Developing a considerate perspective on the environmental risks of GMOs

The following summary was written by senior Kira Rahn.

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Aslaksen, I. , Myhr, A. I. (2007). “The worth of a wildflower”: Precautionary perspectives on the environmental risk of GMOs. Ecological Economics, 60, 489-497.

            The topic of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) tends to be a polarizing topic for most people. A quick Google search illustrates this; within the first ten links, there are two prominent websites—the Non-GMO Project’s website, and the Facts About GMOs’ website. The first page lists GMO facts discouraging their usage including statistics, the later lists the benefits of GMOs with links to scientific studies. The argument relating environmental risks and safety with regards to GMOs is by no means resolved.

Killing Mosquitoes, One Gene at a Time

The following summary was written by senior Evan Camrud.

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Alphey, Luke (2014) Genetic Control of Mosquitoes. Annual Review of Entomology 59: 205-224.

            The future of our world lie in genetically-modified organisms, commonly referred to as GMOs. Recent research into genetics has allowed scientists to change the genetic makeup of organisms, to the point where they can now input specific traits to help or hinder species’ survival. These can take the form of pest/weed resistance in crops, or even the famous “glowing tobacco plants” (which likely see no fitness benefit from their modification). Perhaps one of the greatest ideas regarding GMOs however, is their use in curbing populations of mosquitoes.

A summary of "Surviving in sprawling suburbs: Suburban environments represent high quality breeding habitat for a widespread shorebird"

The following summary was written by senior Katie Anderson.
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Cardilini et al. (2013) Surviving in sprawling suburbs: Suburban environments represent high quality breeding habitat for a widespread shorebird. Landscape & Urban Planning 115: 72-80.

As urbanization across the United States has rapidly increased, researchers have begun paying greater attention to urban impacts on the environment. One such research study, carried out in 2010 on Phillip Island in South Victoria, Australia, compared the reproductive success in suburban and agricultural habitats of an avian species, the Lapwing, which has been proven to be able to live in both suburban and agricultural environments. Researchers Adam P.A. Cardilini, Michael A. Westona, Dale G. Nimmoa, Peter Dannb, and Craig D.H. Shermanc sought to investigate the correlation between increasing urbanization and decreased biodiversity, using the Lapwing as their species of study.  In this study, the Australian-located researchers looked at nest characteristics, incubation and brood attendance, parental defense, and fledgling success to assess the reproductive survival rates of Lapwings in suburban versus agricultural habitats. Two predictions were made entering into the study. Prediction number one stated that the quality of parental care would be higher in an agricultural habitat than a suburban habitat. Prediction number two stated reproductive success would be higher in agricultural habitats than in suburban habitats.