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Join geneticist Kevin Folta and GLP editor Cameron English on this episode of Science Facts and Fallacies as they break down these latest news stories:
Advances in biotechnology are making it cheaper and easier than ever to utilize genetic engineering in agriculture and medicine. But how do we stop terrorists, totalitarian regimes and other bad actors from using tools like CRISPR-Cas9 to release potentially dangerous GE organisms? Regulators, biotech firms and independent scientists are working on preventative strategies, but there is disagreement among experts about how effective these measures will be.
Rest easy, men. You can enjoy a plant-based burger without fear of developing gynecomastia, “man boobs” in the vernacular. This long-debunked myth about the risk of consuming soy-based foods was resurrected by critics of the plant-based meat industry when consumption of Impossible Foods’ meatless burgers took off last year. The incident illustrates how easy it is to spread misinformation and why fear is such a powerful force in debates surrounding controversial science topics.
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Kevin M. Folta is a professor in the Horticultural Sciences Department at the University of Florida. Follow Professor Folta on Twitter @kevinfolta
Cameron J. English is the GLP’s managing editor. BIO. Follow him on Twitter @camjenglish