Be Aware: The Unknown Facts about GMOs and Other Emerging Technologies( Guest blog)



The word GMO is not new to most of us. However, only a small percentage of the world's populations understand the in-depth meaning of Genetically Modified Organisms aka GMOs. In developing worlds where there is lack of information, people fear to eat GMOs because they fear potential carcinogenicity or simply due to consumer perception.

 How are GMOs made?

GMOs are plants, organisms or animals produced through genetic alterations to enhance or silence certain characteristics at a molecular level. This is done through gene amplification, recombinant DNA or gene silencing. Gene amplification refers to an increase in the gene copies of certain characters and this leads to overexpression of those traits, for example, overexpressing carotene genes in tomatoes to increase the antioxidant capacity of tomatoes in our bodies. Antioxidants are very important in our bodies in maintaining the redox balance in the body fluids to prevent diseases such as cancer (accumulated DNA mutations), Type 2 diabetes and chronic inflammation.

Recombinant DNA refers to the technique of introducing a new gene into a plant or to an animal to facilitate production of certain chemicals, e.g. introduction of insulin genes in bacterial cells or introduction of pest-resistant genes in crops.

Gene silencing is used in cases when one needs to reduce the expression of certain traits. This is done through overexpression of certain parameters in an organism that inhibits the normal expression of another parameter or by simple deletion or mutation of those unwanted genes, e.g. apples are prone to enzymatic browning due to the expression of polyphenol oxidases enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of phenolic compounds in apples when exposed to oxygen. A scientist has developed apples with genetically modified genes to ensure the apples stay fresh for a long period.

GMOs and Food Security

Climate change has affected food production in the world and most people are facing food crisis. In 2016, 108million people experienced food shortage and this was mostly in Africa and Asia.

Can GMOs possibly feed the world?

GMOs are easy to grow and take a short time to mature. They also produce high yields as compared to traditional varieties. They are pest and disease resistant. Some people, however, say that there are of low quality despite the appealing outside appearance. This is maybe because they take a short time to develop hence some of the features of the organisms might not have fully developed or accumulated the correct amount of nutrient.

Is it true GMOs cause cancer or other?

Scientists have for long being researching and collecting data on the safe use of GMOs. Until today, there is not enough evidence that GMOs are beneficial or harmful to humans. Common fears from the public include:
1. Can GMOs possibly mutate human genetic makeup?
2. Can some of the modified substances be intercalated in the human body and become part of the human body structures?
3. What is the daily allowable quantity of GMOs to be consumed in a day?
4. Can GMOs have effects on diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases etc.?
5. Should GMOs be mandatory labeled or be registered as generally recognized as safe?
6.What are the possible laws and regulations on GMO?
7. Are GMOs produced for economic gain? are they ethical?
8. Why do some companies interfere with the seeds from some crops? Do they mean that we must rely on them to buy seeds or cuttings for propagation?
EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

Forget the about GMOs for now. We have more pressing issues. Think about this….

ü  What about lab-grown meats? You never know maybe that piece of steak you ate today was grown in a lab or that sausage came from a test tube.

ü  Are we going to feed our people on insects? This is not a joke. There are actually hotels serving certain insects as a source of proteins.
ü  Nanotechnology- This is my favorite. This means that scientist has designed small molecules between 1-100nm (1nm=1 meter/billion times). These particles are meant to be used in food supplements, food additives, pesticides, packaging, and medicine. Currently, nanochips are used in electronics. The nanoparticles are so small and invisible (1nm-=size of DNA double helix thickness). As a result, they are more soluble and absorbable in our bodies. Some are used to protect drugs particles from the gut pH and enzymes. Nanoparticles ensure site-directed delivery of medicine as well as slow release making drugs more effective. Are they safe? Their small size is feared to cross membranes such as the blood-brain barrier. Could they lead to toxicity? How much of nanoparticles should we consume in a day?


By  Monica Namu
Mastercard Foundation Fellow, University of British Columbia, Canada



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