drugs, medicines, and liquors
economic stability trumped the values of the people during that era. This period was known as
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the Progressive era and was defined by President Theodore Roosevelt. These regulations would

penalize questionable actions and distribution of products. An example of this is how Coca-Cola

got its name. Coca-Cola was originally created by Atlanta pharmacist John Pemberton, who was

inspired by a popular French wine called coca wine, which contained coca-leaf. Coca-Cola

would eventually become cocaine-free product by 1929. Public opinion turned against the

narcotic ingredient, forcing Coca-Cola to change their recipe (Palermo). Deleted: , 2013).

Genetic Modification: A New Hope – CRISPR:

Whereas the comparing cocaine and GMOs are two rationally different ideas, the notion Deleted: When as
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of public opinion is important in both aspects. Public opinion and their understanding are

important to the existence of GMOs, and any further development to GMOs. An example of

which can be seen with a newly developed technique of genetic modification called Clustered

Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR). Even in infancy, CRISPR has

already raised controversies under its current development. CRISPR can genetically edit a

genome by removing it (Husted). This means scientists can create an animal model with desired Deleted: , 2017).

features, while editing out diseases such as cancer and mental illness. This technique can help

increase productivity and help with treatment for animals and livestock. The idea of editing the

genome of livestock and animals may still lie on the controversial line, but the potential of

success is still huge, this includes feeding the potential world population of 2050. Deleted: .

CRISPR has found a niche argument with the development and integration into medicine.

Scientists from CRISPR Therapeutics have dedicated mass amounts of research into CRISPR

and Cas9 into developing a medicine for genetically removing fatal diseases. This direction of
Deleted: While the belief that this is going against God’s
genetic modification can give hope and direction to a family that might be looking for a miracle. Wil
Deleted: l
Sceptics believe that this method goes against God’s Will, but the chance to save a child’s life, or Deleted: . T
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even your own child’s life, the costs are valueless. The intention behind CRISPR has its place

and the importance of future development is vital. CRISPR and genetic modification can help

redirect the view on genetic modification. This can help with prospects in livestock and

vegetation, helping with crops that can sustain growth in harsh environments. For example,

developing a crop that can survive and mass produce growth in countries like Africa. This

progression can help with world hunger and world food security. While these possibilities are

just the potential of genetic modification, critics and concerns are still present in the process.

Breaking News: CRISPR Breaks Expectations: Formatted: Indent: First line: 0"
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A report on November 25 2018, on a study performed by Chinese scientists have

rekindled the controversial argument. The effort of this experiment was to construct an offspring

that was resistant to CCR5. This is a strand that could help resist HIV, smallpox, and cholera.

Four days later Harvard University announced the introduction of CRISPR gene-editing sperm.

The study wants to advance research in Alzheimer’s disease. Werner Neuhausser, reproductive

endocrinologist at Boston IVF and a Clinical Instructor at Harvard Medical School, wants to

reduce the occurrence of Alzheimer later in life through studying in vitro fertilization (IVF)

babies (Relagado).

These recent reports on studies and introduction of studies have gained backlash. An Formatted: Indent: First line: 0.5"

example of such is Scott Gottlieb, head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, who tweeted

that practices of such modification is intolerable. Even if the U.S. regulates against CRISPR

studies, many other countries will guarantee the development of CRISPR. There are too many

potential advancements that could change the world. Whether CRISPR directs itself toward the

route of genetically modifying humans to be the perfect being, or creating the freshest steak. The

results can only be beneficial to mankind.

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Genetic Modification, At What Expense?

Even though mankind is far from creating human genome with CRISPR, critics still Deleted: CRISPR concerns began with the introduction of
CRISPR in China. Chinese scientists began their research
with a controversial modification of human embryo. This is
describe it as playing “God.” This can be said unknowingly, but the potential of being able to tragically immoral from the public’s viewpoint. Genetically
modifying the
remove genetic diseases could be game changing. This changes the playground of life Deleted: is
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expectancy and longevity. The concerns of immorality will fall under the shear presence of Deleted: d
Deleted: ” by many
survival, while there may be an audience of people who will deny the treatment. For example,

there are some religions that deny the treatment of blood transfusion. In addition, the amount of

money and cost for the medicine will cost an “arm and a leg.” This aspect of cost is evident in

most newly developed technology. Even though the cost is quite expensive, many people are

willing to cough up the price or pay the fortune for the treatment. Deleted: e. This is also dependent on the meaning of life to
them
Deleted: . Many people are expected to want to live and are
As stated before, the public’s opinion on genetic modification is not primarily based off willing to
Deleted: of the
the risks or benefits of genetically modified foods. This is shown in a study by Lucy Mallinson, Deleted: medicine

Department of Oncology and Metabolism University of Sheffield Medical School, which states Deleted:

that the response is influenced by health, food security, environment and general safety. This

research surveys the reaction and interpretation of the public’s eye on genetically modified

foods. This survey was detailed in areas such as the United Kingdom and Australia, including Deleted: n

several socioeconomic standings, gender, education, and age. The study shows that science-

literacy upon the public is important on acceptance for genetically modified foods. This means

that people who are more inclined for scientific advancement and beneficial development for the

world are willing to accept genetically modified foods. The study intervenes in by speaking

about different issues and factors that might impact the response to genetically modified foods.

The study concludes that responses to GM are based on sociocultural and ideological roots. Deleted: enveloping the
Deleted: s
Additionally, consumers acceptance is on the belief in the sanctity of the food, which means that Deleted: foods
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consumers like the sexiness of “pure” and “natural” foods. These descriptions are valuable and

easily persuasive to the public audience.

Genetic Modification: Why The Hate?

The reaction of genetic modification in foods and humans is widespread a negative Formatted: Indent: First line: 0.5"

reaction. This was based on studies by Lucy Mallinson and Hang Lu, which describes different

attributes that impact the ideological response to genetically modified foods. The public are

based on people’s ideologies: what is their political ideology? What is their belief upon benefit-

and-risk? What is their response to life expectancy and longevity? These questions provide a

viable reason to the reaction of genetically modified foods. Rather, the most important question

behind genetically modified food acceptance is scientific-literacy. The fear of genetically

modified foods is upon many unidentified studies, while the benefits define for a better future,

the health impacts of genetic modified foods are still unclear. Further research will define the

landscape of genetic modification.

The understanding and hatred of genetically modified foods stems from fear of the

unknown. This can be seen in history, when people would be killed and slaughtered for having

diseases or character traits that were unknown. While the comparison of ancient reactions toward

the unknown are not parallel to modern day fear, the systemic fear attribute is ingrained in

human instincts. This is supported by studies from Lucy Mallinson, which concluded that the

negative acceptance rating for genetically modified foods sprouts from misunderstandings or

lack of understanding. Even though some are educated upon the subject, this might not change

their interpretation of health concerns that linger upon genetically modified organisms. These

concerns are evident with many issues, but it must be acceptance to face the future of additional

issues. Hang Lu states that when GMOs are revealed as a solution, the acceptance of the public
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change. GMOs have a defined role in society, but currently if its not acceptance anytime soon,

the consequences for the future will be dire.

Genetic Modification: Now What? Formatted: Font: Bold, Complex Script Font: Bold

Genetically modified organisms, whether defined in food or IVF babies, should be Formatted: Indent: First line: 0.5"

accepted. The amount of possibilities demonstrated purely on experimentation by Chinese

endeavors should show the significance of such. The future is bright with genetically modified

organisms, imagine a world where diseases that plague this age are curable. That fathers,

mothers, and even children are not plagued by Alzheimer’s, breast cancer, and other diseases.

This future might not be the best future, wars might not have ended, but one of the Horsemen of

the Apocalypse would’ve been defeated. Genetic modification gives an aspect of life that doctors

have a hard time giving, hope. Doctors are met with the hardest job, telling patients that they’ve

done everything they can. The sheer presence of that sentence drops any heart, any hope, any

faith. This is why we should give genetic modification a chance. It can give hope to those that

need it the most. Imagine giving a dying child a hope, a realistic hope. Imagine saving a dying

father, reuniting a family. Imagine rescuing a mother, saving her children. Genetic modification

isn’t a threat like it’s marketed as. Give genetic modification your faith and it will return tenfold.
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Works Cited Formatted: Centered, Line spacing: Double

Blair, Robert, and Regenstein, J. M. . “Genetic Modification and Food Quality : a down to Earth Formatted: English (US)
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Analysis.” Wiley, 2015. https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.librarylink.uncc.edu/lib/uncc- Formatted: Line spacing: Double
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ebooks/reader.action?docID=4038954&query. Accessed 3 Nov. 2018.

“FDA's Evolving Regulatory Powers - Part I: The 1906 Food and Drugs Act and Its
Enforcement.” U S Food and Drug Administration Home Page, Office of the
Commissioner,
Deleted: CRISPR Therapeutics. Vertex Pharmaceuticals,
Casebia Therapeutics, ViaCyte Inc., CureVac, MaxCyte,
MIT, StrideBio, Neon Therapeutics, MGHCC,
MaSTherCell SA, UF, FARA, 2017,
http://www.crisprtx.com/about-us/overview.php. Accessed
23 Oct 2018.

www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/History/FOrgsHistory/EvolvingPowers/ucm054819.htm.

Accessed 4 Nov. 2018.

Husted, Kristofor. “Amid GMO Strife, Food Industry Vies For Public Trust In CRISPR

Technology.” Morning Edition. National Public Radio, 25 Oct 2017.

https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2017/10/25/559867742/amid-gmo-strife-food-

industry-vies-for-public-trust-in-crispr-technology. Accessed 18 Oct 2018.

Lu, Hang, et al. “Messages Promoting Genetic Modification of Crops in the Context of Climate

Change: Evidence for Psychological Reactance.” Appetite, vol. 108, no. C, Elsevier Ltd,

Jan. 2017, pp. 104–16, doi:10.1016/j.appet.2016.09.026. https://www-sciencedirect-

com.librarylink.uncc.edu/science/article/pii/S0195666316304779. Accessed 4 Nov. 2018.

Mallinson, Lucy, et al. “Why Rational Argument Fails the Genetic Modification (GM)

Debate.” Food Security, vol. 10, no. 5, Springer Netherlands, Oct. 2018, pp. 1145–61,

doi:10.1007/s12571-018-0832-1. https://link-springer-

com.librarylink.uncc.edu/article/10.1007/s12571-018-0832-1. Accessed 4 Nov. 2018.

Paganelli, Jennifer. “Home Page.” CRISPR, 2 Dec. 2018, www.crisprtx.com/.

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Palermo, Elizabeth. “Does Coca-Cola Contain Cocaine?” LiveScience, Purch, 16 Dec. 2013,
www.livescience.com/41975-does-coca-cola-contain-cocaine.html. Accessed 4 Nov.
2018
Deleted: Office of the Commissioner. “FDA's Evolving
Regulatory Powers - Part I: The 1906 Food and Drugs Act
and Its Enforcement.” U S Food and Drug Administration
Home Page, Office of the Commissioner,
www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/History/FOrgsHistory/Evolving
Powers/ucm054819.htm. Accessed 4 Nov. 2018. ¶

Regalado, Antonio. “Despite CRISPR Baby Controversy, Harvard University Will Begin Gene-

Editing Sperm.” MIT Technology Review, MIT Technology Review, 3 Dec. 2018,

www.technologyreview.com/s/612494/despite-crispr-baby-controversy-harvard-

university-will-begin-gene-editing-sperm/.

Regalado, Antonio. “EXCLUSIVE: Chinese Scientists Are Creating CRISPR Babies.” MIT

Technology Review, MIT Technology Review, 26 Nov. 2018,

www.technologyreview.com/s/612458/exclusive-chinese-scientists-are-creating-crispr-

babies/.

“Update: CRISPR Co-Inventor Responds to Claim of First Genetically Edited Babies.” Berkeley Formatted: Line spacing: Double

News, 29 Nov. 2018, news.berkeley.edu/2018/11/26/doudna-responds-to-claim-of-first-

crispr-edited-babies/.

“World Population Projected to Reach 9.8 Billion in 2050, and 11.2 Billion in 2100 | UN DESA

Department of Economic and Social Affairs.” United Nations, United Nations,

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2017.html. Accessed 3 Nov. 2018.