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Join geneticist Kevin Folta and GLP contributor Cameron English on episode 161 of Science Facts and Fallacies as they break down these latest news stories:
As the war in Ukraine rages, concern is growing that the conflict will further spike food prices and even cause shortages in some parts of the world. Russia and Ukraine supply as much as 40 percent of the wheat consumed globally. But the intense fighting and economic sanctions designed to punish Russia are preventing both countries from exporting their grain. Several major agricultural producers have capped their exports in response, hoping to shield their own populations from skyrocketing food prices. Just how serious is the situation?
Japanese journalist Masami Kojima was an ardent critic of biotech seeds and the big firms that sell them. But after interacting with growers around the world who benefit from the technology, he changed his mind. Kojima now works to help the public better understand why genetically engineered crops are such an important tool in food production. His story could help other science communicators improve their outreach efforts.
Although the political campaign to undermine the teaching of evolution in public schools goes back many decades, it hasn’t achieved much success. Every piece of legislation designed to get Intelligent Design or Young-Earth Creationism into science classes triggered intense push back from educators and biologists, who didn’t want politics dictating what students learned in school. Where do things stand today? Is anybody still trying to sneak creation myths into public schools?
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
