GMOs: Science Corrupted By Greed


Genetically modified organisms or GMOs are becoming more and more prevalent in the ever-forward society. Almost all corn, beans, tomatoes, and other vegetables bought in stores are genetically modified in some ways. Why is it so prevalent? Fresh produce is called “fresh” for a reason- the shelf life is limited and goes bad relatively quickly. Genetic Engineering replaces these “weak” genes with more advantageous genes of other species; for example, many tomatoes are now engineered with certain fish genes that are more resilient to freezing. By eliminating the natural weaknesses of vegetables, not only do they last longer on shelves but increase output due to their resilience to natural threats (diseases, pests, insecticides, pesticides, etc).

These applications of science seem like solutions to many of the problems in the world like world hunger and poverty. In addition, the consumption of GMOs has not been linked to any causes of fatalities, illness, or disability. If this is the case, why do so many despise it and call it “a freak of nature?” Part of it is the skepticism in a field of study that involves changing the natural ways of the world, but this notion will change with time. We were skeptical of surgeries and vaccines once upon a time- I’m certain that people will be more comfortable with GMOs in the near future.

However, the biggest criticism comes with the profitability and business that comes with GMOs. Like how Marie Curie turned blind-eyed at the profitability of Radium, the profitability of GMOs is blinding the ethics of corporations and scientists. This is why it is so profitable- GMOs can be patented just like an invention. Since the genetic code of the modified version of an organism differs from the traditional version, it is technically a new specie, or organism. Companies or scientists who engineered this organism then can claim ownership of the specific breed of the GMO. For instance, the biggest modified corn producer, Monsanto, sells the seeds of the stronger variety of corn for a ridiculously high price- obviously turned blind for the money in the science. So instead of these technologies being used to solve world hunger, it has become a Louis Vuitton handbag that is sold to the highest bidder.

All in all, I side with Raymo on his perspective of GMOs- the profitability turns people blind-eyed. Raymo’s imaginations of a Frankenstein’s monster organism is far-fetched, but he does have a point. Just how far will people go for fame and money? My stance would be different if GMOs were used to develop better food production methods in areas faced with starvation. However, in observing the turn in the greed of the genetic engineering world, I stand against.



Reference: "A Measure of Restraint" by Chet Raymo

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