Peak World Articles

Many people do not understand the potential dangers of Genetically Modified Organisms. Instead they hear these inspiring stories of how much better life can be for us if we modify DNA and they believe these stories. We are told that our sicknesses can be cured, and our food can be produced in much larger quantities, just to name a few of the claims. Some people or companies making these promises have their own financial agendas like Monsanto. Their propaganda of course is not to be trusted. Some people will believe what they have to say, but at least some others will use some critical thinking and question Monsanto’s motives. It has become quite apparent to many that Monsanto is using DNA manipulation to force farmers to buy seeds from them, and to increase the use of their RoundUp product. However, believe it or not this story is not about Monsanto.

The really dangerous area of GMO’s are the scientists out there that really are trying to save the world from some danger. Like those trying to use modified DNA to fix diseases, or engineer a food that will grow in inhospitable areas like parts of Africa, or perhaps engineer an organism that will turn waste matter into ethanol for our cars without using up our corn crops. These ideas, to name just a few are wonderful ideas that really could make a difference in the world.

Follow up:

The good intentions are what make these ideas so dangerous. Who could argue with wanting to save human lives by coming up with new ways to beat sickness, or feed the famine ravished people of Africa, or help out with the energy crisis? These are all incredibly noble intentions.

The danger is that people would be so excited by the potential benefits that no one would want to be seen as the person standing in the way of easing human suffering. It is likely that the proper testing would likely be rushed in a stampede to get the new GMO technology out there to do its good deed as soon as possible.

That brings us back to the title of this article. It is the unintended consequences of GMO’s that is really frightening. One may have no idea what has been unleashed until it is too late. To further this point let’s take a quick look at the Klebsiella planticula genetically modified organism. It was created to help make ethanol from breaking down organic waste materials. Then as an added bonus whatever materials where left over could be composted and used as a soil enhancer. Let’s keep the boring science to a minimum here. The EPA was getting close to allowing the use of these organisms in a commercial setting. But, luckily before that happened an OSU graduate student names Michael Holmes found that seeds would germinate then die, if the material was added to soil. This modified organism was too powerful and destroyed the essential fungi in the soils, making it impossible for plants to survive. To make matters worse, it was found that this organism was able to persist in the soil. This meant that it was possible for this organism to take over in the soil and possibly make all soil on this continent unable to support plant life.

Luckily this danger was caught and stopped. But, it does make one stop and think. What if the next Genetically Modified Organism created with good intentions, has an unintended consequence that can’t be stopped?