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Join geneticist Kevin Folta and GLP contributor Cameron English on episode 152 of Science Facts and Fallacies as they break down these latest news stories:
Academic freedom allows university professors to pursue their research without fear of discipline from their employers. But what happens when an academic promotes utter nonsense during a pandemic? Do scientists have an obligation to use their liberty responsibly? COVID-19 has brought these awkward questions to forefront as everyone tries to digest the onslaught of information related to SARS-CoV-2.
“I told you so,” the world’s agricultural scientists could say to the UK. Facing a serious drop in sugar beet yield, Britain recently authorized emergency use of banned insecticides called neonicotinoids, which effectively control aphids that infect sugar beets with several deadly viruses. Neonics pose minimal risk to human health and the environment. But activist groups in the UK and EU, over the objections of many experts, convinced regulators to ban them. It’s now clear how costly that decision was.
Do your eyes water any time you cut an onion? A new tearless variety may be the solution you need. How was it made, and why were the developers so eager to market it as non-GMO?
Kevin M. Folta is a professor, keynote speaker and podcast host. Follow Professor Folta on Twitter @kevinfolta
Cameron J. English is the director of bio-sciences at the American Council on Science and Health. Visit his website and follow ACSH on Twitter @ACSHorg
