Genetically Modified Food—Is It Safe for You?

Genetically Modified Food—Is It Safe for You?
DEPENDING on where you live, you may have had some genetically modified (GM) food in your breakfast, lunch, or dinner today. It might have been in the form of potatoes with a built-in insect repellent or tomatoes that stay firm longer after being picked. In any case, the GM food or ingredient may not have been labeled, and your palate could hardly distinguish it from the natural one.

Even as you read these lines, such GM crops as soybeans, maize, rapeseed, and potatoes are growing in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Mexico, and the United States. According to one report, “by 1998, 25 percent of corn, 38 percent of soybeans, and 45 percent of cotton grown in the United States were genetically altered, either to make the crops resistant to weedkillers or to produce their own pesticides.” By the end of 1999, an estimated 100 million acres [40 million ha] were covered with GM crops in commercial cultivation worldwide, though not all of these are food crops.

Is genetically altered food safe for you? Do the scientific techniques used to produce GM crops pose any threat to the environment? In Europe the debate over GM foods is heating up. Said a protester from England: “My only objection to genetically modified foods is that they’re unsafe, unwanted and unnecessary.”

How Is Food Genetically Altered?

The science behind GM food is called food biotechnology—the use of modern genetics to improve plants, animals, and microorganisms for food production. Of course, the concept of tinkering with living things is almost as old as agriculture itself. The first farmer who bred his best bull with the best cow in his herd to improve the stock, instead of allowing the animals to breed randomly, was implementing biotechnology in a rudimentary sense. The first baker who used yeast enzymes to make bread rise was likewise using a living thing to produce an improved product. The one feature common to these traditional techniques was the use of natural processes to bring about changes in foods.

Modern biotechnology likewise employs living organisms to make or modify products. But unlike traditional methods, modern biotechnology allows for modifying the genetic material of organisms directly and precisely. It enables the transfer of genes between completely unrelated organisms, allowing for combinations unlikely to occur by conventional means. Breeders can now take qualities from other organisms and put them into the genome of a plant—for instance, frost tolerance from fish, disease resistance from viruses, and insect resistance from soil bacteria.

Suppose that a farmer does not want his potatoes or apples to turn brown when they are cut or bruised. Researchers come to the rescue by removing the gene that is responsible for this browning and replacing it with an altered version that blocks browning. Or let us assume that a beet grower would like to plant earlier in order to reap a better harvest. Ordinarily he couldn’t because the beets would freeze in the cold weather. Biotechnology comes into play when genes from fish that easily survive in cold water are transplanted into the beets. The result is a GM beet that can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F. [-6.5°C], more than twice as cold as the lowest temperature beets can typically withstand.

Such traits that are the result of single-gene transfers, however, have limited effectiveness. To alter more complex traits, such as growth rate or drought resistance, is quite another matter. Modern science is still unable to manipulate whole groups of genes. After all, many of these genes have not even been discovered yet.

A New Green Revolution?

Even the limited genetic modification of crops fills biotechnology’s proponents with optimism. They say that GM crops promise a new green revolution. A leader of the biotechnology industry declares that genetic engineering is “a promising tool in the effort to provide more food” to a global population that grows by about 230,000 people every day.

Already, such crops have helped to hold down the cost of food production. Food plants have been fortified with a gene that produces a natural pesticide, eliminating the need to spray clouds of toxic chemicals over acres of crops. Modified crops in the works include beans and grains with much higher levels of protein—of no small benefit to poorer parts of the world. Such “superplants” could pass their useful new genes and traits on to succeeding generations, yielding more bountiful harvests on marginal land in poor, overpopulated countries.

“There is certainly much to be said for improving the lot of the farmers of this world,” said the president of a leading biotechnology firm. “And we’ll do that—by using biotechnology to do on the molecular and single-gene level what plant breeders have been doing with ‘whole plants’ for centuries. We will create better products, that meet specific needs and will do it faster than ever before.”

However, according to agricultural scientists, the rush to promote genetic engineering as a solution to world food shortages is undermining current research on crops. Although it is less exotic, this research is more effective and could also benefit the poorer parts of the world. “We shouldn’t be driven by this unproven technology when there are many more efficient solutions to food problems,” says Hans Herren, an expert on fighting crop diseases.

Ethical Concerns

On top of possible public-health and environmental risks, some feel that the genetic modification of crops and other living organisms presents moral and ethical challenges. Scientist and activist Douglas Parr observed: “Genetic engineering crosses a fundamental threshold in the human manipulation of the planet, changing the nature of life itself.” Jeremy Rifkin, author of the book The Biotech Century, put it this way: “Once you can cross all biological boundaries, you begin to see a species as simply genetic information that is fluid. That brings us into a whole new way to conceptualise not only our relationship with nature, but how we use it.” He therefore asked: “Does life have intrinsic or just utility value? What is our obligation to future generations? What is our sense of responsibility to the creatures with which we coexist?”

Others, Prince Charles of England included, argue that transferring genes between utterly unrelated species “takes us into the realms that belong to God, and to God alone.” Students of the Bible firmly believe that God “is the source of life.” (Psalm 36:9) However, there is no real evidence that God disapproves of the selective breeding of animals and plants, something that has helped our planet to sustain the billions of people living on it. Only time will tell if modern biotechnology will harm humans and the environment. If biotechnology really does encroach upon “the realms that belong to God,” then—out of love and concern for humankind—he can reverse such developments.

Potential Dangers?

Biotechnology has moved at such a dizzying pace that neither the law nor regulating agencies can keep up with it. Research can scarcely begin to prevent unforeseen consequences from arising. A growing chorus of critics warn of unintended results, ranging from severe economic dislocation for the world’s farmers to environmental destruction and threats to human health. Researchers warn that there are no long-term, large-scale tests to prove the safety of genetically modified (GM) food. They point to a number of potential dangers.

● Allergic reaction. If a gene producing a protein that causes allergic responses ended up in corn, for instance, people who suffer from food allergies could be exposed to grave danger. Despite the fact that food-regulating agencies require companies to report whether altered food contains any problem proteins, some researchers fear that unknown allergens could slip through the system.

● Increased toxicity. Some experts believe that genetic modification may enhance natural plant toxins in unexpected ways. When a gene is switched on, besides having the desired effect, it may also set off the production of natural toxins.

● Resistance to antibiotics. As part of the genetic modification of plants, scientists use what are called marker genes to determine if the desired gene has been successfully embedded. As most marker genes provide resistance to antibiotics, critics fear that this could contribute to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. Other scientists, however, counter that such marker genes are genetically scrambled before use, thus alleviating this danger.

● Spread of “superweeds.” One of the biggest fears is that once modified crops are planted, genes will escape via seeds and pollen to weedy relatives, creating “superweeds” that are able to resist herbicides.

● Harm to other organisms. In May 1999, researchers from Cornell University reported that monarch butterfly caterpillars that ate leaves dusted with pollen from GM corn sickened and died. While some question the validity of this study, there is still some concern that other nontargeted species could be harmed.

● Demise of safe pesticides. Among the most successful GM crops are some that contain a gene that produces a protein toxic to insect pests. However, biologists warn that exposing pests to the toxin produced by this gene will help the pests develop resistance and thus render pesticides useless.

WILL modern science cure the world? Do the Bible prophecies of Isaiah and Revelation point to a time when man himself will bring about a world without sickness? In view of the many accomplishment's in health care, some feel that this is not a far-fetched notion. Governments and private benefactors are now working together with the United Nations in an unprecedented campaign against disease. One concerted effort focuses on the immunization of children in developing countries. According to the United Nations Children's Fund, if countries achieve their goals, "by 70million children who live in the world's poorest countries will receive each year lifesaving vaccines against the following diseases: tuberculosis, diphtheria,tetanus,pertussis, measles,rubella,yellow fever,haemophilia'sinfluenza type B,hepatitis B,Polio,retrovirus,pneumococcusmeningococcus, and Japanese encephalitis." Measures are also being taken to provide basic health necessities, such as adequate access to clean water, better nutrition, and hygiene education. Scientists, hoverer,aspire to provide much More than just the basics in health care. Cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing the medical field. It has been said that about every eight years, scientists double their medical knowledge. The following is just a sample of some of the latest technological achievements and goals in the fight against disease.

X-ray Imaging:-For more than 30 years, doctors and hospitals have been using what is known as the CT scan. The acronym Ct stands for "computed tomography".CT scanners produce three-dimensional X-ray images of the inside of our bodies. These images are helpful in diagnosing disease and examining internal abnormalities. While there is some controversy over the dangers associate with radiation exposure, medical experts are optimistic about the future benefits of this advancing technologies Michael Vannier, a professor of radiology at the University of Chicago Hospital, says:"In just the past few years, the progress is enough to make your head spin." CT scanners are now faster, more accurate, and less costly. The speed of the newest scanning methods is an important advantage. This is especially true when scanning the heart. Because the heart is constantly beating, many X-ray images of it used to come out blurry, making them difficult to evaluate accurately. As New Scientist magazine explains, new scanners take "just a third of a second to rotate around the body, faster than a single heart beat," thus creating sharper pictures. With the help of the latest scanners, doctors can not only capture the anatomical details of the inner body but also examine the biochemical activity of specific areas. This application may make it possible to detect the presence of cancer in its early stages.

Robotic Surgery:-Sophisticated robots no longer remain in the realm of science fiction at least in the meditatively field. Already, thousands of surgeries are taking place with the help of robots. In some cases the surgeons operate with the use of a remote-control device that allows them to manipulate several robotic arms. These arms are equipped with scalpels,scissors,cameras,cauterizes,and other surgical instruments. The technology allows surgeons to perform extremely complicated operations with incredible precision. "Surgeons who use the system have found that patients have less blood loss and pain, lower risk of complications, shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery time than those who have open surgery," reports News magazine.

Nanomedicine:-Nanomedicine is the application of nanotechnology to the medical field. In turn, nanotechnology is the science of manipulating and creating microscopic objects. The unit of measure sued ion this technology is called the nanometer, which is one billionth of a meter." To put such a measurement in perspective the page you are reading now is bout 100,000nanometers thick, and a human hair about80,000. A red blood cell is about 2,500 nanometers in diameter. A bacterium is bout 1,000 nanometers long, and a virus about 100 nanometers. Your DNA measures about 2.5 nanometers in diameter. Proponents of this technology believe that in the near future, scientists will be able to build tiny devices designed to perform medical procedures inside the human body. Often referred to as nanomachines, these little robots will carry microscopic computers programmed with very specific instructions. Amazingly, these fairly complex machines will be built with components no bigger than 100 nanometers. That is 25 times smaller than the diameter of red blood cell! Because they are so small, it is hoped that nanodevice will someday be able to travel through tiny capillaries and deliver oxygen to anemic tissues, remove obstructions from blood vessels and plaque from brain cells, and even hunt down and destroy viruses, bacterias, and other infectious agents. Nanomachines specifically targeted cells. Scientists predict that cancer detection will improve dramatically with the aid of nanomedicine. Dr.Samuel Wickline, a profesor of medicine, physics, and biomedical engineering, said: "The possibilities are enormous for finding very small cancers far earlier than ever before and treating them with powerful drugs at the tumor site alone, while at the same time reducing any harmful side effects." Although this may sound like futuristic fantasy, nanaomedicine is very real in the minds of some scientists. Leading researchers in this field expect that within the next decade, nanotechnology will be in use in repairing and rearranging the molecular structure of living cells. One proponent claims:"Nanomedicine will eliminate virtually all common diseases of the 20Th century, virtually all medical pain and sufferings, and allow the extension of human capabilities."Even now some scientists are reporting good success in the use nanomedicine on laboratory animals.

Genomics:-The study of gene structure is known as genomics, Every cell in the human body is packed with many components that are vital to life. One of these components is the gene. Each of us has about35,000 genes that determine hair color and texture, skin and eye color,height, and other features of our individual physical appearance. Our genes also play an important role in determining the quality of our internal organs. When genes are damaged, they can have an impact on our health. In fact, some researchers believe that all diseases arise from genetic malfunction. Some defective genes are inherited from our parents. Others are damaged by exposure to harmful elements in our environment. Scientists hope that they will soon be able to identify the specific genes that predispose us to disease. this can allow doctors to understand, for instance, why certain individuals are more prone to cancers than others or why a type of cancer is more aggressive in some people than in others. Genomics may also reveal why a drug proves effective for some patients while not for others. Such specific genetic information may give birth to what being called personalized medicine. How might you benefit from this technology? The concept of personalized medicine suggests that medical care can be tailored to match your unique genetic profile. For example, if a study of your genes were to reveal that you are predisposed to develop a certain disease, doctors could detect such a disease long before any symptoms appeared. Proponents claim that in instances where the disease is not yet present, the right treatment,diet,and changes in behavior might even prevent the disease altogether. Your genes may also alert doctors to the likelihood of your having an adverse reaction to medication. This information may give doctors the ability to prescribe the precise kine of medicine and the dosage needed in your particular case. The Boston Globe reports:"By 2020, the impact (of personalized medicine)is likely to be far more sweeping than any of us can envision today. New gene based designer drugs will be developed for diabetes, heart disease,Alzheimer's disease,schizophrenia, and many other conditions that take a high toll on our society." The above mentioned technologies are but a sample of what science promises for the future. Medical knowledge continues to grow at an unprecedented rate. But scientists do not expect to eradicate sickness completely anytime soon. There are many hurdles that still seem in surmountable.

Seemingly Insurmountable Hurdles

Human behavior may slow down progress in the eradication of disease. For Example, scientists believe that human-inflicted damage to certain ecosystems has resulted in new, dangerous diseases. In a Newsweek magazine interview, Mary Pearl, president of the Wildlife Trust, explained:"Since the mid-1970s, more than 30 new diseases have emerged, including AIDS,Ebola,Lyme disease and SARS.Most of these are believed to have moved from wildlife to human populations." Additionally people are eating less fresh fruits and vegetables and more sugar,salt and saturated fat. This together with a decrease in physical activity and other unhealthy habits has resulted in more cardiovascular diseases. Tobacco smoking is on the increase, causing serious health problems and death to millions globally. Every year some 20 million people sustain serious injuries or die as a result of automobile accidents. War and other forms of violence kill and maim countless others. Millions suffer ill health as a result of alcohol or drug abuse. The fact is that regardless of the cause, and notwithstanding all the advancements in medical technology, some diseases continue to take a heavy toll. According to the World Heal Organization(WHO),'more than 150 million people suffer from depression at any point in time, about 25 million from schizopherenia, and 38million from epilepsy.' HIV/AIDS, diarrhea diseases, malaria,measles,pneumonia, and tuberculosis infect millions, millions killing countless children and young adults. There are other seemingly insurmountable hurdles standing in the way of disease eradication. Poverty and bad government are two big obstacles. In a recent report, WHO stated that millions who die of infectious diseases could be saved were it not for government failure and lack of funding.

Six Undefeated Foes:- Medical knowledge and related technologies continue to advance at an unprecedented rate. In spite of this, Plagues of infectious diseases are still ravaging the world.The killer diseases listed below remain imdefeated.

killer diseases listed below remain undefeated.

HIV/AIDS:-some 60 million people have been infected with HIV,and about 20 million have died of Aids, During 2005 there were five million new infections and more than three million AIDS related deaths the victims included more than 500,000 children. The vast majority of HIV victims have no access to adequate treatment.

DIARRHEA:-With about four billion cases every year, diarrhea is described as a major killer among the poor. It is caused by various infectious diseases that can be spread by contaminated water or food or a lack of good personal hygiene. These infection result in a yearly death toll of more than two million people.

MALARIA:-Annually, some 300 million people get ill from malaria .About one million victims die every year, many of them children. In Africa one child die of malaria about every 30 seconds. According to the World Health Organization(who), Science still has no magic bullet for malaria and many doubt that such a single solution will ever exist."

MEASLES:-During 2003,measles killed more than 500,000 people. A leading cause of death among children, measles is a highly contagious disease. Every year some 30 million people contract measles,chronically, an effective and inexpensive vaccine against measles has been available for the past 40 years.

PNEUMONIA:-More children die of pneumonia than of any other infectious disease, claims WHO. about two million children under the age of five die of pneumonia every year. Most of these deaths take place in Africa and Southeast Asia. In many parts of the world, Limited access to health Facilities prevents victims from getting lifesaving medical treatment.

TUBERCULOSIS:-During 2003 tuberculosis (TB) caused the death of over 1,700,000 people. Of great concern to health officials is the emergence of drug-resistant. TB germs. Some strains have developed resistance to all major anti-TB medications. Dru resistant TB strains develop in patients who undergo poorly supervised or incomplete medical treatment.

Alternative Forms of Medicine on the Rise

There are a wide variety of healing methods that are not generally accepted by practitioners of convention at medicine. These are generally known as traditional medicine and alternative medicine. In developing countries the majority of the population rely on traditional medicine for their health needs. In poor areas many cannot afford conventional medical treatments while other people simply prefer traditional methods. Alternative forms of medicine are also thriving in wealth countries.Among the most popular types of alternative treatment are acupuncture, chiropractic,homeopathy,neuropathy,and herbal medicine. Some of these practices have been scientifically studied and proved beneficial for certain conditions. The effectiveness of certain methods, however, has not been adequately established.The increased popularity of alternative types of medicine has raised some safety issues. In many countries such healing therapies are not regulated. This provides an environment where harmful self medication,counter felt products,and quackery can thrive. Although being well-intentioned, friends and relative lacking sufficient training often becomes self-appointed practitioners. All of this has resulted in adverse reactions and other health hazards. In several countries where regulations are in place, alternative forms of therapies are gaining acceptance in the conventional medical community and are offered by medical doctors. Still, there seems to be no valid claim that these methods will ever bring about a world without sickness.