Chatting about GMO 🎃

This Slogging thread by Arthur Tkachenko and Mónica Freitas occurred in slogging's official #random channel, and has been edited for readability.

Arthur TkachenkoOct 15, 2021, 2:28 PM

Arthur TkachenkoOct 15, 2021, 2:28 PM

Arthur TkachenkoOct 15, 2021, 2:30 PM

Images from recent tests in Uganda
https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/late-blight-disease/108180/

Arthur TkachenkoOct 15, 2021, 2:43 PM

I think the main question is: how to change minds, that are scared of the idea of GMOs?
I mean - the man is the biggest selector, related to food. for eons, we selecting animals and plants for our needs.

Arthur TkachenkoOct 15, 2021, 2:44 PM

Modern tomato vs one grown from 150yo seeds

Mónica FreitasOct 18, 2021, 10:58 AM

Hey Arthur Tkachenko great topic.

I think the GMO discussion still revolves around the same pros and cons: is it safe? How does it affect the environment? Because it's cheaper, can it be used to irradicate food deficiencies around the globe?

The long-term effects of GMOs on general human health are still factors delaying their production, I think. Besides, there's still a stigma around consuming food with altered DNA, which can get some people cautious - some may think it's too "processed and unnatural" and, therefore, not good for you. Maybe through more in-depth studies, we can reduce suspicion around GMOs and their risks.

Arthur TkachenkoOct 18, 2021, 11:47 AM

totally agree Mónica Freitas and great point to address!

I can also add: while GMO usually related to our food - similar mechanisms can with animals/mammals. even people can be "modified". and this is a huge topic that will raise even more concerns.

Arthur TkachenkoOct 18, 2021, 11:48 AM

Is it safe: https://royalsociety.org/topics-policy/projects/gm-plants/is-it-safe-to-eat-gm-crops/

Arthur TkachenkoOct 18, 2021, 11:54 AM

How does it affect the environment?
https://massivesci.com/articles/gmo-excerpt-environmental-damage/

Important to mention how GM crops can work with local water recources: https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2015/gmos-and-pesticides/

Mónica FreitasOct 18, 2021, 1:16 PM

It's already tricky when we talk about crops, but adding DNA modification on animals adds a whole other component. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/theworldpost/wp/2017/12/11/gmo-animals/

Mónica FreitasOct 18, 2021, 1:18 PM

Arthur Tkachenko This article focuses on the review of the existing trails at animal modification with commercial applications which you may find interesting: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924224415001223

Arthur TkachenkoOct 20, 2021, 1:48 PM

Opening it right now! thanks!

Arthur TkachenkoOct 20, 2021, 2:17 PM

CRISPR is a huge breakthrough and can be used for so many things. And it's another huge topic. A lot of things to be discovered and will be related to research around this technology.

Maybe also combined with AI that can solve some issues around folding proteins and other stuff...

A lot of people can live better lives.

Arthur TkachenkoOct 20, 2021, 3:55 PM

Yesterday find this article in my facebook feed: https://www.freethink.com/health/biopharmaceutical-drug-for-parkinsons

Mónica FreitasOct 27, 2021, 11:10 AM

Arthur Tkachenko I didn't know about cancer treatment uses for GMOs. It can be a game-changer in public opinion. You inspired me to better look at that topic, and I found out about gene therapy based on the same engineered organisms. Here's the article if you're interested: https://medicine.missouri.edu/centers-institutes-labs/health-ethics/faq/gene-therapy

Arthur TkachenkoNov 9, 2021, 3:30 PM

Just recently find some more cool news
https://www.freethink.com/science/gene-edited-fish

Arthur TkachenkoNov 11, 2021, 12:19 PM

and this clip is amazing