The Dangers of Genetically Modified Foods Essay Example for Free

The Dangers of Genetically Modified Foods Essay Despite the recent surge in media coverage regarding genetically modified foods (GM foods) many Americans are unaware of what these foods are, or the possible benefits and dangers associated with them. Sometimes referred to as agricultural biotechnology; genetic modifying means that the DNA of food has been altered in some way at a cellular level. Scientists have learned that by inserting the genetic information from one organism into another they can create food crops that grow larger, stay fresh longer and are equipped with their own pesticides. GM foods have been a common part of the national diet since the early 90s. As with many scientific advances; e. g. , using chemo therapy to treat cancer, or underwater oil drilling, there have been unexpected, negative side effects. Genetically modified foods are not the super-food they claim to be. Until further research has been done to verify their safety, and prove they do not pose a threat to human health, the environment, and agricultural bio-diversity the use of GM foods should be banned or drastically limited in the United States. Human Health Many opponents to GM foods have raised concerns regarding the vast potential for these crops to cause allergic reactions in humans. A medical investigation done in India in 2005 determined that hundreds of agricultural workers developed allergies after being exposed to genetically modified cotton that contained Bacillus thuringensis (bt) toxins (Saunders, Ho, Cummins, 2007). Bt toxins are common biological pesticides that can be found in products like Roundup; a popular brand of household weed killer. Monsanto, the makers of Roundup, is also currently the world leader in GM food production. Similar research in parts of China and Africa also found a significant increase in the number of allergic reactions reported by agricultural works (Saunders, Ho, Cummins, 2007). The Journal of Hematology Thromboembolic Diseases published the results of study done on rodents that yielded frightening results. It was determined that there was a significant detrimental effect to the liver and kidneys of rats fed a strictly GM maize diet. The negative effects were caused by the mutagenic properties of genetically altered foods and the presence of Bt toxins transferred to and detected in the blood of the animals. The study concluded that before these foods can be considered safe for human consumption there will need to be longer studies completed on the effects of the toxins (Mezzomo, Miranda-Vilela, Freire, Barbosa, Portiho, 2013). Bt toxins, which have also been found in crops of soy and corn, are added to crops in hopes of reducing pests like weeds without the use of external combatants. The Environment The toxins produced by GM crops are not only dangerous to humans; they can be harmful to the environment as well. One pledge listed on Monsanto’s website states â€Å"We will use sound and innovative science and thoughtful and effective stewardship to deliver high-quality products that are beneficial to our customers and to the environment† (Monsanto, 2013). Many people have questioned the truthfulness of this promise. Prior to the wide-spread use of GM crops, there were multiple concerns regarding the over-use of chemical pesticides applied through sprays. Consumers have been told that by genetically altering the foods so they can produce their own pesticides there would be a vast reduction in the need for sprayed chemicals. Recent studies have shown that this is not the case. A 2007 survey of farmers who grew maize, soy, and other pesticide tolerant crops showed an increase of 383 million pounds more pesticide used than they would have required with non-tolerant seeds. The use of herbicides rose 31. 4% from 2007 to 2008 on GM crops. It was shown that as the weeds become increasingly tolerant to common pesticides like Bt toxins there will be increased need for external chemical pesticides (Budinger, 2013). Washington State University researcher, Charles Benbrook, likened the overuse Bt toxins to the overuse of antibiotics to treat common infections and stated that Its very much the same dynamic in play. By genetically altering corn, soybeans, and cotton so they can be sprayed throughout the growing season, farmers are now spraying their fields three times a season. Naturally as the weeds grow more tolerant they pass that trait to next generation, creating what is commonly referred to as a â€Å"super-weed† (Koebler, 2013). Roundup is a glyphosate-based herbicide used in many GM crops. The makers of Roundup have long reported that this is a safe alternative to chemical pesticides. Although this type of herbicide may be more desirable than its purely chemical rivals there are still environmental factors that must be considered. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has stated that glyphosate has been proven to be deadly to earthworms. The decreased number of earthworms has resulted in a significant decrease of the bird populations in many areas where GM crops are grown (USDA, 2013). There has been no ruling against the use of Bt toxins in the United States however the French court has over-ruled Monsanto’s claims that there are no harmful effects to humans or the environment in 2009 (Marshall, 2013). Threats to Agricultural Biodiversity Concerns have also been raised by scientists and environmentalists regarding unintended effects of Bt toxins on non-targeted animals and insects. If the weeds can grow tolerant of the pesticides, it is logical to believe that insect pests may develop a resistance as well. This will cause there to be a spike in the pest insect population causing and imbalance in their relationship to preying animals (John Innes Centre, 2013). The most alarming effects of pesticides are related to the recent phenomenon of disappearing bees known as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). This, however, is not related to Bt toxins; it is believed to be caused by neonicotinoids, a class of neuro-active insecticides produced by Bayer, the second world leader in GM crop production. A study done by The Harvard School of Public Health was able to recreate CCD by introducing neonicotinoids to four bee colonies. The study showed that bees exposed to high amount of neonicotinoids perished quickly, however the colonies exposed to small amounts over a period of four months also eventually succumbed to CCD. Alex Lu, an associate professor of environmental exposure biology in the Department of Environmental Health led the study and stated â€Å"â€Å"The significance of bees to agriculture cannot be underestimated, and it apparently doesn’t take much of the pesticide to affect the bees. Our experiment included pesticide amounts below what is normally present in the environment† (Chensheng Lu, Kenneth M. Warchol, Richard A. Callahan. 2012). False Promises It is arguable that GM food manufacturers could not anticipate such harmful effects on humans and the environment and therefore we can view their statements regarding health and safety as non-malicious, however, there have also been false claims made by Monsanto that make it extremely difficult for the consumers to have faith in their practices. A Monsanto-trained scientist, Dr. Florence Wambugu, claimed that the sweet potatoes grown on a test farm in Africa showed a higher yield that of the non-modified variety grown on the same farm. This caused many proponents of GM foods to claim that international cultivation of these crops will solve our world hunger problems by creating a sustainable food source. It was later discovered that the claims made by Wambugu were untrue and, in fact, the GM sweet potatoes died out much sooner than the naturally grown counter-part. A similar study done in Uganda has also shown that non-GM sweet potatoes produce higher yield. Multiple unsuccessful studies were done on gm sweet potatoes spanning a 12-year period and costing over $6 million (The Department of Nutrition, Food Science, and Packaging at San Jose State University, 2013). The World Bank and four United Nations agencies completed a study in 2008 and concluded that GM crops are not the solution for creating a sustainable food source. The study found that the sustainability of these crops is unreliable and whereas the yield was higher in some areas, it was significantly lower in others. The study also showed that organic and near organic farming had a much higher success rate in Africa where there is an emergent need for more food. (Vazakas, Arvanitoyannis, Baltas, 2007) There has been a limited amount of research done to prove the efficacy and safety of GM foods and despite claims that they are not safe for human consumption, they are becoming increasingly harder for Americans to avoid. Since the introduction of GM food there has been a substantial increase in the number of food allergies reported each year in the United States (Will Genetically Engineered Foods Cause Allergic Reactions?, 2006) . The World Health Organization has concluded that further research and monitoring of public health records will need to done before a conclusive answer can be reached (World Health Organization, 2013). It is imperative that the American people educate themselves on the negative side effects of GM foods and put a halt to the practices of GM food giants like Monsanto and Bayer. References Budinger, M. (2013). Whoops! The Legacy of Genetically Engineered Food. Retrieved from http://arizonaadvancedmedicine.com/articles/genetically_engineered_food. html Chensheng Lu, Kenneth M. Warchol, Richard A. Callahan. In situ replication of honey bee colony collapse disorder. Bulletin of Insectology. 2012. John Innes Centre. (2013, May). Impact of growing GM crops on biodiversity. Retrieved from http://www. jic. ac. uk/corporate/about/publications/gm-debate/gm-impact-on-biodiversity. htm Koebler, J. (2013, June). Herbicide-Resistant Super Weeds Increasingly Plaguing Farmers. Retrieved from http://www. usnews.com/news/articles/2012/10/19/herbicide-resistant-super-weeds-increasingly-plaguing-farmers Marshall, E. (2013). European Ruling Curbs Monsantos Claims on GM Crops. Retrieved from http://news. sciencemag. org/scienceinsider/2010/07/european-ruling-curbs-monsantos. html? rss=1 Mezzomo, B. P. , Miranda-Vilela, A. L. , Freire, I. S. , Barbosa, L. P. , Portiho, F. A. (2013). Hematotoxicity of Bacillus Thuringiensis. Journal of Hematology Thromboembolic Diseases, 1(1), 1-9. Monsanto. (2013). monsanto. com. Retrieved from http://www. monsanto.com/newsviews/Pages/Issues-and-Answers. aspx Saunders, P. , Ho, M. , Cummins, J. (2007, March). GM Food Nightmare Unfolding in the Regulatory Sham. Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease. , 19(2), 66-77. The Department of Nutrition, Food Science, and Packaging at San Jose State University. (2013). Harvest of Fear. Retrieved from http://www. nufs. sjsu. edu/clariebh/Harvest%20of%20Fear. html USDA. (2013). Draft Environmental Impact Statment November 2009. Retrieved from http://www. aphis. usda. gov/biotechnology/downloads/alfalfa/gealfalfa_deis.pdf Vazakas, T. H. , Arvanitoyannis, I. S. , Baltas, H. (2007, October). The Polotics and Science behind GMO Acceptance. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 47(4), 335-61. Will Genetically Engineered Foods Cause Allergic Reactions? (2006, October 5). American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Retrieved from http://www. asbmb. org/ World Health Organization. (2013). Evaluation of Allergenicity of Genetically Modified Foods. Retrieved from http://www. who. int/foodsafety/publications/biotech/en/ec_jan2001. pdf.

The Existence of God †A Very Brief History :: Analysis, Descartes, Leibniz

The subsequent essay will cover a brief history on the existence of God from Renà © Descartes through Immanuel Kant. First, section (1), examines Descartes’ ontological argument for the existence of God. Following this, in (2), I consider G.W. Leibniz’s view which seeks to rectify some of Descartes shortcomings. Descartes and Leibniz believed that the existence of God could be proved via reason. The remainder of the essay then examines two additional philosophers, David Hume in section (4) and Immanuel Kant in (5), who content that God’s existence cannot be rationally proved. (1) Being a devout Catholic, Descartes, undeniably believed in God. He makes this clear in the beginning of Meditations on First Philosophy. He writes that we must â€Å"believe in God’s existence because it is taught in the Holy Scriptures, and, conversely, that we must believe in the Holy Scriptures because they have come from God† (Descartes, 1). Nonetheless, in his search for absolute certainty, Descartes casts doubt on everything, including religion. In the Third Meditation, Descartes considers the existence of God, conceding that, â€Å"I do not yet sufficiently know if there is even a God† (25). Succinctly, Descartes does not know if God exists with any certainty. He then deliberates â€Å"whether there is a God† (25). However, even though he questions God’s existence, Descartes still maintains an innate idea of a substance that is an â€Å"infinite, independent, supremely intelligent and supremely powerful† perfect being who create d everything (30). After deliberating, he concludes that because of his innate idea of God, (which was not conjured by the mind or drawn from the senses), it must therefore be God who endowed him with the idea. Moreover, because Descartes exists and has an idea of God, he concludes that God must also exist. He explicitly states this in the following: â€Å"I have no choice but to conclude that the mere fact of my existing is and of there being in me an idea of a most perfect being, that is God, demonstrates most evidently that God too exists† (34). Then, in the Fifth Meditation, Descartes claims to provide a proof for the existence of God. The proof operates on the idea of a triangle which has â€Å"a certain determinate nature, essence, or form which is unchangeable and eternal† (43). Descartes continues his proof stating that the properties of a triangle are not fabricated by or dependent on his mind. The Existence of God – A Very Brief History :: Analysis, Descartes, Leibniz The subsequent essay will cover a brief history on the existence of God from Renà © Descartes through Immanuel Kant. First, section (1), examines Descartes’ ontological argument for the existence of God. Following this, in (2), I consider G.W. Leibniz’s view which seeks to rectify some of Descartes shortcomings. Descartes and Leibniz believed that the existence of God could be proved via reason. The remainder of the essay then examines two additional philosophers, David Hume in section (4) and Immanuel Kant in (5), who content that God’s existence cannot be rationally proved. (1) Being a devout Catholic, Descartes, undeniably believed in God. He makes this clear in the beginning of Meditations on First Philosophy. He writes that we must â€Å"believe in God’s existence because it is taught in the Holy Scriptures, and, conversely, that we must believe in the Holy Scriptures because they have come from God† (Descartes, 1). Nonetheless, in his search for absolute certainty, Descartes casts doubt on everything, including religion. In the Third Meditation, Descartes considers the existence of God, conceding that, â€Å"I do not yet sufficiently know if there is even a God† (25). Succinctly, Descartes does not know if God exists with any certainty. He then deliberates â€Å"whether there is a God† (25). However, even though he questions God’s existence, Descartes still maintains an innate idea of a substance that is an â€Å"infinite, independent, supremely intelligent and supremely powerful† perfect being who create d everything (30). After deliberating, he concludes that because of his innate idea of God, (which was not conjured by the mind or drawn from the senses), it must therefore be God who endowed him with the idea. Moreover, because Descartes exists and has an idea of God, he concludes that God must also exist. He explicitly states this in the following: â€Å"I have no choice but to conclude that the mere fact of my existing is and of there being in me an idea of a most perfect being, that is God, demonstrates most evidently that God too exists† (34). Then, in the Fifth Meditation, Descartes claims to provide a proof for the existence of God. The proof operates on the idea of a triangle which has â€Å"a certain determinate nature, essence, or form which is unchangeable and eternal† (43). Descartes continues his proof stating that the properties of a triangle are not fabricated by or dependent on his mind.

Internet Addiction Essay

The Internet provides a constant, ever-changing source of information and entertainment, and can be accessed from most smart phones as well as tablets, laptops, and computers. Email, blogs, social networks, and message boards allow for both public and anonymous communication about any topic. But how much is too much Internet usage? The Internet is the largest and most versatile source of information in the world today. With its web sites and chat rooms, it is a way of communicating with people in places all over the world. Since its conception in 1973, the Internet has grown at an astounding rate. A survey conducted by Intelli Quest Information Group Inc. showed that 51 million adults age 16 or older, were on-line as of the second quarter 1997 in the United States alone. To many people the Internet is so enjoyable that it is almost addictive. The problem is that researchers are now beginning to consider Internet Addiction. Studies are revealing that there may be an actual form of add iction involved with over-use of the Internet. Identifying which category of addiction the Internet falls into is the problem. There are no real answers yet because research in this area is at the beginning stages. While lost in this so called ‘Cyber Community’ for long periods of time, people are neglecting other important activities like; time with the family, socializing, work and health concern. Background of the Problem The use of the Internet on school campuses and in society has increased dramatically in recent years. Whereas the academic use of the Internet is primarily intended for learning and research, the Internet is primarily intended for learning and research. However, from time to time, cases of over involvement with the Internet have been observed on different campuses. The internet is not a habit. It’s an indelible feature of modern life. Many people turn to the Internet in order to manage unpleasant feelings such as stress, loneliness, depression, and anxiety. When you have a bad day and are looking for a way to escape your problems or to quickly relieve stress or self-soothe, the Internet can be an easily accessible outlet. Losing yourself online can temporarily make feelings such as loneliness, stress, anxiety, depression, and boredom evaporate into thin air. As much comfort as the Internet can provide, though, it’s important to remember that there are healthier ways to keep difficult feelings in check. These may include exercising, meditating, using sensory relaxation strategies, and practicing simple breathing exercises. For many people, an important aspect of overcoming Internet and computer addiction is to find alternate ways to handle these difficult feelings. Even when your Internet use is back to healthy levels, the painful and unpleasant feelings that may have prompted you to engage in unhealthy Internet use in the past will remain. So, it’s worth spending some time thinking about the different ways you intend to deal with stressful situations and the daily irritations that would normally have you logging on. Nature and Extent of the Problem When used responsibly, the Internet can be a great place to interact socially, meet new people, and even start romantic relationships. However, online relationships can often be more intense than those in real life. Our fantasies are given free reign and the idea of being with our online love can exceed all realistic expectations. Since few real-life relationships can compete with these wild, fantasy relationships, the Internet addict will prefer to spend more and more time with their online friends. Another problem is that about 50% of people online lie about their age, weight, job, marital status, or gender. When online friends meet and the real-life person fails to match the online persona, it can create profound emotional disappointment. People who are most susceptible to Internet addiction are teenagers, people who already have anxiety attacks or issues with anxiety, those who have undergone recent trauma that has made them home-bound and less active, people with prior addiction s and those with a lack of support from their peers or family. People coping with depression are the biggest candidates to find solace in excessive computer and Internet use. Solution The first step to overcoming Internet addiction is to admit that you have a problem. If your friends and family have approached you about your amount of time on the Internet, examine yourself to see if their concerns are legitimate. Don’t make excuses or blame others. Instead, seek to make positive changes in the way you spend your time. Keep a log of the actual time you spend online. Use a timer if it helps to keep track. Move your computer into its own room. If your computer remains in the bedroom, you will be more tempted to avoid sleep for computer time. If your computer is in the family room, it is more likely to steal time away from your family. Consider placing your computer in an uncomfortable room with poor lighting. While this won’t be good for productivity, it may make you less motivated to spend endless hours on the Internet. Decide how much time you will allow yourself to surf the Internet. Determine specific blocks of time each day that you are allowed onl ine and set a timer. When the timer goes off, reward yourself with something other than Internet time for sticking to your goal. Bibliography †¢http://www.ehow.com/way_5294633_solutions-overcoming-internet-addictions.html †¢http://www.seminarinformation.com/qqbulj/internet-addiction-practical-solutions-to-an-increasingly †¢http://www.helpguide.org/mental/internet_cybersex_addiction.htm †¢http://www.addictionrecov.org/Addictions/index.aspx?AID=43 †¢http://netaddiction.com/

The Los Angeles Riots of 1992 Essay - 1341 Words

â€Å"April 26th, 1992, there was a riot on the streets, tell me where were you!? You were sittin home watchin your TV, while I was paticipatin in some anarchy,† these are the lyrics Sublime uses in their song ‘April 26, 1992’ to describe what happened during the Los Angeles Riots of 1992. â€Å"First spot we hit it was my liquor store. I finally got all that alcohol I cant afford. With red lights flashin time to retire, And then we turned that liquor store into a structure fire,† people ,running through the streets, had no pity when demolishing small businesses and taking what ever they may want from them. The streets, neighborhoods, businesses were destroyed by angry protesters. Their reasons were clear, all they wanted was some†¦show more content†¦That was not enough for some officers they believed King was resisting arrest. Due to their belief some cops shot Rodney with a taser gun. Shortly several officers started to fiercely beat King w ith their batons. â€Å"We won that game didn‘t we,† says officer Laurence Powell to his mates. George Holliday, a men standing near the scene, video tapped the action. Rapidly this video was broadcasted not only across America but around the world. It would not be ignored by its viewers. Everyone who tuned in and watched was shocked. Justice was expected to be made towards the heartless cops who savagely bet Rodney King. When the judge, Bernard Kamins, who was Caucasian declared three of the four (also white) officers not guilty the public saw his decision very racist. The riots began in the evening after the judgment, and grew over the next two days, but they would continue for several days. Angry Los Angels residents went out to the streets to show their fury. â€Å"These people are angry and they have every right to be!† said a man to the news cameras during the destruction. Authorities failed miserably to control the people. As time went by the madness did not decrease but enlarged. The second day (Thursday, April 30, 1992) of rioting, the storekeepers did not stay put, but fought back to protect their shops. News channels televised store owners fighting back with arms and other weapons to protect what was theirs. Their attempts wereShow MoreRelatedThe Los Angeles Riots Of 19921524 Words   |  7 PagesThe Los Angeles riots of 1992, the worst civil disturbance in America, brought to light the deepening racial and class divisions that were growing in the U.S. The division of between the rich and the poor, the immigrants and natives, and majority and minority produced an atmosphere of fear, distrust, and hopelessness. Due to the struggle to gain power by racial and ethnic groups, the aftermath of the Los Angeles riots was clouded with racial and ethnical conflicts. However, the riots did increaseRead MoreThe 1992 Los Angeles Riots Essay1587 Words   |  7 Pagesfirst five days in south central Los Angeles after the Rodney King verdict . History In 1992 the city of Los Angeles was one of our nation’s largest cities. It had an estimated population of over 9 million.1 The city had been in a deteriorating state for several years. There also had been tension growing between the citizens and the police for nearly the last 30 years. This had a lot to do with riots that occurred in Los Angeles back in the 1960’s.2 In 1965 riots in L.A. occurred after a routineRead More The 1992 Los Angeles Riots Essay2045 Words   |  9 PagesThe 1992 Los Angeles Riots April 26th, 1992, there was a riot on the streets, tell me where were you? You were sittin home watchin your TV, while I was paticipatin in some anarchy. First spot we hit it was my liquor store. I finally got all that alcohol I cant afford. With red lights flashin time to retire, and then we turned that liquor store into a structure fire. Next stop we hit it was the music shop, it only took one brick to make that window drop. Finally we got our own p.a. whereRead More The Watts Riots Essay1381 Words   |  6 Pagesthen have a mob of people with built up tension and anger, ready to crush and destroy whatever stands in their way of their demonstration. Central Los Angeles, California was blown away by one of those demonstrations. It was the worst urban riot since the 1943 disturbance in Detroit (Bradley 896). 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Since the beginning of time, injustice has been an issue each individual has experienced during his or her daily lives. Even today we still are experiencing riots and protests from African American in order to achieve justice. In Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 by Anna Deavere Smith we see an example of injustice through the Rodney King case and the shooting of Latasha Harlins. Rodney King and Latasha H arlins experienced racial injustice, which can be definedRead MoreCivil Rights And Social Integration Of African Americans1409 Words   |  6 Pagesthe 20th century there were numerous riots, protests, and boycotts fighting for the equality and social integration of African-Americans. Some of the stories of individuals endeavoring for their freedom have gone down in history—resulting in laws being altered, regulations being revised, and unimaginable boundaries being broken. Sadly, in order to establish justice in this world, violence and death usually occur due to conflicting ideals. In Southern Los Angeles, even after African-Americans were issuedRead MoreTwilight : Los Angeles, 1992, By Anna Deavere Smith Essay1235 Words   |  5 PagesTwilight: Los Angeles, 1992, is a one-woman performance piece written and originally performed by Anna Deavere Smith, who was commissioned to transcribe regarding the 1992 Los Angeles riots corresponding with individual’s experiences , outlooks, and concerns that contributed to those who were exacerbated by the abominable and nerve racking riots. For her production, Smith interviewed hundreds of Los Angeles’ residents who were present during the occurrence of the riot. The entire script consists actualRead MoreHistorical, Social and Political Issues in the Movie Freedom Writers998 Words   |  4 Pagesbelonging. In the film, the Freedom Writers were made following the Rodney King trial in 1992 and the OJ Simpson murder case in 1994. These trials brought out the sensitive issues about injustices experienced by people of different ethnic origin. The Rodney King trial provided the film’s background and was presented by showing footages of the 1992 Los Angeles riot. The riot that started April 29, 1992 was triggered by the public announcement over the decision to acquit the LAPD officers chargedRead MoreThe La Riots : Perception Vs. Reality1845 Words   |  8 PagesTrillo EN 101-40 Prof. Grace von Moritz Due: 04/17/2016 The LA Riots: Perception vs. Reality The Los Angeles riots of 1992 was one of the largest scale riots in American history. Though the riots started just hours after the infamous not guilty verdict in the Rodney King trial, there were many factors that contributed to the anarchy created by certain members of the Los Angeles community. The media’s coverage of the trial and riots focused on the concept that the black community had reached their