The Risks and Unknowns of Genetically Modified Foods Research Paper

The Risks and Unknowns of Genetically Modified Foods - Research Paper Example It is worth noting that increased interests, in the pursuit of genetically modified foods presents, yet, another example for such addictions. A genetically modified crop often refers to a crop whose genes have been altered in order to satisfy some specifics. In most case, these is done through selecting, isolating and copying ideal genes in ensuring that a particular crop would sustain harsh environments or certain diseases of which naturally it could not, and eventually produces a larger crop yield. Maghari & Ardekani (2011) indicate that genetically modified crop can be manipulated so that they can resist diseases and insects, as well as tolerate herbicides, which eventually, leads to production of high nutritional crop value. As of current, there are approximately 148 million agricultural lands that have been commercialized for purposes of cultivation of genetically modified crops. Canada, United States, china and Argentina have been cited as the leading regions where genetically modified crops are grown. Research has indicated that genetically modified foods are more popular amongst developing countries since through impressing this technology, these countries often strive to alleviate poverty and hunger. Consumers who are knowledgeable over the GM technology are often skeptical about its effects. It has been reported that GMOs, exhibit both harmful and unknown effects. For instance, it is cited that the environment is at a greater risk of losing biodiversity, and extinction (Skanche & Friedman, 2009). The risks emanating from genetically modified foods can either be environmental or health related. Environmental risks include the creations of super pests and super weeds. Generally, GMOs have been reputed for containing genes, which make them to be pest resistant. It is also noted that herbicide tolerant genes is a characteristics that make the GMOs to be resistant even after being sprayed by a weed killer. This is a characteristic that makes other weeds to be eradicated hence leaving the desired crop intact. Although proponents of GMOs boasts about the abilities of the crop to resist pests as well as reduced chemical application, such pest resistant genes often come with risks. The effect on biodiversity as mentioned above has been one of the issues of major concern when it comes to the GM food. According to Pandey et al (2010), GM foods have the capability of spreading their genes to other plants, and in the eventuality contaminate wild plants natural genetic makeup. Given that plants have a direct contact with one another, it becomes impractical to isolate a set of plants from the surrounding wildlife, and this applies to planted cropland. The impact of GM food on the environment is not only a concern that arises from the international growth of GM, but also its associated human health, which is a major factor in investigating the risks posed by GM foods. Maghari and Ardekani (2010) noted that some of the major issues concerning th e effects of GM foods on human health has remain unknown for many years. Safety testing methods of foods are poor and considering the fact that GM foods have been recently introduced, long term effects still remains unknown. The deepest concern could possibly lie on the GM food toxicity, and the potentiality to introduce new strains of allergy. Maghari and Ardekani (2010) have pointed out that, animals whose testing has been done have shown negative reactions ranging from premature births, abnormal births, infertility, abortions, illness and death. Critics have it that considering the signs observed in animals, it is most likely that humans are at an increased risk of experiencing similar results (Skanche & Friedman, 2009). Adding to toxicity, Pandey et al (2010

Should drivers of automobiles be prohibited from using cellular phones Essay - 4

Should drivers of automobiles be prohibited from using cellular phones - Essay Example Most of the countries have banned the use of cellular phones during drive in order to curtail accidents. Purpose now is to analyse the advantages and disadvantages of using cellular while driving, with a view to reach at a common understanding of phone usage by automobile drivers during drive. Cell phone is the best available mean of communication especially in case of emergency or when some urgent decisions related to business, social gathering and community are desired. At the same time use of cell phone is major reason of distraction while driving. While driving, driver is supposed to be vigilant about traffic, signals, pedestrians and road conditions (Strayer & William 462). Concentration is the most difficult thing to achieve while driving if driver is using cell phone. This tendency has caused numerous accidents in the past. Therefore, use of cell phone while driving should be prohibited in order to safeguard the lives of innocent people. It is obvious that one cannot be vigilant about surroundings while talking on the cell phone. Cell phone conversation attracts more attention than driving. Diversion of attention during drive is simply unaffordable even for a second (Strayer & William 465). If, driver is little inattentive than he may face the dire circumstances in the shape of an accident. This is what has happened to people in the recent past and same is happening at present also. University of Utah psychology department carried out study in 2003 for determination of risks posed by cell phone usage during driving. Different teams of people were made for analyzing their performances in different situations. One team drove simulator while taking on the cell phone. Another team got drunk for the reasons of comparison between drunk drivers and drivers taking on cell phones. Another team comprised of people who were fully focused on the driving. It was found that people who were talking on the cell phone were more dangerous than drunk drivers at few