Answers to Questions about Answers to Questions about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Teen members of the Science Matters project asked these questions to food scientists at Teen members of the Science Matters project asked these questions to food scientists at Bayer and Rutgers University. The following are brief answers and resources for addi- Bayer and Rutgers University. The following are brief answers and resources for addi- tional information. tional information.  Are there health effects from consuming GMO products?  Are there health effects from consuming GMO products? Over 20 years of research has revealed no evidence of negative health effects from Over 20 years of research has revealed no evidence of negative health effects from growing or consuming GMO products. Many studies from the US National Acade- growing or consuming GMO products. Many studies from the US National Acade- my and other credible National Academies have resulted in this same conclusion. my and other credible National Academies have resulted in this same conclusion. More information: https://www.nap.edu/resource/23395/GE-crops-report-brief.pdf More information: https://www.nap.edu/resource/23395/GE-crops-report-brief.pdf  How can I tell if the information I find is coming from a credible source?  How can I tell if the information I find is coming from a credible source? It’s easy to spread misinformation and fear through sensational headlines. Some It’s easy to spread misinformation and fear through sensational headlines. Some groups use scare tactics to sway the public, sell products, and discredit scientific groups use scare tactics to sway the public, sell products, and discredit scientific research. See back of this handout for tips on how to fact-check your information. research. See back of this handout for tips on how to fact-check your information.  Why are countries worldwide resistant to utilizing GMO crops when there is a  Why are countries worldwide resistant to utilizing GMO crops when there is a clear need from local farmers dealing with devastating environmental factors clear need from local farmers dealing with devastating environmental factors (i.e. crop disease)? (i.e. crop disease)? Many organizations aggressively lobby developing countries against the use of Many organizations aggressively lobby developing countries against the use of GMOs with sensational claims that cannot be counteracted. As a result, countries GMOs with sensational claims that cannot be counteracted. As a result, countries have refused imported donated crops despite the starvation of their citizens. More have refused imported donated crops despite the starvation of their citizens. More information: https://geneticliteracyproject.org/glp-facts/vandana-shiva/ information: https://geneticliteracyproject.org/glp-facts/vandana-shiva/  How are GMO crops created?  How are GMO crops created? GMOs are made through a process known as genetic engineering in which genes GMOs are made through a process known as genetic engineering in which genes are transferred from one organism to another. Two methods of this are using a gene are transferred from one organism to another. Two methods of this are using a gene gun to shoot particles of a plant into another DNA. Another method is using bacte- gun to shoot particles of a plant into another DNA. Another method is using bacte- rium to introduce preferred genes of into the plants DNA. More information: De- rium to introduce preferred genes of into the plants DNA. More information: De- velopment of an Agricultural Biotechnology Crop Product: Testing from Discovery velopment of an Agricultural Biotechnology Crop Product: Testing from Discovery to Commercialization. (2012). Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 10179- to Commercialization. (2012). Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 10179- 10187. 10187.  What are the positive effects of GMO use?  What are the positive effects of GMO use? On the global scale, use of GMOs increase overall crop yield, decrease the use of On the global scale, use of GMOs increase overall crop yield, decrease the use of pesticides, reduce the amount of time farmers spend in the field, and allow for eco- pesticides, reduce the amount of time farmers spend in the field, and allow for eco- nomic growth. More information: https://www.nap.edu/read/12804/chapter/5#173 nomic growth. More information: https://www.nap.edu/read/12804/chapter/5#173  If GMOs were completely removed worldwide, what would be the immediate  If GMOs were completely removed worldwide, what would be the immediate and long-term effects? and long-term effects? Removal of GMOs from farmers’ toolkits would be a reduction in crop yield, an Removal of GMOs from farmers’ toolkits would be a reduction in crop yield, an increase in use of pesticides (especially in corn and cotton), and increased soil ero- increase in use of pesticides (especially in corn and cotton), and increased soil ero- sion from the need to till ground to reduce weed pressure. More information: http:// sion from the need to till ground to reduce weed pressure. More information: http:// www.pgeconomics.co.uk/pdf/2017globalimpactstudy.pdf (page 16) and http:// www.pgeconomics.co.uk/pdf/2017globalimpactstudy.pdf (page 16) and http:// www.nber.org/papers/w23519 www.nber.org/papers/w23519

Tips for Fact-Checking the Media Tips for Fact-Checking the Media

Consider these questions: Consider these questions:  Does the headline have an exclamation mark (!)?  Does the headline have an exclamation mark (!)? The information is probably over exaggerated to get your attention. The information is probably over exaggerated to get your attention.

 Does the information sound sensational?  Does the information sound sensational? The information is probably not true and designed to capture your attention. The information is probably not true and designed to capture your attention.

 Does it sound too good to be true?  Does it sound too good to be true? If it does, then it is probably not true. If it does, then it is probably not true.

 Is a product or service being sold with this story?  Is a product or service being sold with this story? Scare tactics are commonly used to sell products/services. Beware. Scare tactics are commonly used to sell products/services. Beware.

 Are they asking for donations?  Are they asking for donations? Be wary if they ask for money. Take the time to research the organization Be wary if they ask for money. Take the time to research the organization to ensure it is legit. to ensure it is legit.

 What do you know about the person who wrote this article?  What do you know about the person who wrote this article? Before you share the article, make sure you research the author. What is Before you share the article, make sure you research the author. What is their background and expertise in this subject? What’s in it for them? their background and expertise in this subject? What’s in it for them?