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Join geneticist Kevin Folta and GLP contributor Cameron English on episode 158 of Science Facts and Fallacies as they break down these latest news stories:
Illegally sold as pets in South America, glowing, genetically engineered fish have been found in the wild in Brazil. News reports called the GloFish’s appearance an “invasion” and speculated about potentially serious ecological consequences. Are experts really worried about this accidental release?
A science-challenged video proliferating across TikTok alleges that food can be engineered to cause infertility in black people. Don’t believe the hype. Aside from the obvious gaps in the story (who would do this, and why?), geneticists say there’s a dozen insurmountable technical hurdles that would prevent such a scheme from getting off the ground. Genetically engineered food ingredients are safe to consume, no matter the color of your skin.
Writing at CNBC recently, a Harvard nutritional psychiatrist suggested that avoiding certain foods may help you reduce your risk of developing dementia. It’s possible that diet affects our mental acuity as we age, especially since nutrition clearly impacts our well being in so many ways, but there is, for the time being, little data to suggest that avoiding white bread, chicken wings or others foods can keep you “focused and sharp.”
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
