Melodic

I am extremely conflicted over the following: GMO.

For those of you who aren't aware GMO (Genetically modified object) are have been genetically modified by humans to have certain desirable traits. In the defense of GMO Foods, humans have indirectly been modifying the gene pool for years by selecting the best croups seeds to reproduce. (Like natural selection except not so natural). I think GMO foods are acceptable as long as they are healthy and do not eliminate genetic diversity (which in all likelihood will be the largest problem)

My inner debate goes as following

FOR GMO:

-help cure/prevent genetic diseases
-extend lifespans
-prevent diseases
-larger yield with less effort/resources in produce and livestock
-Could make growing things feasible in different environments
-Could increase nutrition of some foods
- I run from insulin produced by GMO bacteria

AGAINST GMO:

-Is it safe? (possible allergens/unknown health effects?)
-Possible biological warfare
-Playing God (giving humans to much power?)
-patenting genetics
-farming belonging to only big companies
-lessen genetic diversity

My current opinion is that this should be in the research stage. We should be learning how to use it. I don't know how I feel about it in the food business. I think there are other better options than GMO, and that all the research should not stay in big companies who may or may not be honest.

GMO humans scares me. I would say no unless there is a strict ethical code and guideline for what it can be used for. (Perhaps only can change things to prevent life-threating or crippling genetic diseases) I'm worried that if the technology was developed so GMO humans were standard that people would be able to custom order their kids (I believe all types of people are required), but that is totally theoretical and may be caused by to many sci-fi books (lol).

GMO viruses for war is a nono. How many sci-fi books must you read to know that nobody wins in biological warfare. That is much to disrespecting of nature. (However changing bacteria so that it produces something like human insulin is good. Thats a totally different idea though)

I think most people aren't aware of how much GMO stuff their exposed to in everyday life. They fear it because they don't understand it. So, we need more information.

Overall I think I'm all for it (theoretically), but if the public wants it to be labeled its there right. (I think all food should be labeled with were it was produced/farmed) And I think that we do not know enough to mess with human DNA, and that GMO farmers should tread with caution so that they don't lose genetic diversity.



The reflections of an INFJ (5w6) with a thing for science and ethics

forgive any spelling and grammar errors, Spelling is really not my thing *kisses spellcheck* and I didn't edit a whole lot