Genetically Modified Crops (Biotechnology and Society)

[[Media:Genetically_Modified_Crops_Pre-Discussion_Questions.pdf| Download Pre-Discussion Questions (PDF)]]
We will concentrate on discussing two examples of genetically modified (GM) crops: Golden Rice and Roundup Ready&reg; soybeans/corn.

Required Reading
//Account of the development and dissemination of Golden Rice by its main inventor. Article posted on Golden Rice.org // Describes recent vandalism of Golden Rice trial in the Philippines and associated issues with GM crops. Article at New York Times // Details ethical issues with a recent Golden Rice trial involving children in China. Article on ScienceInsider website // Review of the development of glyphosate and resistant GM crops, and evolution of resistant weeds. //Report on reactions to study purporting Roundup Ready&reg; corn causes cancer in rats. Article at Forbes // Describes intellectual property issues of selling GM seeds. Article at New York Times
 * 1) Potrykus2001 Potrykus, I. (2001) The 'Golden Rice' Tale. In Vitro Cell. Dev. Biol. 37:93-100.
 * 1) Harmon2013 Harmon, Amy. "Golden Rice: Lifesaver?" New York Times August 24, 2013.
 * 1) Enserink2013 Enserink, M. Golden rice not so golden for Tufts. ScienceInsider Sept. 18, 2013.
 * 1) Duke2008 pmid=18273882
 * 1) Entine2012 Entine, J. "Scientists Savage Study Purportedly Showing Health Dangers of Monsanto's Genetically Modified Corn" Forbes Sept. 20, 2012.
 * 1) Pollack2009 Pollack, A. "As patent ends, a seed’s use will survive." New York Times August 24, 2013.

Stakeholders

 * Golden Rice Project
 * Monsanto
 * Government regulatory agencies
 * Farmers / Public

Additional Resources

 * International Rice Research Institute
 * Golden Rice Project Official Website
 * Golden Rice TIME Magazine cover article, 2000
 * Official Monsanto Roundup Timeline
 * Greenpeace and Golden Rice