Developing a considerate perspective on the environmental risks of GMOs

The following summary was written by senior Kira Rahn.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.