GLP Podcast: Vitamin-D boosted CRISPR tomatoes; Don’t fear monkeypox; Environmentalism is anti-technology

Consumers in the UK may soon have access to a gene-edited tomato that boosts their vitamin D levels. Monkeypox is here, but don’t panic, experts say, because the threat is manageable. Has the environmental movement only recently developed an allergy to technology, or has it always harbored skepticism of scientific innovation?

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Join geneticist Kevin Folta and GLP contributor Cameron English on episode 172 of Science Facts and Fallacies as they break down these latest news stories:

• CRISPR gene-edited tomatoes — with as much provitamin D as two eggs — could soon be sold in Britain

Millions of people around the globe don’t get sufficient vitamin D. Fortunately, a CRISPR-edited tomato developed by scientists in the UK may soon start to put a dent in the world’s vitamin D deficiency. A single genetic tweak directed the plant to produce more of an enzyme the human body converts to Vitamin D. Two important questions arise from the research: is the tomato safe, and when might consumers gain access to it?

• Should you be ‘crazy scared’ about monkeypox? Here’s why scientists say ‘no’

Still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s not surprising that many people have reacted with concern to the new threat posed by monkeypox. Although the virus is circulating and can be harmful, there’s little reason to worry at this point. Not only do virologists have a much better understanding of monkeypox than they do SARS-CoV-2, we’ve had a safe, effective vaccine to blunt its transmission for many years. The shot even helps mitigate illness after someone’s been exposed to the virus.

• Viewpoint: From energy to agriculture, the mainstream environmentalism movement has become anti-technology

Environmental groups have long been opponents of important technological innovations—biotech crops, nuclear power and pesticides being the most common examples. What drives these activist organizations to so consistently oppose scientific progress? Is it a recent development in their ideology, or has it been there since the beginning of the modern environmental movement?

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